Roman Catholic Church of Saint Matthew, Pabianice
Łódzkie
The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Matthew and Saint Lawrence Martyr in Pabianice is the city's oldest church and a significant historic monument in the Łódź Archdiocese. Built between 1583 and 1588 by Ambroży Włoch from Płock using funds from the Kraków Chapter, the church features a basilica layout in the shape of a Latin cross with a notable apse and a tower transitioning from a square to an octagonal plan topped by a pointed spire. Architecturally, it blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements, visible in its apse, tower, buttresses, and attics. The interior is richly decorated in Baroque style, with a vaulted nave separated from the aisles by alternating columns and pillars. The main altar, dating from the late 17th century and from the Kraków school, centers on a Crucifixion painting with sculptures of the patron saints. Other notable features include altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, the Holy Trinity, and Saint Anne, as well as a Renaissance pulpit adorned with figures of the four evangelists and a figure of Christ holding a globe. The church houses historic tombs, including that of Anna Sułowska from 1613, and a marble portrait of a significant 17th-century priest. Its crypts contain the remains of parish priests until 1811. The church remains an active parish center with regular services and preserves valuable liturgical artifacts in its sacristy.
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Tip: Visitors should consider attending weekday or Sunday Masses to experience the church's spiritual atmosphere. The best time to visit is during daylight hours to appreciate the interior details. Booking in advance is recommended for guided tours or special events. Discounts may be available for groups or seniors, but check locally. The church is accessible and located at the Old Market Square in Pabianice.
Interesting facts
- •The church is one of the oldest Roman Catholic temples in the Łódź Archdiocese.
- •Its tower uniquely transitions from a square base to an octagonal upper section capped with a pointed spire.
- •The main altar features a painting of Christ crucified against a panorama of Jerusalem, flanked by sculptures of the patron saints Matthew and Lawrence.
- •The tomb of Anna Sułowska, dating from 1613, is crafted from red marble similar to that used in Wawel Cathedral monuments.
- •The pulpit is Renaissance style, decorated with figures of the four evangelists and topped with a statue of Christ holding a globe.
- •The church crypts contain the remains of parish priests from its foundation until 1811.
History
Constructed between 1583 and 1588, the church was funded by the Kraków Cathedral Chapter and designed by Ambroży Włoch from Płock.
It has undergone several renovations, including a significant facade revitalization in 2010–2011.
Over centuries, it has integrated architectural styles from Romanesque to Renaissance and Baroque, reflecting the evolving artistic trends.
The interior decoration, mainly Baroque, was largely influenced by the parish priest Mateusz Mikliński in the late 17th century.
The church has served as a religious and community center in Pabianice for over four centuries.
Place Guide
Main Altarlate 17th century
A late 17th-century altar from the Kraków school featuring a central painting of Christ crucified over Jerusalem. It is flanked by sculptures of Saints Matthew and Lawrence, with an image of the Assumption of Mary above. The altar includes 18th-century Baroque-style chairs.
Renaissance Pulpit16th century
The pulpit is adorned with figures of the four evangelists and topped with a statue of Christ holding a globe, symbolizing his dominion over the world.
Altar of the Virgin Mary17th century
Located in the left transept, this altar features a silver dress from the 17th century, decorated with silver votive offerings from the 17th and 18th centuries and pyramid-shaped reliquaries.
Tomb of Anna Sułowska1613
A red marble tomb dating from 1613 depicting a young woman resting her head on her left hand and holding a prayer book in her right. The tomb is reminiscent of Jan Kochanowski's lamentations and crafted from marble similar to that in Wawel Cathedral.
Church Towerlate 16th century
The tower's base is square, transitioning to an octagonal upper section with a pointed spire. It features sandstone details and limestone plastering on the gables and cornices.
Contact
Phone: 515 526 306
