Sanctuary of St Anthony of Padua

The Sanctuary of St Anthony of Padua in Łagiewniki, Łódź is a Baroque church with an adjoining Franciscan monastery complex, functioning as a parish for three centuries. The temple combines the role of a parish church with that of a dual sanctuary, dedicated to St Anthony of Padua and the Blessed Rafał Chyliński.

History of construction

The foundation stone for the church was laid in June 1701, and construction lasted until 1723. The temple was consecrated on 16 May 1726. This entire construction period, more than twenty years, testifies to the scale of the undertaking given the conditions of Łagiewniki at that time.

Style and architecture

The church was built in the Baroque style, characteristic of monastic temples from this period in Poland. Both the church and the accompanying Franciscan monastery were entered on the heritage register in 1946, shortly after the end of the war.

Dual sanctuary

The temple is a sanctuary dedicated to St Anthony of Padua and the Blessed Rafał Chyliński, a Franciscan beatified in 1991. This dual status translates into pilgrimage activity associated with both figures.

Parish and monastery life

The parish of St Anthony of Padua and St John the Baptist operates at the church, run by Franciscans. In addition to daily masses, confessions and ordinations for monks of the order take place here, and in summer musical concerts are organised within the temple walls.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Okólna, Łagiewniki, Łódź; it is worth checking the exact building number before your visit.
• Getting there: the site is located in the Łagiewniki district, near Las Łagiewnicki forest, accessible by Łódź public transport.
• What to expect: an active parish church with a monastery; mass times and visiting possibilities are worth confirming directly with the parish before arrival.