Church of Saints Peter and Paul (Evangelical)

The Evangelical-Augsburg Church of Saints Peter and Paul at Zamkowa 8 in Pabianice is the only evangelical church and also the only rotunda in the city. This Classicist building was erected in the first half of the nineteenth century and continues to serve the local parish to this day.

Construction and architects

The church was built between 1827 and 1832, with consecration taking place on 25 November 1832. The design was prepared by Franciszek Reinstein, and the sculptural decorations were executed by Warsaw sculptor Aleksander Pruszyński. The building stands on the plan of a rotunda inscribed within a cross, covered by a conical roof with a dome, in the Classicist style typical of evangelical churches of this period.

Rebuilding and renovation

Between 1875 and 1876 the church was enlarged and rebuilt. The next comprehensive renovation took place in 2001–2002. This included renewal of the interior, removal of mould from walls, drying of the foundations, replacement of the floor, ceiling insulation and installation of heating.

Interior furnishings

A marble baptismal font was brought from Saxony in 1864. The altarpiece, depicting Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, was painted by Wojciech Gerson, a painter and one of the founders of the Warsaw Zachęta gallery. The altar has a two-tier structure, with its upper level serving as an ambo. The gallery retains original organs by Gebrüder Walter, with complete mechanical action.

Heritage protection

The church is entered in the heritage register under number 64-IV-12 from 23 March 1948.

Rotunda in the city landscape

The form of a rotunda inscribed within a cross, crowned by a conical roof with dome, distinguishes this church from other Pabianice churches, typically built on a rectangular or Latin cross plan. It is precisely this form that makes the Church of Saints Peter and Paul easily recognisable in the panorama of the city centre, despite the modest Classicist details of the elevation. Inside, a spacious circular nave draws attention to the altar and organs, without the division typical of basilica-plan churches.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Zamkowa 8, Pabianice
• Access: city centre Pabianice, near bus stops and car park
• Administration: Evangelical-Augsburg Parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Pabianice
• What to expect: masses on Sundays after 10:00 and regular organ concerts; check the parish schedule before visiting