Church of St. Giles, Wroclaw

The Church of St. Giles, a late Romanesque gem nestled on Ostrów Tumski, boasts a rich history that dates back to the 13th century. This venerable church holds the distinction of being not only the oldest fully preserved building in Wrocław but also the oldest active church in the city today.

The origins of this church are shrouded in the mists of time, with construction likely occurring between 1220 and 1240, although it certainly existed prior to the pivotal year of 1241. The stone profiles adorning the church's plinth bear the unmistakable stylistic characteristics of an earlier structure, suggesting that they may be spolia reclaimed from the so-called Walterowska Cathedral.

The church boasts two portals, one in the Romanesque style, and the other adorned with Renaissance elements. This structure adheres to the distinctive architectural type of single-pillar churches that were typical of medieval Wrocław. The church's vault is gracefully supported by a solitary pillar, and an intricate brick arcade connects it to the 16th-century chapter house, an exemplar of late Gothic design, thus forming the famed "Kluskowa Gate" (or "Kluszczana" in German, known as "Klösseltor").

In the aftermath of World War II, significant efforts were undertaken to restore the Church of St. Giles to its original character. Many of the Baroque-era alterations were meticulously removed, the external plaster was stripped away, and the double chancel arch was faithfully reconstructed, preserving the church's historical essence. One notable feature that endured this process of revitalization is the enduring bell tower, which still graces the landscape.

Today, the chapter building and the neighboring structure house the Archdiocesan Museum. Within its hallowed walls, visitors can explore a treasure trove of sacred art, including valuable collections and artifacts like "The Book of Henry," an Egyptian mummy from 325 BC, and stone reliefs from the 3rd century, hailing from the Damascus area in Syria.