Cistercian monastery in Lubiąż. It is one of the largest monasteries in Europe

is an impressive monastery complex, considered one of the most important monuments of this type in Europe, and also the largest Cistercian abbey in the world. It is called real and impresses with its scale and richness of architectural details.

The complex is one of the largest religious buildings in the world – second only to the Spanish Escurial. Its scale is hugely impressive: the volume is three times larger than the Wawel Royal Castle, the roofs cover an area of ​​approximately 2.5 hectares, and the monumental façade, 223 meters long, is the longest baroque façade in Europe.

Under the Gothic basilica there are crypts with tombstones of the Silesian Piast dynasty, including those of Bolesław the Tall, as well as . To this day, almost a hundred such remains have been preserved in good condition.

The complex is located less than 55 km west of Wrocław, making it a great place for a one-day trip out of the city with the whole family.

The history of this place is quite turbulent and dates back to the early Middle Ages. , located at an important crossing over the Oder, existed already in the early feudal era. Initially, the Benedictine monks functioned here, but the real breakthrough came in 1163, when

The new order quickly developed its activities – new branches were established and the monastery’s assets systematically increased. In the 14th century, the abbey became one of the most important economic and intellectual centers of the region. However, the period of prosperity was interrupted by the Hussite Wars, which initiated a long period of stagnation and weakening of the monastery’s importance.

It was only after the Thirty Years’ War that the abbey flourished again for over a hundred years – the abbot’s palace was built, and the interior was filled with works of outstanding artists, which to this day remind us of the former splendor of this place.

However, the beginning of the 19th century brought an end to the activity of the Cistercians in Lubiąż. In 1810, the monastery was secularized, the order was dissolved and its valuable equipment was taken away. From that moment on, the buildings served various functions – from warehouses to hospitals – which gradually affected their condition.

The period after World War II was particularly difficult. In 1945, by Red Army soldiers who destroyed, among others, graves of the Silesian Piast dynasty. In the following years, a hospital operated here, and then the facility was only partially used as warehouses. The lack of constant care led to the progressive degradation of buildings.

Over the years, Lubiąż has also become overgrown with legends. During the period of the Polish People’s Republic, searches for alleged treasures were carried out here, including , as well as secret installations from World War II. Although the sensational hypotheses were not confirmed, they contributed to building the mysterious aura of this place.

A breakthrough in the history of the monastery occurred only in 1989, when it was established. At the time of takeover, the technical condition of the buildings was very poor – even the stability of the structure was at risk.

So extensive rescue work began. The structure of the monastery was strengthened, the roofs of most buildings were renovated and the most important architectural elements were secured. In parallel, conservation activities were carried out covering the most valuable interiors, such as representative rooms and chapels.

The renovation process continues to this day and covers subsequent parts of the complex.

Since 1996, we have been able to admire the impressive interior with an area of ​​over 400 square meters and a height of 13.4 m, occupying two floors of the building, and its interior design includes, among others: sculptures by Józef Mangoldt and frescoes and a ceiling by Christian Bentum. Today the hall hosts selected events of the International Festival “Wratislavia Cantans”.

In the following years, other representative interiors of the abbey were also made available, including the abbot’s refectory and the summer refectory, the renovation of which was completed in 2005. Thanks to this, today we can admire the restored old, and on selected days, normally closed spaces, such as basements or attics.

The abbey has also become an important center. Since 2001, the SLOT Art Festival, dedicated to alternative culture, has been held here. Cooperation with scientific and cultural institutions means that exhibitions devoted to the history and culture of Silesia are also organized in Lubiąż, prepared, among others, by: in cooperation with Haus Schlesien.

The monumental interior of the abbey was used as sets for films and music videos – among others,

Visiting the abbey in Lubiąż is possible all year round, and the facility is open. In the summer season, from April to the end of September, you can visit it from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:00 p.m.), while in the autumn and winter period – from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the last entry at 2:00 p.m. The tour takes place in groups, which enter every hour on the hour, and the ticket price includes a guided tour.

During the visit, the most important and representative spaces of the complex are accessible, such as: It is worth remembering that the interiors are not heated, so you should dress appropriately, especially in the colder months. Reservation is only required for larger groups of at least 20 people.

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The extensive area of ​​the abbey also encourages you to go for walks – there are green spaces, small water reservoirs and paths leading to the nearby forest, where you can relax in silence and close to nature.