The Lower Silesian Region is simply a region where we will find the most Polish castles, but not only that it is worth going there. Apart from the monuments, we besides have beautiful landscapes and the chance to interact with nature. In the article we encourage you to visit Lubiżaż and learn the unique past of the Abbey there.
RECLAMA
Cistercian Abbey was established in a strategical place - close Odra in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship and at the intersection of the no longer existing east-west trade route. The monastery itself was built in 1150 and was built by Benedictines. But before 1163 they left Lubiż, who was given to the cistercians by Bolesław I the advanced returning to Silesia.
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Cistercian Abbey in Lubiż fot. P.R.Schreyner / Wikimedia Commons
The Abbey of Cistercians in Lubiż - so their past began
In time, nuns began to grow their activities - they bought fairs, inns, fishing rights, orchards, vineyards. They built breweries, bakeries and schools. They were the founders of Staw Milicki - the largest carp breeding in Europe and the largest nature reserve in Poland! Thanks to the work of the abbey, the medieval "Cronika of Polish princes" was created.
Abbey of Cistercians in Lubiż Fot. Mieczysław Michalak / Electoral Agency.pl
The monks had long accumulated wealth and expanded the abbey. In time, however, there were worse moments for the Church. The effects of the Hussice War reached Lubiż and the monastery and the church were burned. After them there was an interior conflict between the monks. The monastery was yet rebuilt in 1510, but already 7 years later the Reformation and the 30 Years' War began, which led to further destruction.
Abbey of Cistercians in Lubiż Fot. Mieczysław Michalak / Electoral Agency.pl
Abbey of Cistercians in Lubież - flowering and postwar looting
Only after the war, in 1649, is the monastery entrusted to Arnold Freiberg, who expands the Abbey and gives it a fresh Baroque style. It is then that it gains tremendous sizes, from which it is known to this day. Unfortunately, in 1740 Silesia was in the hands of Prussia, which imposed immense fees on the Abbey. During planet War II, Nazi buildings created a mill where forced workers were sent to work. Shortly before the coming loss, The Germans began to export elements of church equipment, works of art and another valuables from the Abbey. The abbey was then seized by the Russians, who sought swords or berels and destroyed the coffins of the rulers there, scattering their remains. The body was never later identified and assigned (except for the body of Michael Willmann). In winter, the Russians warmed up by burning the frame of paintings, furniture and wooden furniture of the church. The Abbey did not leave until 1948.
Cistercian Abbey in Lubiż - Refectory of P.R.Schreyner / Wikimedia Commons
By 1950, no 1 had been curious in the object, but for thieves who stole whatever was left of the Abbey - including pipes. In the 1970s, the safety Service of the Polish People's Republic sent soldiers to Lubiż who sought the mythical "gold Wrocław" - 70 tons of gold to be hidden by Nazis in Lower Silesia. The search was conducted 3 times. SB was yet to admit that the "gold of Wrocław" was invented by an informant who did not want to go to prison.
Abbey of Cistercians in Lubiż - Refector of Fot. Mieczysław Michalak / Electoral Agency.pl
What can be seen in the Cistercian Abbey in Lubiż?
The renovation of the Abbey began in 1989 thanks to the actions of the Lubiż Foundation. Various works are being conducted on the site all the time, but given the size of the property and the degree of the damage, they will surely take a long time. Visitors can see, among others, the beautiful Prince's Hall, the Abbot's Dining area or the Refectory. The underground was besides late made available. On the walls you can admire the frescoes of Michał Willmann, which was called the Silesian Rembrandt. The interiors of the Basilica of the presumption of the NMP were robbed of decorations, but the natural Gothic vault besides looks delightful.
Abbey of Cistercians in Lubiż - Basilica of NMP Fot. Mieczysław Michalak / Agency Wyborcza.pl
The Abbey of Cistercians in Lubiż has the longest Baroque facade in Europe - it is 223 metres! The surface of the roofs extends to 2.5 hectares, with more than 600 windows in the building itself. In the crypt under the basilica gravestones of the Silesian Piasts and mummies of Cistercian abbots and monks were laid. According to researchers, about 98 mummies have been preserved in good condition.
Abbey of Cistercians in Lubiż Fot. Krzysztof Ćwik / Wyborcza.pl Agency
How to get to the Cistercian Abbey in Lubiż? How much are the tickets?
The Abbey is best reached by car - from Wrocław it will take about 50 minutes. You can besides take the train to Malczyce and then rent a taxi. Guided tour starts at full hours and takes about an hour. average tickets cost 30 PLN and a reduced 25 PLN. Payment is only possible in cash that is worth carrying (there is no ATM nearby). In the case of taking photographs, a fee is charged for a single photographic device of 5 zlotys.
Cistercian Abbey in Lubiż - summertime Refector photo. P.R.Schreyner - Wikimedia Commons
