A small Polish chapel built in thanksgiving for divine protection during a cholera epidemic, now a protected cultural monument in Silesia.
At a glance
This modest chapel stands in Szombierki, a district of Bytom in southern Poland. Constructed over three years in the mid-nineteenth century, it embodies both religious devotion and community resilience during a public health crisis.
History
The chapel was erected between 1859 and 1862 as an act of gratitude—the village of Szombierki had been spared during a cholera epidemic. For more than a century, the chapel housed the icon of Our Lady of Bytom, a sacred image central to local veneration. In 1974, the original icon was removed and replaced with a replica, which remains displayed today.
What you see
Details of the chapel’s architectural character are limited in available sources. Its modest scale reflects its origins as a votive structure built by a grateful community rather than a grand institutional commission.
Cultural significance
The chapel represents a tangible record of nineteenth-century Polish Catholic piety and communal memory. The icon of Our Lady of Bytom held particular spiritual importance for the region, drawing the faithful across generations. Today the building serves as a monument to Silesian cultural heritage and religious tradition.
Key facts
- Country: Poland
- City: Szombierki (Bytom)
- Coordinates: 50.337918, 18.888756
- Built: 1859–1862
- Protected status: Registry of Cultural Property of the Silesian Voivodeship (entry A/1483/24, listed 25 November 2024)
Practical information & getting there
The chapel is located in Szombierki, a district within the city of Bytom in the Silesian Voivodeship. For current visiting hours and access information, contact local tourism authorities in Bytom.
Sources & resources
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