St. Leonard's Church in Busko-Zdrój is the oldest preserved monument in the town, built in 1699 on the site of an earlier 12th-century church of the same name. Constructed from larch wood, it represents the traditional sacred architecture of the region.
Architecture and Interior
The church is oriented, meaning the chancel is directed east. It has a single nave with a narrower, polygonally closed chancel and a porch on the western side. The roof, covered with wooden shingles, is common to both the nave and the chancel, emphasizing its simplicity and elegance.
Inside, the focal point is the rainbow beam with fragments of polychrome and the group of the Crucifixion. Fragments of late Baroque polychrome have been preserved on the chancel ceiling, providing evidence of the church's former decoration.
Churchyard Cemetery
The cemetery surrounding the church, now inactive, holds several interesting tombstones, including a 19th-century grave of the Rzewuski family, including Feliks Rzewuski, the founder of the Busko health resort.
Cultural Significance
St. Leonard's Church is part of the Wooden Architecture Trail of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, highlighting its historical and architectural value. Despite the passage of centuries, the church has retained its original form, without major renovations, making it a unique testament to the old sacred architecture of the region.
Interesting Fact
St. Leonard's Church is one of three preserved wooden churches in the Busko county, alongside churches in Zborówek and Chotelek Zielony, making it a valuable monument of wooden sacred architecture in the region.
When visiting Busko-Zdrój, it is worth taking a moment to explore this historic church, to feel the atmosphere of past centuries and appreciate the craftsmanship of former artisans.
