Church of St. John the Baptist, Legnica

The baroque сhurch of St. John the Baptist (Kościół św. Jana Szrzciciela) is one of the main decorations and symbols of Legnica, with its two tall towers dominating the city's silhouette and visible from anywhere in the city. The history of the church began in the era of Prince Kazimierz I Odnowiciel, who is known for strengthening the central government in Poland, which was destroyed by long civil strife, and for liberating Silesia from occupation by the Czech state. In 1294, a monastery of the Franciscan order was founded in Legnica, and in 1294, at the expense of the Duke of Legnica, Henry V, and donations from the townspeople, the construction of a stone church began, which was rebuilt several times in the following centuries. Since 1548, the church was used as the tomb of the princes of the Piast dynasty. In the sixteenth century, the church was taken over by Protestants, then Calvinists, and at the beginning of the eighteenth century the church became part of the Jesuit collegium (seminary).

By the beginning of the eighteenth century, the building was pretty dilapidated and in 1714 it was demolished, only the princely tomb remained, which became the basis for the new church building. The construction of the new church was supervised by master architect Jan Knoll, and in 1720 the church was consecrated in the name of John the Baptist, although construction continued until 1727. However, due to construction errors, the roof and nave vault collapsed in 1744, and the restoration of the church was completed only in the early 19th century and became the property of the Roman Catholic Church.

During the Second World War, the church and monastery were severely damaged, and in 1947 the complex was again transferred to the Franciscan Order, which restored the buildings. The last major renovation was in 1981-1982, the facade was restored, and the roof and spires of the towers were covered with copper sheets.

The church is located on Ojców Zbigniewa i Michała Street, two hundred meters southwest of Piastow Castle and is open daily from 6:00 to 19:30.