The Baroque church of St Anthony of Padua i

Churches

Church of St Anthony of Padua (Franciscan Church)

The church of the Conventual Franciscans stands on Przemysł Hill, next to the Royal Castle. It was built in 1674–1757. The interior is richly decorated with stucco and polychrome painting from about 1702.

History

The Franciscans settled in Poznań in the 17th century. The monastery was built in 1672–1749, but after the dissolution in 1834 it was partly demolished.

In the 19th century the Prussian authorities handed the church to German Catholics. The Franciscans returned in 1921. After wartime damage the church was rebuilt in 1945.

What to see

The stucco and polychrome painting from about 1702, the work of the Franciscan Adam Swach, with scenes from the lives of St Anthony, St Francis and the Virgin Mary.

The high altar from about 1690, the work of Antoni Swach, with the painting “The Vision of St Anthony” by his brother Adam.

Carved and inlaid choir stalls from the early 18th century.

The Chapel of Our Lady with a painting venerated as Our Lady Mighty in Miracles, Lady of Poznań.

Good to know

In the crypt of the church, with the entrance from ul. Ludgardy, are the Models of Old Poznań.

This is a working church. It cannot be visited during Mass and services, and you are asked to dress modestly and keep quiet.

Sources (in Polish)

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