Built in several phases between 1389 and 1459, St. Mary’s Church in Chojna was designed by the workshop of Szczecin architect Heinrich Brunsberg. Its construction history leads to an old town surrounded by medieval fortifications.
Churches, gates and Brick Gothic architecture
The old town’s architectural monuments are part of the European Route of Brick Gothic. This places the architecture in a European context; at the same time, it is worth taking a closer look at the different forms found here. The gates have features that stand out from those of the towers or churches. Chojna can thus be understood both through a broader architectural theme and through specific details of individual buildings.
The Barnkowska and Świecka gates date from the 15th century. Barnkowska Gate has an open viewing terrace; Świecka Gate has an octagonal tower with four turrets. Their distinctive features are clearly different: the terrace defines the impression here, while the tower’s shape and four smaller turrets do so there. The Piekarska, Więzienna and Bociania towers were also part of Chojna’s fortification complex. Those interested in military architecture will find further identifiable landmarks here, in addition to the gates and surrounding fortifications.
Cultural use and architectural details
St. Mary’s Church is used as a concert and exhibition hall. This offers a different perspective from its construction history: the dates of its construction place the building in its historical context, while its cultural use describes its role as a venue. There is also a viewing terrace on the tower of St. Mary’s Church. If you plan to visit it, check access in advance.
The Dni Integracji, Przyjaźni i Ekumenizmu (Days of Integration, Friendship and Ecumenism) take place every year on the last weekend of August. Most of the three-day program is held in St. Mary’s Church. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the exact dates in advance.
The Church of the Holy Trinity in Chojna offers a finer architectural detail: ceramic masks are used there as corbels. Corbels are projecting structural elements; the masks therefore serve an architectural function and should not be understood merely as freestanding figures. This focus on a single architectural feature complements the broader perspective on construction phases, gates and fortifications.
“Olbrzym” plane tree: a natural monument
The “Olbrzym” plane tree adds a natural-history theme. This specimen is protected as a natural monument and is considered a tourist and natural-history attraction in the town. Its trunk circumference is 1,078 centimetres, equivalent to 10.78 metres. It was measured at a height of 1.3 metres above the ground. The tree is 33 metres tall, and its age is estimated at 300 years. The measurement height applies to the circumference; the age, by contrast, is an estimate. The circumference, height and estimated age convey different aspects of the plane tree. In this way, “Olbrzym” provides a clear contrast with the churches and fortifications: here, the focus is on size, protected status and estimated age, while there it is on construction history and architectural form.
Discover more destinations: Nawodna, Krzywin, Widuchowa, Steklno, Stare Czarnowo, Stare Brynki, Weltyn, Binowo.
For the broader travel overview: Gryfino.
