Świdnica

Located just under 55 km. south-west of Wrocław on the river Bystrzyca, Świdnica is one of Lower Silesia’s largest and oldest cities. Świdnica is famous for its arts and architecture from the Middle Ages, such as the numerous Gothic and Baroque churches in the old city center. During the Piast Dynasty, the city also became one of Poland’s major beer brewing centers. The oldest restaurant in Poland is Piwnica Świdnicka in Wrocław; it was established in 1273 and named after the beer from Świdnica it served.

Świdnica Church of Peace

The most famous church in Świdnica is the Holy Trinity Church of Peace (pl. Kościół Pokoju im. Trójcy Świętej). Constructed in the mid-17th century by Silesia’s Lutherans, it is one of the Churches of Peace symbolizing the Peace of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty Years War. The other Church of Peace is in the nearby city Jawor. Originally, there was a third Church of Peace in Głogów, however, it burned down in 1758.

Świdnica Church of Peace is notable for being one of the few Lutheran churches in Poland. Since the second half of the 20th century, it has become a symbol of the reconciliation between Poland and Germany after the Second World War.