Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica

It's hard to believe, but these two structures, the largest timber-framed religious buildings in Europe, were  built without the use of a single nail!

Church of Peace in Jawor

This postcard was sent by Natalia

The Lutheran Church of Peace in Jawor was constructed in 1654-55. The church is basilica-style with one nave and two altars. There is also a presbytery. The walls are lined with more than 100 paintings with inscriptions that collectively cover all the major stories contained in the Bible. The church is also decorated with coats of arms from local families. A bell tower was added in 1707. The impressive high altar is several stories tall. The raised galleries, baptismal font, and statues of Moses and St. John the Baptist are all masterpieces. Jawor itself is an interesting town with an amazing clock tower from 1397 that is still intact.

Church of Peace in Swidnica

This postcard was sent by Dorota

The Lutheran Church of Peace in Swidnica, contructed in 1657, is astonishingly beautiful inside. The church can seat 7500 people. The altar is considered one of the finest Protestant altars anywhere. There is an original baroque organ from 1666 that still works today. There is also an overgrown cemetery on the grounds, with many intricately engraved headstones that are popular with photographers. The belfry on the grounds is also worth a look. Although the Church of Peace is the main attraction, Swidnica is a charming town that is worth wandering around. - in: http://www.poland.travel/en-us/news/unesco-world-heritage-site-churches-of-peace-in-jawor-and-swidnica

Big Organs in the Church of Peace in Swidnica

This postcard was sent by Ania

The organ at the church in Swidnica is especially famous for its impressive acoustics. Since 2000, the place has been hosting an annual festival of Jan Sebastian Bach’s music – “The Swidnica Bach Festival.” - in: http://poland.pl/tourism/unesco-sites/churches-peace-jawor-and-swidnica/