SACRAL ARCHITECTURE IN SILESIA IN IX–X CENTURIES
EDMUND MAŁACHOWICZ
The discovery in 1997-98 of three older structures of the Wrocław cathedral from the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries initiated further research of early medieval architecture in Silesia.
A one-nave church with rectangular choir built from stone in nineties of the 9th century was discovered in Niemcza in 2007. The church was of Slavic (Cyril and Methodius) rite and of Moravian origin. Traces of a church from this period were also discovered in nearby Gilów. Circa 915, after the Ślęza prince moved to Wrocław, a similar, but slightly larger church with semi-circular apse was also erected there.
The plans of these buildings indicate Moravian patterns, and their dating allows observation of the Slovak i.e. Cyril and Methodius rite of that time. The church in Wrocław was rebuilt in the beginning of sixties of the 10th century already as a Latin church, based on the plan of a cross, and more than tripled. It was erected following the pattern of the prince Sławnik residence in Libice (Czech Republic) for political reasons, as a mission bishopric.
After the seizure of Silesia by Poland circa 990, and establishment of the Polish archdiocese in 1000, this church became the Wrocław cathedral. After demolition in 1038 by the pagan rebels, three later structures emerged in its place – two Romanesque and one Gothic.
Apart from excavations, the majority of research of relicts of this architecture were conducted with the use of geo-radar equipment.
EDMUND MAŁACHOWICZ
The discovery in 1997-98 of three older structures of the Wrocław cathedral from the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries initiated further research of early medieval architecture in Silesia.
A one-nave church with rectangular choir built from stone in nineties of the 9th century was discovered in Niemcza in 2007. The church was of Slavic (Cyril and Methodius) rite and of Moravian origin. Traces of a church from this period were also discovered in nearby Gilów. Circa 915, after the Ślęza prince moved to Wrocław, a similar, but slightly larger church with semi-circular apse was also erected there.
The plans of these buildings indicate Moravian patterns, and their dating allows observation of the Slovak i.e. Cyril and Methodius rite of that time. The church in Wrocław was rebuilt in the beginning of sixties of the 10th century already as a Latin church, based on the plan of a cross, and more than tripled. It was erected following the pattern of the prince Sławnik residence in Libice (Czech Republic) for political reasons, as a mission bishopric.
After the seizure of Silesia by Poland circa 990, and establishment of the Polish archdiocese in 1000, this church became the Wrocław cathedral. After demolition in 1038 by the pagan rebels, three later structures emerged in its place – two Romanesque and one Gothic.
Apart from excavations, the majority of research of relicts of this architecture were conducted with the use of geo-radar equipment.