The Church of the Transfiguration in Mielno is a Gothic temple from the 15th century, which belongs to the oldest monuments of the seaside resort. The brick-and-stone building stands on a small hill at ul. Kościelna 27, about 750 metres from the shore of the Baltic Sea — in the very heart of the town, near Promenada Przyjaźni.
History dating back to the 15th century
The oldest part of the temple — the nave — was built in the 15th century. The builder was most probably Nikolaus von Damitz, the then owner of Mielno and administrator of the church estates of the Bishop of Kamień. The tower was added in the 16th century. The last major reconstruction took place in 1856 and gave the church its Neo-Gothic features, which it has retained to this day.
After World War II, the temple was consecrated on 15 August 1945 by a chaplain of the Polish Army. The Parish of the Transfiguration was established on 24 June 1957 by Bishop Teodor Bensz of Gorzów.
Architecture and historic interior
The building represents the type of a single-nave Gothic church, characteristic of the southern Baltic coast. According to scholars’ calculations, about 390,000 bricks were used for its construction. The two-storey tower on the western side reaches 13 metres, and together with the copper hipped roof, spire and cross, the total height is 25.6 metres.
Inside, particular attention should be paid to the Baroque pulpit from the 18th century and the Neo-Baroque painting “Ascension” from the mid-19th century. The interior is complemented by Neo-Gothic stained-glass windows from 1904, nine contemporary stained-glass windows from the beginning of the 21st century, as well as a historic baptismal font from the 19th century.
Practical information
The church in Mielno is open to visitors and the faithful all year round. Sunday Masses are celebrated at 9:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 16:00, and on weekdays at 17:00. In the summer season (July–August), a modified schedule applies — Masses are held at 9:00 and 19:00. The temple is located at ul. Kościelna 27, 76-032 Mielno.
Who is it worth visiting for
The Church of the Transfiguration will interest history lovers and devotees of religious architecture, but also any tourist looking for a quieter point in the programme away from the beach. The hill on which the building stands, surrounded by traces of a former moat, suggests that the object once also served a defensive function — an interesting detail for enthusiasts of the medieval history of the region.
A visit to the oldest monument of Mielno is a good way to diversify a walk around the area and other attractions of the resort.
Price
Free entry — publicly accessible attraction without tickets.
