Leszno archaeologists discover potential 16th-century church ruins

Archaeologists in Leszno, Poland, have discovered stone and brick foundations during the reconstruction of the Miejski Ośrodek Kultury (MOK) on Bolesława Chrobrego Street. The ruins are believed to be the remains of the Church of the Holy Spirit and St. Barbara, which was founded at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries by Zofia z Bnina Opalińska.

Historical records indicate the temple burned down in 1656 and was subsequently rebuilt, only to be completely destroyed during the Great Fire of Leszno in 1707. Following the second fire, the church was not rebuilt, and its bricks were repurposed for local hospital repairs and cemetery fencing. A charred figure of St. Barbara from a side altar survived the fire and remains in a private collection in Leszno.

City officials stated that final confirmation of the site's identity is pending further research. Archaeological work is scheduled to continue next year at the courtyard of the former library and the MOK conference hall.