The county seat is located approx. 50 km north-east of Poznań, on the road to Toruń.
The former Order of the Holy Sepulchre church was built in stages. The presbytery was built first – most likely at the end of the 13th century. The nave was probably completed c. 1370 and the tower in the 15th century. The church was thoroughly restored (this included piercing the windows in the presbytery and plastering the Gothic polychrome walls) at the end of the 17th century. The interior was restored in the middle of the next century. The polychrome in the presbytery was uncovered during conservation work in 1902-1916 and has been restored several times since. The church is a single-nave building with a low, narrow, two-sided closed presbytery and a tower on the west side. Rib groin vaults cover the interiors. The ribs, keystones and stanchions are made of artificial stone and richly decorated with figural, animal and plant ornamentation. There is a Gothic polychrome from the 3rd quarter of the 14th century in the presbytery.
The valuable Gothic polychrome covering the presbytery walls and vault was produced al secco. The images of 17 heads of Old Testament kings and prophets appear on the vault, along with the head of one women. Scenes from the life of Christ, Mary and St. John the Baptist and other saints are presented in two levels on the walls. The polychrome is steadily decaying under the effects of light and humidity, despite steps being taken to protect it.
The church is closed to visitors so as to protect the frescoes.
Address:
ul. Św. Jana 2
62-200 Gniezno
