POWIAT RACIBORSKI - GoRaciborz.pl

ST. CROSS CHURCH AND
RESURRECTION PROCESSION
– PIETROWICE WIELKIE
It is the only preserved wooden temple in the
district, built in 1667 as a chapel, and rebuilt
as wide as it is now in the middle of the 18th century. It
is a known destination of pilgrimage because of a famous
painting with a scene of the crucifixion of Jesus from
the beginning of the 18th century. Many of the faithful
experienced a miracle healing or were indulged from the
Pope’s will. In the neighbourhood in 1899 a Neogothic
chapel arose with a water spring inside. As the tradition
goes drinking it together with devout prayer works
as medicine and provides health for a long time. The
nearby area was adapted into a small botanical garden
with a place of rest, a water garden and a small bridge.
Pietrowice Wielkie is famous for the horse procession
that has been arranged for centuries, called Osterreiten.
The custom was brought to Upper Silesia by settlers from
the West in 12/13th century. The ceremony takes place
on the second day of Easter and the riders’ intention is
to obtain harvest grace and prosperity. Riders gather
at midday in front of St. Wit, Modest and Krescencja
Church from the 16th century and in a procession with
over 100 horses head for St. Cross Church where a service
takes place. Later riders go to the fields (from east
to west) and at the end there is a horse-race. Nowadays
after the Osterreiten the community organises a horse
picnic with a knight breaking in a horse, horse riding
and horseback riding demonstrations.
The church is open during services, visits are allowed
with the prior agreement of the parson, tel. +48 32 419
80 48. The spring is open daily from dawn till dusk
Fot. B. Stachow
Fot. WAW
Fot. WAW