In Lubiń, the history of the Benedictine Abbey can be seen in a protected complex, the Church of St. Leonard and surviving historical records. When planning your visit, it is important to note that some areas are open to individual visitors; a guided tour of the monastery must be arranged in advance.

The Abbey Complex and Its History

The Benedictine Abbey complex was recognised as a historic monument by a decree of the President of the Republic of Poland dated 9 December 2009. The protected site includes several elements: the monastery church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the monastery buildings, a park, a garden and the Church of St. Leonard. Lubiń’s historic centre therefore comprises not just one church building, but a complex of religious, architectural and landscape features.

The history of writing and music is also among the site’s distinctive features. The Annales Lubinenses is the oldest surviving original record of Polish historiography. The library collection in Lubiń is also home to the oldest known musical notation in Poland. These records add a historical perspective on written and musical heritage to the architectural picture.

St. Leonard: Construction Phases and Materials

The Church of St. Leonard was built in the early 13th century as a foundation of the local Benedictine monastery. Later expansions took place from 1549 to 1556, and again around the turn of the 17th century. These dates help distinguish the original foundation from the later construction phases, without reducing its history to a single building date.

Different materials can also be identified in the building: the Romanesque sections of the walls are made of granite ashlar, while the Gothic sections are made of brick. Visitors interested in architecture can look out for this contrast in construction techniques. The church thus brings together an early monastic foundation, later expansions, and clearly distinguishable Romanesque and Gothic sections.

Park, Garden and Chestnut Tree

The monastery park covers about 2 hectares and was laid out around 1715. The protected historic complex also includes a garden and the Church of St. Leonard. Another notable natural feature stands in front of the church: a chestnut tree protected as a natural monument, with a trunk circumference of 520 centimetres and a height of 25 metres. The park and the individual tree offer different perspectives on the historic setting—from the design of a larger green space to a specifically measured natural monument.

The French Garden by the abbey’s large metal gate is one of the areas open to individual visitors. It is therefore a specific stop for anyone wishing to include the complex’s gardens as well as its churches in their visit. The information about the park and chestnut tree also provides points of interest in the landscape around the site.

Plan Your Visit

The church, the area around the chestnut tree in front of it, the French Garden by the abbey’s large metal gate, the toilet in the monastery courtyard and the pilgrim area behind the church are open to individual visitors. Access may be restricted during religious services, so keep this possible restriction in mind when planning your visit.

A tour of the monastery led by a monk is available by prior arrangement, but not on Sundays. To make arrangements, contact the monastery by phone at +48 509 43 43 43 or by email at zakrystian.benedyktyni@gmail.com. Confirm the arrangement again before travelling. This will help you distinguish between the areas open to individual visitors and a monastery tour arranged in advance.

Discover more destinations: Cichowo, Czempiń, Śmigiel, Kościan, Gryżyna, Jarogniewice, Gorzyczki, Racot

For the main travel overview: Costs.