Błaszki can be explored through three separate themes: the layout of the historic market square, the architectural history of St. Anne’s Church, and two differently marked routes. This offers specific points of interest for both a focus on cultural history and planning outdoor activities. The routes differ in their markings, lengths and stated uses; the details of the church follow their own chronology.

Market Square and Town Layout

The large historic market square in Błaszki is now divided into two squares. This division offers a specific insight into the town’s layout: the site’s history as a large market exists alongside its present-day configuration. The square thus adds a spatial perspective to the study of individual buildings.

St. Anne’s Church: Building Phases and Interior

St. Anne’s Church was built between 1779 and 1785 on the site of an earlier wooden place of worship. It was funded by Ignacy Lipski, the owner of Błaszki at the time. Two years after construction was completed, a fire destroyed the church; it was rebuilt in 1789. Its construction, the fire and the rebuilding form a clearly dated sequence. The Baroque building has three naves and a 46-metre-high tower.

In 1810, the church was enclosed by a wall with two chapels that served as ossuaries. Its furnishings include six altars: the high altar and two side altars are made of stucco, while two portable altars are made of wood and designed in the Baroque style. The high altar displays a painting of Saint Anne, painted by J. Balukiewicz in 1889. The choir also houses a Neoclassical marble monument to General Józef Lipski, who died in 1817; it bears the Grabie coat of arms.

Other Historic Buildings

Other buildings also connect Błaszki with different periods. The town bathhouse dates from the early 20th century and is listed as a historic monument. The “Błaszkowianka” social club building dates from the second half of the 19th century and is now used as a residence. Together with the building phases of St. Anne’s Church, these provide various historical reference points for the town.

Routes Through Błaszki

The 50 km red Szlak powstańców 1863 r. (1863 Insurgents’ Trail) passes through Błaszki. The sites listed along it include the “Błaszkowianka” social club building, St. Anne’s Church and the bathhouse. Check local route conditions before setting out. The yellow-marked Sieradzka eSka cycling route also passes through Błaszki and is 132 km long, including the connecting section. When comparing the routes, therefore, the distance is not the only factor: Sieradzka eSka is designated as a cycling route, and its stated length includes the connecting section; for the red trail, the markings and three named sites provide guidance to its course through Błaszki.

Discover more destinations: Ligota, Szczawno, Warta, Sieradz, Bronisławów, Gmina Złoczew.

Return to the main travel overview: Sieradz.