Ślesin: church of St. Nicholas

Date of construction: 1779

Wooden benches from Ślesin are almost 500 year old! Richly decorated, the benches are now undergoing the process of renovation and conservation. What was their function? Who could use them?

Who was St. Anthony, whose help we often ask for when we search intensely for lost things? Why is he usually portrayed with Baby Jesus?

Monuments Project effects

Wooden monuments
Ślesin: church of St. Nicholas

Very beautiful choir stalls which are benches for the clergy, usually placed in a chancel, are noteworthy objects. Stalls from the church in Ślesin are 150 years older than the church – they were made in the second half of the 16th century. They mark out thanks to the mastery of the manner they were made and meticulous detail. Although first made for the clergy, the stalls in Ślesin were used by the secular participants of liturgy and they were put in the nave and the narthex of the church. Wood from which the stalls were made, during its multigenerational service for the faithul, has become a silent witness of pleas and thanksgiving prayers addressed directly to God.

Richly decorated choir stalls had a backrest (used to rest one’s back comfortably) and a kneeler enclosed by a front wall.

Choir stalls were made in the Mannerist style. Their front walls were divided by decorated columns and stylized arcades were put on the panels. In the tripartite stalls in the centre of the middle part the Sas coat of arms and letters A, K and Z were painted on the sides. Whereas the quadripartite stalls stand out by full-bodied figures of saints painted on the paneles below the arcades.

One of the most popular patron saints whose image we can find in Ślesin is St. Anthony of Padua. He lived at the turn of 12th and 13th centuries and he was a very esteemed preacher who possessed the gift of speech. He spoke with the faithful in an extremely vivid and illustrative style. Anthony also stood out by his ascetic way of being and enthusiastic sermons which gathered many listeners. He is presented with a small Jesus in his arm because the Child came to him at night and assured him of His love. St. Anthony of Padua is famous for a great number of healings but he is usually called in case of a loss – not only a material one like a wallet or keys, but also when one looses faith, love or even a meaning of life.

Tony, Tony, turn around.
Something’s lost and must be found.

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Ślesin: church of St. Nicholas

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