The 'Book of Henryków' (Księga henrykowska) is included in the UNESCO Memory of the World register.
The first recorded Polish sentence features a husband asking his wife to grind grain to relieve her from field labor.
The choir stalls in the main church contain 45 wood-carved figures depicting Cistercian saints and blessed figures.
The monastery was founded by Prince Henry I the Bearded of Silesia.
The site survived the Hussite Wars, the Thirty Years' War, and secularization in 1810.
The complex encompasses over 100 hectares, including a historic forest park.
The Abbey of Henryków is a former Cistercian monastery founded in 1222, primarily known as the site where the Book of Henryków was written. This manuscript contains the first written sentence in the Polish language, dating back to 1270. The site features a significant Baroque church, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist, noted for its elaborately carved 18th-century choir stalls. The complex includes a landscaped park with a diverse collection of trees and historical outbuildings. The monastery grounds currently serve as a site for the Archdiocesan Higher Theological Seminary. Visitors can explore the preserved monastic library and specific interiors that showcase Silesian craftsmanship.
The central courtyard facing the main Baroque facade of the church.
Prioritize a guided tour to gain access to the interiors of the church and the former refectory.
Check the official Facebook page for updates on temporary exhibit accessibility before arriving.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the extensive surrounding park area.
Assuming all areas of the theological seminary are open to the public; respect marked private zones.
Tours of the interior are generally restricted during religious services; checking the schedule for specific seasonal access is recommended.
Maintain a quiet demeanor; modest attire covering shoulders and knees is expected inside the church.
