The internal walls of the church are decorated with Renaissance figural epitaphs.

The church is surrounded by an unused cemetery, which in turn is surrounded by a cut stone wall. The west side of the wall comprises a mansonry wicket gate and in the east corner there is an old cemetery chapel.

The church is located on a small hill in the eastern part of the village, by the road leading from the Tąpadła pass towards the town of Świdnica. From here, there is a spectacular view of the Massif of Ślęża Mountain with the Radunia Peak.

History

• 1219 - first mentions of a church in Gogołów
• 15th century - construction of the church
• 1538 - extension of the church at the request of the von Nostitz family (southern chapel)
• 18th century - Baroque redesign (southern annex adjoining the nave and chapel)
• 1877 — renovation
• 1959 — renovation
• 1964 — renovation
• 2012/2013 - restoration after fire damage to the interior

Description

The church is located on a small hill in the eastern part of the village, by the road leading from the Tąpadła pass towards Świdnica.

The first Romanesque church was mentioned in this village in 1219. Meanwhile the current, Gothic church was erected in 15th century. In 1538, the church was extended through the addition of a southern chapel at the request of the von Nostitz family, who also provided the necessary funds. In the 18th century, the church was redesigned in the Baroque style and received the southern annex adjoining the nave and the chapel. Further restoration works were also performed in 1877, 1959 and 1964. A fire broke out inside the church in 2012, although it caused no major damage. In 2013, the church underwent restoration works.

The church is a single-nave structure designed on a rectangular floor plan. The nave features a wooden ceiling supported by a pair of crossbeams. The nave is adjoined by a rectangular chancel to the east, featuring a groin vault. The chancel is adjoined by a rectangular sacristy to the north, featuring a barrel vault. The nave is adjoined by the southern chapel, erected in 1538 and opening towards the interior of the church in a series of semi-circular arches. The nave and the chapel are adjoined by the southern annex, added during the 18th century, while the northern façade of the church is abutted by a porch. The church also features a Late Gothic rood arch. The sacristy is accessible through a stone portal.

 The building is covered with a gable roof clad with sheet metal. Above the nave there is an octagonal steeple crowned with a slender spire.

The church furnishings include the Baroque main altarpiece with the painting of St. Martin, a Late Renaissance side altarpiece as well as a Late Gothic sculpture of the Virgin Mary with Child. Other notable features include the pulpit, the altar and the Renaissance epitaph plaques.

Next to the church there is an old cemetery (no longer in use), surrounded by a stone wall with a small gate.

The church is usually closed; it may be viewed from the outside without limitations, while its interiors may be explored before or after church service.

compiled by Krzysztof Czartoryski, Regional Branch of the National Heritage Board of Poland in Wrocław, 29-01-2015.

Bibliography

• Zabytki Sztuki w Polsce. Śląsk, Warsaw 2006