Swiebodzin, a quaint town in western Poland, nestled in the province of Lubuskie, is a destination that has quietly kept its charm over centuries. With its roots tracing back to German origins under the name of Schwiebus, this town has evolved into a Polish enclave rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.
I’ll be honest – there is not a lot to see in Swiebodzin, except for the Christ the King Statue. It dominates the skyline as you approach the city on the S3 expressway, but may also be seen from the train going from Berlin to Poznan. Completed in November 2010, this iconic edifice holds the title of the world’s tallest statue of Jesus, symbolizing the town’s deep-rooted Christian faith.
Christ the King Statue
Christ the King statue is 33 metres tall. If you add the crown (2 metres) and the mound, it reaches 52.5 metres overall. It used to be the tallest Christ figure in the World, and some claim it is still the tallest. You may approach the base of the statue and walk around. There is also a small souvenir shop and the toilet.
Michael the Archangel church
The other worth visiting place in Swiebodzin is the parish church of St. Michael the Archangel. It was built in the 15th century, then rebuilt in 1541 and in17th – 19th century. The first mention of the church, then probably wooden, dates back to 1311. The interior was covered with a striking lattice vault, with a stellar vault in the chapels and a rare crystal vault. In the years 1850-1858, the church was rebuilt according to a design by Alexis Langer of Breslau. A neo-Gothic porch was built, and the western façade was crowned with an impressive gable with two spires. Inside, valuable furnishings have been preserved: the late Gothic triptych of St Anne in the main altar and the Crucifixion and Rococo altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church is also distinguished by the fact that it is wider than it is longer