Janikowo (Ostrowo) - Church of St. John the Baptist in Ostrowo (Janikowo) - a Gothic church from the 15th century. In the northern part of Janikowo, in the Ostrowo district, stands a unique religious monument – the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was originally part of the village of Ostrowo before it was incorporated into the city. It is the oldest church in Janikowo and the only one listed in the city's register of historical monuments.
🏛️ History and Architecture
- The parish was established on April 20, 1447, by Bishop Władysław Oporowski.
- The current brick church was built around 1460, funded by Bogusław of Oporów, Voivode of Inowrocław, of the Sulima coat of arms.
- Originally a cemetery chapel, it later assumed liturgical functions. - In 1840, a tower and sacristy were added, and the building was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style, retaining Gothic elements.
- Unusually, the church is not oriented – its chancel faces south.
- The building is single-nave, with a short nave, buttresses, and a square chancel with chamfered corners.
🎨 Interior and furnishings
- The interior retains its 18th-century Baroque décor, including:
- Three wooden altars – the main one with a painting of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, and side altars with images of St. Joseph and Our Lady of Częstochowa (dating from before 1763).
- The altars are topped with paintings of St. Anne and Christ the Good Shepherd.
- In 1948, local artist Henryk Czaman created a polychrome depicting the Four Evangelists on the chancel vault.