Dobrzejewice: Church and Local History

St. Lawrence Church and the former cholera cemetery represent two distinct historical themes in Dobrzejewice. A single hiking event in the PTTK series and an Orlik sports field at the school complex add a hiking example and a sports facility to the local history.

St. Lawrence Church: Building History

St. Lawrence Church in Dobrzejewice was built between 1888 and 1893 in the Neo-Gothic style. It is a single-nave brick building that replaced an older wooden church, probably dating from the 14th century, which was destroyed toward the end of the 19th century. “Single-nave” describes the floor plan, with one main nave; Neo-Gothic refers to the architectural style, and brick to the material. These three terms answer different questions about the church: how its interior is laid out, which architectural movement it follows, and what it is built from. The estimated 14th-century date applies to the wooden church, not the brick building constructed between 1888 and 1893. St. Lawrence Church once had a tower, which was destroyed during the First World War.

Rococo Furnishings

The furnishings include a Rococo high altar from the 18th century, which came from Włocławek Cathedral, as well as two Rococo side altars from the second half of the 18th century. They are dedicated to St. Anthony and St. Anne. In the upper part of the high altar is a painting of St. Lawrence from the late 18th century, with embossed silverwork. The pulpit and baptismal font are also Rococo works.

The altars differ in their details: the high altar is distinguished by its provenance and painting of St. Lawrence, while the two side altars are distinguished by their dedications. Rococo style is also found on the pulpit and baptismal font. If you would like to see the interior furnishings in person, check access arrangements in advance.

The Former Cholera Cemetery

The former cholera cemetery in Dobrzejewice was located by a forest; its graves had no headstones. The statue of St. Tekla was returned to its former location after almost 80 years. A karawaka was also erected there—a memorial cross with two crossbars. The return after almost 80 years provides the timeframe for the statue; the description of the cemetery and the cross covers other aspects of local history.

Hiking and the Sports Field

On May 20, 2023, a hike in the PTTK series “Family Hikes with PTTK” went from Dobrzejewice via Brzozówka to Złotoria. The route was about 16 km long. This dated event took place in the past and does not indicate a recurring or currently scheduled event.

An Orlik sports field is located at the school complex at Dobrzejewice 57 b. If you plan to use the field during your stay, check current booking options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Papowo Toruńskie, Mała Nieszawka, Torun, Chełmża, Zławieś Wielka, Browina, Rogówko, Wielka Nieszawka

For the broader travel overview: Toruński.