This red-brick church close to the Scandic and train station has by religious standards quite an ordinary history. Originally built in the late 15th century as a church and monastery in the name of The Mother of God the Most Holy Virgin and Sts Elijah & Elisha, it was destroyed during religious fighting in the 1670s. The monks were then evicted in 1835 and it became the parish church of St. Joesph in 1840. It is in 1945 that the most tragic chapter of the church's history was written. The Red Army having taken the city locked the doors of the church trapping around 100 people who were taking shelter inside and proceeded to burn the building killing all those inside. With the war over, the church was rebuilt as a church for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and serves the Catholic community today. Note this is very much a functioning church, and as such it's open on Sunday but only for those wishing to attend mass. If that's not your cup of tea then you'll have to make do with visiting the chapel, open daily from 05:30 to 18:30 (Please remain quiet when visiting).
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