Budowa sieci parafialnej archiprezbiteratu kozielskiego (w diecezji wrocławskiej) w średniowieczu
The Creation of a Network of Parishes in the Archpresbyterate of Koźle (Diocese of Wrocław) in the Middle Ages

Summary/Abstract: The history of creation and development of the network of parishes is without a doubt one of the key topics in the research devoted to the social life of Polish local societies in the Middle Ages. The Diocese of Wrocław in the region of Silesia is no different. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the diocese witnessed a rapid development of the Church hierarchy and infrastructure. The southern part of the diocese, encompassing the archdeaconry of Opole, has been the subject of research for decades. The topic of the beginnings of the aforementioned network remains closely connected with the earliest settlements of the Upper Silesia, including Koźle. Even though Koźle was first founded at the turn of the 11th century, it is impossible to recreate the Church hierarchy which could be traced back to pre‑charter origins. Despite the struggles of the historians, 12th century constitutes a peculiar pastoral emptiness. It was only the 13th century that brought rapid changes. In the second half of the century, numerous churches were established in the local settlements, which finds its reflection in the written sources. Koźle, despite the unclear beginnings of the oldest parish organization, became the seat of the archpresbyterate. By the end of the 14th century, it had achieved its final form, and that state remained unchanged until Reformation. The only exception to that is a local chapel of ease, dating back to the 15th century, while the history of the next church dates back to the times of Reformation.

• Details
• Contents