Church in Brochów (Kościół w Brochowie)

The church in Brochów was Chopin’s parish. Before this, it was where the composer's parents' were married, and later his sister Ludwika wed there as well. In the parish office you can see copies of documents highlighting some of the family’s most important life events: the birth and baptism of Fryderyk, the wedding of Justyna Krzyżanowska to Mikołaj Chopin, and Ludwika Chopin’s wedding to Józef Jędrzejewicz.
Fryderyk Chopin’s birthdate is inscribed in the parish’s book as February 22, but it has been adjusted over time based on the composer's correspondence with his family. His own mother always wrote that he was born on March 1.
Built of red brick, the church in Brochów (at present called St. John the Baptist and St. Roch) is one of the most valuable examples and monuments of Polish ‘defensive’ church architecture. Constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries, it was beautifully and carefully restored very recently, for the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth, and is truly impressive both inside and outside. For the occasion, singer Adam Zwierz gave the church two chandeliers, personally designed by him.
The church’s current facilities are almost entirely derived from modern times, as the original church was burned down during the World War I. Very few items survived, among them a wooden crucifix that still hangs in the aisle, as well as fireplaces that were used for cooking food for the church staff and members in times of siege.
The defensive function temple surrounding the church is provided by a two-storey area with embrasure and reinforced windows. By contrast, according to experts, the wall with the corner bastions serves a more symbolic purpose, and its genuinely defensive function is limited.
An interesting fact is the location of towers: two stand at an ending-point on the rise of the two buildings, and another stands opposite. This architecture, though very typical for churches in Italy, is a rarity in Poland.
Since the temple’s renovation the acoustics have improved, so that public concerts are well publicized.