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Images from the past: the history and heritage of the Bohemian Brethren in Leszno
Event as part of the Pardes Festival 2026 | September 11–13 | September 18–20 |
he history of Leszno is filled with numerous events, uncovered not only through the pages of chronicles and historical documents but also through the city’s architecture. A truly unique place among these is held by the material remnants of the Bohemian Brethren. Fleeing persecution by the Catholic Habsburgs, this Protestant community found their new home under the protection of the Leszczyński family.
A group of several thousand refugees arrived here after 1628. They were led by John Amos Comenius (1592–1670) – an outstanding clergyman, educator, writer, and scholar. In the late 17th century, they erected their own Church of St. John in the southeastern part of the city. The brick church with its soaring tower served Protestants until 1945. Despite its subsequent conversion to Catholicism, it has retained distinct traces of its Protestant past to this day – including the galleries, the chancel layout, and the austerity of its ornamentation.
Right next to the church stood the famous gymnasium, with which Comenius associated nearly two decades of his life. He served as its rector, taught classes, and wrote textbooks in which he outlined a vision of modern education – one that was universal and based on innovative teaching methods, such as using pictures in foreign language pedagogy.
The religious community also had its own cemetery, located outside the city ramparts, on the same side of the town as the temple.
During the walk, we will visit historical spaces associated with the heritage of the Unity of the Brethren (Bohemian Brethren). We will see St. John's Church, stand by the former gymnasium, enter the grounds of the former cemetery, and look at the preserved tombstones of the members of this extraordinary community.
Guide: Małgorzata Gniazdowska
Check out the full program for the Pardes Festival 2026.
he history of Leszno is filled with numerous events, uncovered not only through the pages of chronicles and historical documents but also through the city’s architecture. A truly unique place among these is held by the material remnants of the Bohemian Brethren. Fleeing persecution by the Catholic Habsburgs, this Protestant community found their new home under the protection of the Leszczyński family.
A group of several thousand refugees arrived here after 1628. They were led by John Amos Comenius (1592–1670) – an outstanding clergyman, educator, writer, and scholar. In the late 17th century, they erected their own Church of St. John in the southeastern part of the city. The brick church with its soaring tower served Protestants until 1945. Despite its subsequent conversion to Catholicism, it has retained distinct traces of its Protestant past to this day – including the galleries, the chancel layout, and the austerity of its ornamentation.
Right next to the church stood the famous gymnasium, with which Comenius associated nearly two decades of his life. He served as its rector, taught classes, and wrote textbooks in which he outlined a vision of modern education – one that was universal and based on innovative teaching methods, such as using pictures in foreign language pedagogy.
The religious community also had its own cemetery, located outside the city ramparts, on the same side of the town as the temple.
During the walk, we will visit historical spaces associated with the heritage of the Unity of the Brethren (Bohemian Brethren). We will see St. John's Church, stand by the former gymnasium, enter the grounds of the former cemetery, and look at the preserved tombstones of the members of this extraordinary community.
Guide: Małgorzata Gniazdowska
Check out the full program for the Pardes Festival 2026.
Additional information
Date: September 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Location: Jan Amos Komeński Square
Location: Jan Amos Komeński Square
