The enigmatic aura of the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, also known as the Knights Templar, continues to fascinate generations of historians and adventurers.
TVP World’s Michał Zdanowski journeys into the realm of the Templars in Poland, uncovering the hidden crypts, vanished strongholds and the persistent legends that keep their legacy alive.
As the existence of the Kingdom of Jerusalem was coming to a close and European knights were slowly evacuating their estates in the Holy Land, the Order of the Knights Templar was already a well-established and very rich military order.
Their wealth came mostly from banking operations, trade and agriculture to the point that whole kingdoms, particularly France, were in debt to the Order. Consequently, the Knights Templar were accused by the King of France of heresy and practicing magic and subsequently burned at the stake.
Why the Templars arrived in medieval Poland
As the existence of the Kingdom of Jerusalem was coming to a close and European knights were slowly evacuating their estates in the Holy Land, the Order of the Knights Templar was already a well-established and very rich military order.
Their wealth came mostly from banking operations, trade and agriculture to the point that whole kingdoms, particularly France, were in debt to the Order. Consequently, the Knights Templar were accused by the King of France of heresy and practicing magic and subsequently burned at the stake.
But before all the trials and burning, Templars had to close their Holy Land operations and transfer to Europe, and therefore the Order started to look for new places in European kingdoms where they could establish commanderies.
Accepting invitations from kings and dukes in exchange for land, protection and development of their estates, they soon found their way to Poland, where to this day silent stone witnesses—chapels, commanderies and fortresses—whisper tales of a past where faith, war and mystery intertwined.
Accepting invitations from kings and dukes in exchange for land, protection and development of their estates, they soon found their way to Poland, where to this day silent stone witnesses—chapels, commanderies and fortresses—whisper tales of a past where faith, war and mystery intertwined.
Chwarszczany Chapel: The Templar stronghold in the marshes
The journey through Poland's Templar heritage unfolds like a page from an ancient manuscript.
In the northwestern village of Chwarszczany stands a 13th-century red brick Gothic chapel, the best-preserved Templar structure in Poland
Located on a small elevation surrounded by marshlands, Chwarszczany Chapel, which was originally part of the Templar commandery, was not just a place of worship but a strategic stronghold.
Its fortress-like design, with cylindrical corner towers, gives it a distinctly military character, reinforcing the notion that the Templars were both monks and warriors.
Yet, it is what lies beneath the chapel that truly ignites curiosity. In 2019, archaeologists uncovered crypts under the building, fueling speculation that hidden tunnels and perhaps even long-lost Templar treasures could be buried beneath.
Some even dare to suggest the Holy Grail could be concealed here—a legend that has persisted through centuries of folklore. The chapel’s walls also bear remnants of medieval frescoes from the early 1400s, attributed to the Knights Hospitaller, who took over the site after the Templars' suppression in 1312.
Some even dare to suggest the Holy Grail could be concealed here—a legend that has persisted through centuries of folklore. The chapel’s walls also bear remnants of medieval frescoes from the early 1400s, attributed to the Knights Hospitaller, who took over the site after the Templars' suppression in 1312.
Today, Chwarszczany Chapel stands as a haunting yet beautiful testament to a forgotten age.
Another remarkable Templar site in Poland is the estate of Oleśnica Mała, granted to the order in 1226 by Duke Henryk Brodaty (Henry the Bearded) and his wife, Saint Hedwig of Andechs.
Unlike Chwarszczany, this site was primarily an agricultural estate rather than a military stronghold, but its significance in Templar history is undeniable.
Oleśnica Mała: The Templar estate turned Hospitaller fortress
Another remarkable Templar site in Poland is the estate of Oleśnica Mała, granted to the order in 1226 by Duke Henryk Brodaty (Henry the Bearded) and his wife, Saint Hedwig of Andechs.
Unlike Chwarszczany, this site was primarily an agricultural estate rather than a military stronghold, but its significance in Templar history is undeniable.
The Templar estate of Oleśnica Mała offers a different view into the Order's legacy. Granted to the Templars by Duke Henryk Brodaty in 1226, this estate was not a fortress but a strategic agricultural hub.
Though its military role may not have been as prominent as Chwarszczany, it served as an important base for generating wealth to fund the Templars’ broader European operations.
During the Mongol invasion in 1241, the knights from Oleśnica Mała fought alongside Duke Henry II the Pious at the Battle of Legnica, as their estate was on the path of the invading forces.
Though its military role may not have been as prominent as Chwarszczany, it served as an important base for generating wealth to fund the Templars’ broader European operations.
During the Mongol invasion in 1241, the knights from Oleśnica Mała fought alongside Duke Henry II the Pious at the Battle of Legnica, as their estate was on the path of the invading forces.
After the Templars’ dissolution, the estate was handed over to the Knights Hospitaller, who fortified it and ensured its continued importance through the centuries.
Today, the site allows visitors to imagine the once-thriving estate, where the Order’s financial and logistical operations flourished.
Rurka, in contrast, tells a more tumultuous tale. The commandery here, established in the early 1240s along the Rurzyca River, became a battleground in the late 13th century. The Templars found themselves in conflict with Duke Bogislaw IV of Pomerania, who sought to expel them from his territory.
The conflict culminated in the excommunication of the duke by Pope Nicholas IV, but it did not end the struggles for Rurka.
Today, the site allows visitors to imagine the once-thriving estate, where the Order’s financial and logistical operations flourished.
Rurka Commandery: a battlefield of medieval clashes
Rurka, in contrast, tells a more tumultuous tale. The commandery here, established in the early 1240s along the Rurzyca River, became a battleground in the late 13th century. The Templars found themselves in conflict with Duke Bogislaw IV of Pomerania, who sought to expel them from his territory.
The conflict culminated in the excommunication of the duke by Pope Nicholas IV, but it did not end the struggles for Rurka.
The Knights Hospitaller took over the site after the Templars’ dissolution, but it was attacked in 1373 by the von Wedel family.
The attack left the estate in ruins, and though the Hospitallers attempted to rebuild, the commandery never fully regained its former stature. Eventually, it was abandoned, and by the 19th century, the chapel was repurposed into a distillery.
Today, despite extensive damage, the remains of Rurka’s chapel offer a glimpse into the Templars’ once-thriving presence in Poland.
The attack left the estate in ruins, and though the Hospitallers attempted to rebuild, the commandery never fully regained its former stature. Eventually, it was abandoned, and by the 19th century, the chapel was repurposed into a distillery.
Today, despite extensive damage, the remains of Rurka’s chapel offer a glimpse into the Templars’ once-thriving presence in Poland.
The enduring mystery of the Templars in Poland
The Templar legacy in Poland remains shrouded in mystery. Their chapels and commanderies, though weathered by time, continue to inspire fascination and speculation.
Were these sites merely administrative and economic hubs, or did they serve a greater, more secret purpose? Could the lost treasures of the Templars, hidden relics, or even the Holy Grail itself lie buried beneath these ancient stones?
For those who dare to explore, Poland’s Templar sites offer a journey not only through history but into the unknown.
The legacy of the Knights Templar awaits you in the heart of Poland.
The legacy of the Knights Templar awaits you in the heart of Poland.
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