Bytom/ Medieval children's graves under the main entrance to the church

Archaeologists have discovered medieval children's graves more than two meters beneath the main entrance to St. Adalbert's Church in Bytom. The city's press office reported that four skeletons were found within.

Further research will determine who was buried there and why, as well as the exact period from which the remains originate.

The archaeological supervisor, Jarosław Święcicki – an archaeologist from the Scientific Association of Polish Archaeologists and the Upper Silesian Museum in Bytom – reported that in the area of the children's graves there were copper and bronze ornaments, ceramics from the 13th or 14th century, as well as a structure made of stone blocks and a layer of burnt remains.

"Detailed anthropological studies and the collected samples of mortar and plaster should give us an answer to the period from which the skeletons come, but also what raw material the stone blocks are made of," said Jarosław Święcicki, quoted in the city hall's press release.

In 2024, during excavations at Klasztorny Square, where St. Adalbert's Church is located, archaeologists discovered, among other things, two skeletons, late Gothic and Renaissance stove tiles, iron nails, and ceramic vessels. In 2025, researchers found, among other things, 14th-century walls and traces of reconstructions of the church dating back to the 15th century.

The brick church of St. Adalbert was built in the mid-15th century, although it acquired its current form – after reconstruction – in the 18th century. It is a Baroque church with a Gothic chancel. Two Baroque statues of St. Peter and St. Paul from the 18th century have been preserved within.

The renovation project includes the facade of the church, chapel, and sacristy, including the maintenance of windows and doors. It also includes the maintenance of the stone floors in the church, chapel, and sacristy, as well as the wooden floors in the choir loft, attic, and tower. Additionally, a lightning protection and fire protection system will be installed, along with a monitoring system with an anti-burglary system.

Nearly PLN 3.4 million was allocated for the church's renovation from the Government Monument Protection Program. Funding from the city hall totals nearly PLN 70,000. (PAP)

Pato/ Teddy bear/

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