Kolbatz and its monastic heritage

Kolbatz (Kołbacz) is a destination for anyone looking to combine a stay with a specific cultural and historical theme. The former Cistercian monastery, the church, other buildings and the museum offer several perspectives on this heritage. There is also a cycling route connecting Kołbacz with Stare Czarnowo and Szczecin. When planning your trip, you can decide whether architecture and the museum, or cycling too, will shape your stay.

A protected monastic complex

The former Cistercian monastery complex in Kołbacz was declared a Monument of History by an ordinance of the President of the Republic of Poland dated 3 July 2014. The protected area is designated “Kołbacz – complex of the former Cistercian monastery, the later summer residence of the Pomeranian dukes, and the state estate”. The area also includes the church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The official designation thus brings together different chapters in the history of the place: the former monastery, the later ducal summer residence and the state estate.

Romanesque, Gothic and later uses

The protected Cistercian complex is an outstanding example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. Its features include innovative architectural solutions and high-quality building details. One particular point of interest is the main nave of the church: it has a unique timber structure and was converted into a granary in the 16th century. The unusual rose window is another distinctive architectural feature of the Romanesque-Gothic brick church.

Other buildings complete the picture of the complex. The Abbot’s House and the defensive tower both date from the 14th century. The Gothic wing was inhabited by members of the order in earlier centuries. These buildings represent different functions and periods within the monastic heritage; together with the church and granary, they highlight the architectural variety of the place.

Museum and planning your visit

The Muzeum Dawnego Opactwa Cystersów is housed in the historic granary and the Conversi House. It organizes exhibitions and cultural events showcasing Cistercian heritage and the revitalized former monastic buildings. The museum thus complements the architectural history with a cultural program. If you are interested in the history of the complex, you can make it a focus of your stay.

Those interested in visiting the Muzeum Dawnego Opactwa Cystersów can call Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. These time slots are for telephone inquiries. Confirm the visiting arrangements before you arrive.

Cycling route and tourist trail

There is also a specific option for cycling visitors: cyclists can currently use a 9 km cycling route in the municipality of Stare Czarnowo, connecting Stare Czarnowo, Kołbacz and the city of Szczecin. This route is another consideration for trip planning, alongside the monastery and museum. Kołbacz is also on the tourist trail “Na południe od Szczecina – Szlakiem mapy Lubinusa”.

These two attractions answer different questions when choosing what to do during your stay: the monastic complex offers architectural and cultural interests, while the cycling route connects three named places. You can therefore decide whether to focus your stay mainly on the historical heritage or include cycling in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Weltyn, Gryfino, Nawodna, Stare Czarnowo, Nowe Czarnowo, Cedynia, Widuchowa, Steklno.

Go to the main travel overview: Greifenhagen.