The Knights Templar and Holy Grail in Poland

The Knights Templar had a significant presence in Poland and some believe they hid the Holy Grail in that Roman Catholic country.

The Knights Templar arrived in western Poland in the town of Myślibórz around 1238, after land around the town was granted to them by Duke Władysław Odonic (c.1190-1239). This duke followed a policy of strict obedience to the will of the Catholic church and was placed under the direct protection of Pope Innocent III – arguably the most powerful pope in history. As well as supporting the Templars, he also encouraged the Cistercian order to set up monasteries in his realm.

His reign was turbulent and it certainly looks as if he was hoping the Knights Templar would fight on his side in any conflicts with rival nobles even though the order was supposed to avoid involvement in intra-Christian disputes.

Henry I the Bearded and Władysław Odonic, invited the Templars to settle in western Poland to strengthen their power and defend against potential threats, particularly along the Oder river. The Templars established commanderies in areas like Pomerania, Ziemia Lubuska, Greater Poland, and Silesia, including places like Oleśnica Mała, Wielka Wieś, Chwarszczany, Leśnica, Czaplinek, Wałcz, Rurka, and Myślibórz.

Chwarszczany, with its chapel, became a significant center for the Templars in Poland, serving as both a place of worship and a defensive fortification. The chapel is still standing today and is designed to withstand attack. Archaeological excavations in Chwarszczany have revealed crypts and tunnels beneath the chapel, offering insights into the Templars’ presence and activities in the region. 

Some historians believe that somewhere in the West Pomeranian villages of Chwarszczany, Myślibórz or Rurka – the Holy Grail was concealed. At the chapel in Chwarszczany, there are said to be coded references to the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, indicating that the Grail may be buried there. There’s also a story that the Templars sunk their treasure in a lake near the village of Świątki, which has since dried up.

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