Gdansk - Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
The brick jewel of Gdańsk
The main cathedral of Gdańsk is formally called the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but no one in the local area calls it anything other than „Marian Basilica“. It is built in the style of so-called brick Gothic. According to the total volume of the building, it ranks second among the largest brick cathedrals in the world, after the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna.
The first brick church was built on this site in 1343. The basilica was completed in its more or less present form in 1496.
Between 1536 and 1572, the church served Lutherans and Catholics simultaneously, from the end of the 16th century until 1945 it was purely Lutheran, and from 1946 to the present day it has been Catholic.
Huge building
The cathedral itself is huge and has three naves inside. It is 105 meters long and 66 meters wide. The main tower rises to a height of 82 meters and is open to the public. The basilica can accommodate up to 25,000 people.
The interior will impress you with its very austerely decorated white high walls and a beautiful Gothic-Renaissance altar. Inside, it will surprise you with its relatively austere interior.
Steeple
For a fee, you can climb about 400 steps to the church tower and enjoy a view of the city.
The Gdańsk Cathedral is open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The tower observation deck is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Interior
Once you pass through the simple Gothic portal, you will find yourself in an incredibly light and airy interior. Despite the damage suffered during World War II and subsequent restoration, the basilica has preserved a number of priceless artifacts.
Astronomical Clock (Zegar Astronomiczny)
One of the main attractions is the astronomical clock, unconventionally located inside the basilica and not outside, as is customary with astronomical clocks.
The giant clock was created between 1464 and 1470 by Hans Düringer. This clock, over 14 meters high, is a fascinating example of medieval technology and art, showing not only the time, but also the calendar, the phases of the moon and the positions of celestial bodies.
The main altar (Ołtarz Główny)
An impressive Gothic work from 1517 that dominates the presbytery. It depicts the Coronation of the Virgin Mary and is a masterful example of medieval carving. Interestingly, the altar is collapsible, allowing for different depictions according to the liturgical season.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The chapel was founded in 1424. It is dominated by the altar of St. Adrian from 1520 and statues of Jesus and Moses from 1765.
Baptismal font
The 16th-century baptistery was severely damaged during the war. It now houses a reconstructed work containing parts of the original baptistery.
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