Article Gdansk – Oliwa

The Cathedral in Oliwa, officially the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Adalbert in Gdańsk-Oliwa, is one of the most important historical and architectural gems of Poland. For centuries, the cathedral was the spiritual center of the region and the seat of a Cistercian abbey, which played a significant role in the development of Oliwa. A Romanesque church had stood on the site of a former Cistercian monastery since 1186, but the cathedral in its current form was not built until the 14th century. In 1925, the church was elevated to the status of a cathedral, and since 1992 it has served as an archcathedral.

The Oliwa Cathedral impresses with its appearance at first sight. The pure white facade of the typical Gothic style is flanked by two slender brick towers reaching a height of 46 meters.

The history of the cathedral began in the 12th century, when Cistercian monks founded a monastery in Oliwa. The first Romanesque church was built on this site in 1186, but over the centuries it has undergone many reconstructions and extensions, affected by fires and wars. The current appearance of the cathedral is mainly Gothic, with later Baroque and Rococo additions. Its impressive three-aisled basilica boasts the longest nave of any Cistercian church in the world.

The interior of the cathedral is also very valuable. Inside you will find over 20 late Baroque altars, the main one being considered a masterpiece of Pomeranian Baroque.

In addition to the organ, the richly decorated Baroque altars, carvings, and historical tombstones of important figures are also worth seeing. Visitors should not miss a walk around the chapels, each with its own unique story and artistic treatment.

The Abbots' Palace in Oliwia is a large building in the Rococo style. Originally built in the 15th century and gradually expanded, it served as the residence of Cistercian abbots and later Prussian aristocrats. Today it houses the Department of Modern Art of the National Museum in Gdańsk, which presents Polish art of the 19th and 20th centuries,

The adjacent Oliwa Park, covering an area of over 10 hectares, is an ideal place for relaxation and rest. Originally part of a monastery complex, the park was rebuilt in the 18th century in the Baroque French style and later in the English landscape style.
Today, elegant, meticulously maintained gardens combine with romantic nooks, ponds, and alleys. Visitors can stroll along manicured paths, admire a variety of trees and shrubs, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

From Oliwski Park you can walk to the Baltic Sea, specifically to Jelitkowo Beach. Many locals commute here comfortably by tram. The extensive beach is lined with fine sand along with an endless pile of shells. From Jelitkowo you can walk along the beach to the nearby town of Sopot