Once part of a settlement called Grodzisko, a complex of fortifications outside of Gdańsk's main city walls, the Bożego Ciała (Corpus Christi) Church is one of the oldest remaining houses of worship in the city. Dating from the early part of the 14th century, the church w [...]

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Often overlooked because of its gargantuan neighbour, St. Mary's Church, this little baroque beauty was built in accordance with the will of the Primate of Poland in 1681 for the city's Catholic minority. Its richly decorated exterior will remain out of reach to most on account of renovations that [...]

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Best known as a sanctuary for the leaders of Solidarność under martial law, St. Bridget's Church was almost completely destroyed during WWII. It was reconstructed in 1973, based on an original plan dating from 1394-1420. The church was founded as a place of worship for members of St. Bridget's Order. Legend has it that the saint was laid out in the church for a few days after her death. Today it is an impressive and at the same time simple place of worship. Decorating the walls are numerous memorials to various conflicts including the Soviet massacre of Polish officers at Katyn as well as crosses used during the Solidarność strikes. Particularly poignant is the small shrine to Father Jerzy Popieluszko, the chaplain of Solidarność who was murdered by secret police in 1984. There is also a small display of religious artifacts including an impressive amber sculpture called the ‘Tree of Life’. Formerly the parish of controversial priest Father Henryk Jankowski, the church was granted the title of Lesser Basilica by the Pope in 1991. Worth dropping by, not least to check on the progress of the new altar - work to add a two and half ton altar carved exclusively from amber had stalled at press time due to a lack of aforementioned material, though an amber Mary and an eagle and crown have come to fruition.
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This red-brick church close to the Scandic and train station has by religious standards quite an ordinary history. Originally built in the late 15th century as a church and monastery in the name of The Mother of God the Most Holy Virgin and Sts Elijah & Elisha, it was destroyed during religious fighting in the 1670s. The monks were then evicted in 1835 and it became the parish church of St. Joesph in 1840. It is in 1945 that the most tragic chapter of the church's history was written. The Red Army having taken the city locked the doors of the church trapping around 100 people who were taking shelter inside and proceeded to burn the building killing all those inside. With the war over, the church was rebuilt as a church for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and serves the Catholic community today. Note this is very much a functioning church, and as such it's open on Sunday but only for those wishing to attend mass. If that's not your cup of tea then you'll have to make do with visiting the chapel, open daily from 07:30 to 18:00 (Please remain quiet when visiting).
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St. Mary's in the Old Town is believed to be the largest brick church in the world, though frankly right now it looks like the largest scaffolding construction in the world. The interior vault supports 37 windows, over 300 tombstones and 31 chapels. It can hold up to 25,000 people, which was useful during the period of martial law between 1981 and 1983 when members of the Solidarity movement sought refuge here. The church can be accessed through seven gates with intriguing names like the Purse Maker's Door. Interestingly, the sculptor who carved the crucifix of Christ nailed his errant son-in-law to a cross so as to add realism to his work. St. Mary's was seriously damaged during WWII and the original frescoes have since been whitewashed, which far from leaving an impression of stark emptiness bring out the best in the relics throughout and creating a marvellous feeling. Of note is the enormous astronomical clock dating from 1464. Its complex dials show the time and date, phases of the moon, the position of the moon and sun in relation to the zodiac signs, and the calendar of saints. Adam and Eve ring the bell on the hour. According to legend, the clock's creator had his eyes gouged out so he'd never make a clock to better than this one. You'll hear this story about every astronomical clock in Europe, and it makes you wonder why medieval clockmakers ever accepted commissions. The 78 metre tower houses a viewing platform with cracking views of old Gdansk, though you'll find it closed until April 1.
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