Co-Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gdańsk, Poland Verified listing

Co-Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gdańsk, Poland

St. Mary’s Basilica, officially called the Co-Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, stands in Gdańsk’s Main Town. People often call it the "Crown of Gdańsk." From 1572 to 1945, it served both Catholic and Evangelical communities. Since 1986, it has acted as the co-cathedral of the Diocese of Gdańsk. Moreover, in 1992, the diocese became an archdiocese, highlighting the church’s growing importance. The basilica honors the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It sits on a square bordered by Piwna, Chlebnicka, and Holy Spirit Streets. Furthermore, Mariacka Street connects the church directly to the Motława River, making the church easy to reach for visitors and worshippers alike.

In addition, the basilica ranks as the third-largest brick church in the world by volume. Its silhouette features a massive western bell tower and slender turrets at the corners. Together, these elements shape Gdańsk’s skyline. Builders constructed the church between 1346 and 1502. As a result, it reflects Brick Gothic style, common in the Baltic Sea region. Despite its turbulent history, the church maintains its original architectural form. Indeed, iconography from the 16th century confirms its rich artistic heritage. Inside, visitors find medieval artworks like the Altar of the Coronation of the Virgin, the Beautiful Madonna of Gdańsk, and the Pietà. Additionally, the altar of St. Barbara, the Tablet of the Ten Commandments, and an astronomical clock impress visitors. Moreover, paintings and epitaphs from the 16th to 18th centuries decorate the interior, blending history and art into a unique spiritual and cultural space.

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