St Mary's Church | Gdańsk, Poland | Attractions - Lonely Planet (2024)

Dominating the heart of the Old Town, St Mary’s is often cited as the largest brick church in the world, its massive 78m-high tower dominating the Gdańsk cityscape. Begun in 1343, the building reached its present proportions in 1502. The high altar has a Gothic polyptych from the 1510s, with the Coronation of the Virgin depicted in its central panel. Don't miss the 15th-century astronomical clock in the northern transept, and the church tower (a climb of 405 steps).

The church’s elephantine size is arresting and you feel even more antlike when you enter the building. Illuminated with natural light passing through 37 large windows, the three-naved interior, topped by an intricate Gothic vault, is bright and spacious. It was originally covered with frescoes, the sparse remains of which are visible in the far right corner.

At first sight, the interior of the church looks almost empty, but walk around its 30-odd chapels to discover how many outstanding works of art have been accumulated. In the floor alone, there are about 300 grave slabs. In the chapel at the back of the northern aisle is a replica of Memling’s The Last Judgment – the original is in the National Museum’s Department of Early Art.

The most recent addition is the simple shrine to Paweł Adamowicz, the Gdańsk mayor who was stabbed to death at a charity event in 2019. The shrine contains his ashes.

St Mary's Church | Gdańsk, Poland | Attractions - Lonely Planet (2024)

FAQs

Is Gdansk, Poland worth visiting? ›

Gdańsk is without doubt worth a visit! This beautiful city on Poland's Baltic Coast seamlessly weaves together centuries of history, striking architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

What is the history of St Mary's Basilica Krakow? ›

History. According to chronicler Jan Długosz, Saint Mary's Basilica in the Main Square in Kraków was founded in 1221–22 by the Bishop of Kraków, Iwo Odrowąż. The building was destroyed during the Mongol invasion of Poland. Between 1290 and 1300 the new early Gothic church was built on the remaining foundations.

What to do in Gdansk, May? ›

Gdańsk is a real treasure trove of historical monuments.

May long weekend is a perfect time to visit the Main and Old Town with its picturesque tenement houses, churches and town hall. Don't forget to visit St. Mary's Basilica or St. Brigid with an amber altar.

How many days in Gdansk is enough? ›

Three days in Gdansk allow you to explore the city thoroughly, taking in Old Town, the shipyards, its Tri-City neighbors of Gdynia and Sopot, and plenty of food and drink. Besides Malbork Castle, you can head into the country, cruising the Elblag Canal, exploring unspoiled Kashbuia, or touring World War II sites.

What is the most beautiful part of Poland? ›

Here they are:
  1. Morskie Oko in the Tatras. Morskie Oko is one of the most popular places in the Tatra Mountains and a must-see on the tourist map of Zakopane. ...
  2. Moving dunes near Łeba on the Baltic Sea. ...
  3. Cave “Raj” ...
  4. The gorge of the Dunaje. ...
  5. Ojców National Park. ...
  6. Białowieża Primeval Forest. ...
  7. The Land of the Great Masurian Lakes.

What food is Gdańsk known for? ›

From pierogi, a traditional Polish dumpling stuffed with meat, potatoes, or cheese, to kaszanka, a sausage made with buckwheat and pork, there are plenty of delicious dishes to try in Gdansk. The city is also known for its fresh seafood, especially herring, which is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

How far is Gdańsk from Ukraine border? ›

However, there are services departing from Gdansk Glowny and arriving at Khreshchatyk via Warszawa Wschodnia and Vokzalna. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 21h 3m. How far is it from Gdańsk to Ukraine? The distance between Gdańsk and Ukraine is 749 km.

Which is better Gdańsk or Wroclaw? ›

Both have beautiful old towns. Both were largely destroyed (70% were ruins) during WW2 and rebuilt after the war. The main difference is Wrocław is an inland city, located at Odra river, while Gdańsk is located at the sea coast, making it a popular summer destination.

Is Gdańsk or Warsaw better? ›

Both cities are beautiful and offer different experiences. Gdansk is a port side city near the Baltic Sea with sandy beaches and a charming Old Town to explore. Warsaw is a biggest Modern city with Nightlife, shopping malls and lots of History.

Which is better Gdańsk or Wrocław? ›

Both have beautiful old towns. Both were largely destroyed (70% were ruins) during WW2 and rebuilt after the war. The main difference is Wrocław is an inland city, located at Odra river, while Gdańsk is located at the sea coast, making it a popular summer destination.

Why do people visit Gdańsk? ›

More than a million tourists visit Gdańsk every year. Baltic beaches, charming taverns, atmospheric streets of the old town, as well as breathtaking history – all of that makes tourists from all over the world eager to come back to Gdańsk. Explore cities with Flex To Go – the Gdańsk travel guide.

Is Gdańsk expensive for tourists? ›

If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation. Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Gdansk is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Europe for its affordability.

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