This temple, popularly known as St Mary’s Church is the largest brick Gothic church in Poland and in Europe. It is situated on Holy Spirit Street in the oldest representative part of Gdansk. The first brick temple, which today is the western wing of the church, was built thanks to the Teutonic Grand Master Rudolf Koenig between 1343 and 1361.

At the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries the church was rebuilt and greatly enlarged. The final shape of the church was achieved over 150 years after initial building work had begun. At this time the side aisles and the stellar vaulted ceiling, the most beautiful in Poland, was added. The dimensions of this temple are very impressive – the nave is 105m long and 66m wide.

The roof is covered with more than 8000m² of red ceramic tiles. The ceiling vaults – net, stellar and crystal vaults are stretched nearly 30m above the floor and are supported by 27 pillars. The church has an area of nearly half a hectare and can hold over 25,000 people. The massive tower, clearly visible on the City’s landscape is around 80m high. In the old days it served an important function but today it is just an observation platform.

St Mary’s Church in Gdansk (woj. Pomorskie)

www.gdansk.pl