With an impressive length of 105 metres and a width of 41 metres, St Mary’s Basilica is one of the largest brick churches in Europe and a proud landmark of Gdansk. Rebuilt after wartime destruction, it now symbolises the city’s reconstruction and resilience. The Co-Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as St Mary’s Church, is the historic parish church of Gdansk’s Main City and is often called the “Crown of Gdansk”. It served first as a Catholic church and then as a Protestant church from 1572 to 1945. Since 1986 it has been a co-cathedral of the Diocese of Gdansk, which became an archdiocese in 1992. St Mary’s is the third-largest brick church in the world. Built between 1346 and 1502, it is an outstanding example of Brick Gothic, a form of Gothic architecture widespread in the Baltic region. Despite its turbulent history, the church has retained its historic architectural form, documented in sixteenth-century iconography and reflected in its rich interior furnishings.
It is believed that an earlier wooden church stood on the site, built by Duke Świętopełk II the Great and mentioned in 1271 alongside other churches in Gdansk, including St Nicholas and St Catherine.
The basilica rises majestically above the historic city centre and impresses visitors with its vast interior. Even the largest choirs have ample space here, while the excellent acoustics carry every voice to the furthest corners of the church. The many visitor groups who come to admire the beauty and history of this venerable building create an atmosphere of admiration and appreciation.
