Field Cathedral of the Polish Army, Warsaw
The Field Cathedral of the Polish Army stands as one of Poland's most renowned cathedrals, drawing visitors from both local communities and around the world. Situated across from Krasinski Square near the old town, this garrison church serves as a focal point for various military religious ceremonies.
The front of the church features a large tympanum with a sculpture of the Holy Mary, flanked by two low towers. Stone tablets beside the entrance honor historic Polish military units, and symbols of the armed forces (an anchor and propeller) are present. Inside, symbolic paintings depict famous Polish battles and uprisings, while a bronze gate showcases additional battles.
Originally constructed in the 17th to 18th centuries for the Piarist friars, the cathedral took on a different role during the tumultuous years of World War I. Following the Russian departure from Warsaw in 1915, the church transformed into a German army depot, remaining under their control for a number of years.
It wasn't until 1918, when Poland regained its independence, that efforts began to restore the cathedral to its former grandeur, a process that continued from 1923 to 1927. Oskar Sosnowski played a pivotal role in this restoration, drawing inspiration from 17th-century architectural designs.
Tragically, during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, the cathedral suffered extensive damage at the hands of the Luftwaffe. However, between 1946 and 1960, a dedicated team of architects led by Leon Marek Suzin meticulously reconstructed and restored the cathedral to its present state.
Today, the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army stands as a significant historical and religious site in Warsaw, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the city.
The front of the church features a large tympanum with a sculpture of the Holy Mary, flanked by two low towers. Stone tablets beside the entrance honor historic Polish military units, and symbols of the armed forces (an anchor and propeller) are present. Inside, symbolic paintings depict famous Polish battles and uprisings, while a bronze gate showcases additional battles.
Originally constructed in the 17th to 18th centuries for the Piarist friars, the cathedral took on a different role during the tumultuous years of World War I. Following the Russian departure from Warsaw in 1915, the church transformed into a German army depot, remaining under their control for a number of years.
It wasn't until 1918, when Poland regained its independence, that efforts began to restore the cathedral to its former grandeur, a process that continued from 1923 to 1927. Oskar Sosnowski played a pivotal role in this restoration, drawing inspiration from 17th-century architectural designs.
Tragically, during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, the cathedral suffered extensive damage at the hands of the Luftwaffe. However, between 1946 and 1960, a dedicated team of architects led by Leon Marek Suzin meticulously reconstructed and restored the cathedral to its present state.
Today, the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army stands as a significant historical and religious site in Warsaw, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the city.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Warsaw. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Field Cathedral of the Polish Army on Map
Sight Name: Field Cathedral of the Polish Army
Sight Location: Warsaw, Poland (See walking tours in Warsaw)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Warsaw, Poland (See walking tours in Warsaw)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Warsaw, Poland
Create Your Own Walk in Warsaw
Creating your own self-guided walk in Warsaw is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Praga District Walking Tour
Praga 鈥� not to be confused with the neighboring Czech Republic's capital city 鈥� is an old, yet vibrant district on the eastern bank of the Vistula River in Warsaw. For many years overshadowed by its more famous counterpart, Warsaw's Old Town, the area used to be off-limits for Western travelers due to its high crime rate. Recently, however, thanks to the lavish influx of investment,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Warsaw's Historical Churches
Given that Poland is one of the most religious countries in Europe 鈥� with Roman Catholicism being the dominant faith here since the Baptism of Poland in 966, 鈥� it is not at all surprising that Warsaw is home to many centuries-old churches and cathedrals. While reflecting the city's deep-rooted religious and cultural heritage, some of these historical temples are also magnificent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Jewish Warsaw Walking Tour
Once abundant, the Jewish population of Warsaw has left a profound mark on the city. Nowadays, walking along the peaceful streets of Poland's capital it is hard to imagine that thousands of Jews were once herded here and forced into cattle cars to meet their end in the Nazi concentration camps during World War II.
At the heart of this tragic chapter in Warsaw's Jewish history lies the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
At the heart of this tragic chapter in Warsaw's Jewish history lies the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Warsaw Introduction Walking Tour
Warsaw rose to prominence when King Sigismund III moved the nation鈥檚 capital from Krakow in the 16th century. The city was widely known as the 鈥淧aris of the North鈥� thanks to the beautiful boulevards lined with grand architecture. The center of the city is called Old Town, and it has many historic buildings like the Royal Castle on Castle Square and the Presidential Palace. Old Town is a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Monuments and Statues
The capital city of a proud nation such as Poland, Warsaw is abundant with monuments of various sorts, dedicated to celebrated personalities and those who made a mark in the history of the country.
Some of these landmarks serve as reminders of the city's resilience and the enduring spirit of its people. Among them are the Jan Kili艅ski Monument commemorating a hero of the 1794 Kosciuszko... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Some of these landmarks serve as reminders of the city's resilience and the enduring spirit of its people. Among them are the Jan Kili艅ski Monument commemorating a hero of the 1794 Kosciuszko... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Distinctively Polish Things to Buy in Warsaw
A country with a great deal of taste and turbulent history, Poland has a lot to offer those with the eyes to see and mouth to savor. And Warsaw is, perhaps, the best place to find all things Polish brought together. Here's the list of the most distinctive Polish goods, caringly drawn by a...