Katedra Wroclawska (Wroclaw Cathedral), Wroclaw
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Wroc艂aw serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Wroc艂aw and an iconic symbol of the city in Poland. Located in the historic Cathedral Island district, this cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture with later Neo-Gothic additions, marking the fourth church to grace this hallowed site.
The cathedral, along with the Old Town of Wroc艂aw, has been rightly honored as a Historic Monument of Poland. Its rich history traces back to the mid-10th century when the first church was erected during the P艡emyslid rule, characterized by its fieldstone construction featuring a single nave, a distinctive transept, and an apse, stretching about 25 meters (82 feet) in length. This initial structure was, however, succeeded by a more substantial basilical church with three naves, crypt, and eastern towers, following the Polish conquest of Silesia and the establishment of the Wroc艂aw diocese under Duke Boles艂aw I Chrobry in 1000.
The ravages of time and historical events took their toll, leading to the destruction of the first cathedral, possibly during the invasion of Duke Bretislaus of Bohemia around 1039. In its stead, a grand Romanesque-style church was erected during Duke Casimir I's era. Subsequent to the conclusion of the first Mongol invasion of Poland, the cathedral underwent significant reconstruction in the prevailing Brick Gothic style that endures today.
Notably, the cathedral's interior boasts several chapels of profound historical and artistic significance. The Chapel of Saint Elizabeth, located in the southern section, was constructed between 1682 and 1700 as a mausoleum for Bishop Frederick of Hesse-Darmstadt. This sacred space is dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a venerated figure in Wroc艂aw's medieval history.
Another prominent feature is the Gothic Marian Chapel, found just behind the choir, constructed by architect Peschel on the orders of Bishop Przec艂aw of Pogorzela between 1354 and 1365. It houses not only the tomb of its founder but also that of Bishop Johann IV Roth, a masterpiece crafted by Peter Fischer the Elder of Nuremberg. To the north, the Baroque Elector's Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Corpus Christi, was built from 1716 to 1724. This chapel serves as the mausoleum of Bishop Count Palatine Francis Louis of Neuburg and showcases exquisite decorative paintings by Carlo Carlone and sculptures by Ferdinand Brokoff.
One of the cathedral's crowning achievements is its magnificent pipe organ, the largest in Poland. This awe-inspiring instrument was crafted in 1913 by E.F. Walcker & Sons of Ludwigsburg, Baden-W眉rttemberg, Germany, and was initially installed in the Centennial Hall, formerly the world's largest organ.
The cathedral, along with the Old Town of Wroc艂aw, has been rightly honored as a Historic Monument of Poland. Its rich history traces back to the mid-10th century when the first church was erected during the P艡emyslid rule, characterized by its fieldstone construction featuring a single nave, a distinctive transept, and an apse, stretching about 25 meters (82 feet) in length. This initial structure was, however, succeeded by a more substantial basilical church with three naves, crypt, and eastern towers, following the Polish conquest of Silesia and the establishment of the Wroc艂aw diocese under Duke Boles艂aw I Chrobry in 1000.
The ravages of time and historical events took their toll, leading to the destruction of the first cathedral, possibly during the invasion of Duke Bretislaus of Bohemia around 1039. In its stead, a grand Romanesque-style church was erected during Duke Casimir I's era. Subsequent to the conclusion of the first Mongol invasion of Poland, the cathedral underwent significant reconstruction in the prevailing Brick Gothic style that endures today.
Notably, the cathedral's interior boasts several chapels of profound historical and artistic significance. The Chapel of Saint Elizabeth, located in the southern section, was constructed between 1682 and 1700 as a mausoleum for Bishop Frederick of Hesse-Darmstadt. This sacred space is dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a venerated figure in Wroc艂aw's medieval history.
Another prominent feature is the Gothic Marian Chapel, found just behind the choir, constructed by architect Peschel on the orders of Bishop Przec艂aw of Pogorzela between 1354 and 1365. It houses not only the tomb of its founder but also that of Bishop Johann IV Roth, a masterpiece crafted by Peter Fischer the Elder of Nuremberg. To the north, the Baroque Elector's Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Corpus Christi, was built from 1716 to 1724. This chapel serves as the mausoleum of Bishop Count Palatine Francis Louis of Neuburg and showcases exquisite decorative paintings by Carlo Carlone and sculptures by Ferdinand Brokoff.
One of the cathedral's crowning achievements is its magnificent pipe organ, the largest in Poland. This awe-inspiring instrument was crafted in 1913 by E.F. Walcker & Sons of Ludwigsburg, Baden-W眉rttemberg, Germany, and was initially installed in the Centennial Hall, formerly the world's largest organ.
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Katedra Wroclawska (Wroclaw Cathedral) on Map
Sight Name: Katedra Wroclawska (Wroclaw Cathedral)
Sight Location: Wroclaw, Poland (See walking tours in Wroclaw)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Wroclaw, Poland (See walking tours in Wroclaw)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Wroclaw, Poland
Create Your Own Walk in Wroclaw
Creating your own self-guided walk in Wroclaw 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.
Wroclaw Introduction Walking Tour
Wroclaw, the capital of Poland鈥檚 Lower Silesia province, is a travel gem for wandering hearts. Steeped in over 1,000 years of history and a vibrant blend of Polish, German, and other cultural influences, it could easily compete for the title of the most beautiful city in Europe.
The area around Wroclaw was inhabited as early as the 9th century by Slavic tribes. The town was originally part of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The area around Wroclaw was inhabited as early as the 9th century by Slavic tribes. The town was originally part of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Cathedral Island Walking Tour
Cathedral Island, known as "Ostr贸w Tumski" in Polish, is a historic and enchanting district in the heart of Wroclaw. This picturesque island, nestled amid the Oder River, is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural wonders that date back centuries.
Begin your journey by crossing the iconic Tumski Bridge. It's not just a pathway but a symbol of love, as couples often attach... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
Begin your journey by crossing the iconic Tumski Bridge. It's not just a pathway but a symbol of love, as couples often attach... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles