St. John's Church, Gdansk
Saint John's Church, constructed in the 14th century, is a significant example of Gothic ecclesiastical architecture in Gdańsk. The church was heavily damaged in World War II and underwent reconstruction in the 1950s and 1980s. Initially serving as a religious site, the church's function transformed over the years. After the war, it remained unused until 1991 when the Gdansk Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church acquired it from the State Treasury.
In 1995, a pivotal change occurred when The Baltic Sea Cultural Centre, through an agreement with the Archdiocese of Gdansk, took over the administration of Saint John's Church. This led to the establishment of the Renovation of Saint John’s Office, initiating a series of works that revitalized the church. Today, Saint John's Church is not only a historic monument but also a bustling International Culture Centre.
The church's architectural design is quintessentially Gothic, characteristic of Gdańsk's ecclesiastical structures built during the 14th and 15th centuries. It boasts a hall layout with a transept and is noted for its massive structure, including interior buttresses and a tall tower in the western section. Historically, it was the second parish church in Main Town, rivaling Saint Mary's Church in its lavish interior decorations.
Despite the damages it suffered, Saint John's Church retains many original artworks. Among these is the stone main altar, a masterpiece crafted by Abraham van den Block, showcasing the artistic richness of the church.
As a contemporary cultural hub, Saint John's Church now hosts a variety of cultural events, such as exhibitions, concerts, festivals, film screenings, and more. The integration of high-tech equipment allows for a broad range of cultural activities, enhancing the visitor experience and blending tradition with modernity.
In 1995, a pivotal change occurred when The Baltic Sea Cultural Centre, through an agreement with the Archdiocese of Gdansk, took over the administration of Saint John's Church. This led to the establishment of the Renovation of Saint John’s Office, initiating a series of works that revitalized the church. Today, Saint John's Church is not only a historic monument but also a bustling International Culture Centre.
The church's architectural design is quintessentially Gothic, characteristic of Gdańsk's ecclesiastical structures built during the 14th and 15th centuries. It boasts a hall layout with a transept and is noted for its massive structure, including interior buttresses and a tall tower in the western section. Historically, it was the second parish church in Main Town, rivaling Saint Mary's Church in its lavish interior decorations.
Despite the damages it suffered, Saint John's Church retains many original artworks. Among these is the stone main altar, a masterpiece crafted by Abraham van den Block, showcasing the artistic richness of the church.
As a contemporary cultural hub, Saint John's Church now hosts a variety of cultural events, such as exhibitions, concerts, festivals, film screenings, and more. The integration of high-tech equipment allows for a broad range of cultural activities, enhancing the visitor experience and blending tradition with modernity.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Gdansk. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: 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.
St. John's Church on Map
Sight Name: St. John's Church
Sight Location: Gdansk, Poland (See walking tours in Gdansk)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Gdansk, Poland (See walking tours in Gdansk)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Gdansk, Poland
Create Your Own Walk in Gdansk
Creating your own self-guided walk in Gdansk 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.
Gdansk Introduction Walking Tour
The most probable source for the name, "Gdansk" seems to be "Gdania", the ancient name of the river Motlawa. Gdansk began with agriculture and fishing and trade with Pomerania in the 9th century. It was annexed by Mieszko, Duke of Poland, in 975.
The center of town was the Long Market, with its craftsmen. German merchant settlements grew by St Nicholas Church. Gdansk joined... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The center of town was the Long Market, with its craftsmen. German merchant settlements grew by St Nicholas Church. Gdansk joined... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Gdansk's Historical Churches Tour
Gdansk has a long history of Catholicism, hence the abundance of spectacular churches here. Let's delve into some of the most impressive temples that grace the cityscape and see what they are.
Saint John's Church, a Gothic masterpiece, stands tall in the heart of Gdansk. It dates back to the 14th century and features impressive brickwork and intricate details. Its towering spire is a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Saint John's Church, a Gothic masterpiece, stands tall in the heart of Gdansk. It dates back to the 14th century and features impressive brickwork and intricate details. Its towering spire is a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Solidarity Union Walking Tour
For decades, the word 'Solidarity' (Polish: Solidarność) has been synonymous with the city of Gdansk. The peaceful Solidarity revolution, started here in the August of 1980, marked the outset of the fall of communism not only in Poland but also throughout Eastern Europe.
Stemmed from the country's first free labor union born out of strikes at the Lenin Shipyard (now the Gdansk... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Stemmed from the country's first free labor union born out of strikes at the Lenin Shipyard (now the Gdansk... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles