The Royal Chapel, Gdansk
The Royal Chapel in Gdansk is an architectural and historical landmark located on the street of the Holy Spirit, adjacent to the Basilica of the Virgin Mary. This chapel, unique for its Baroque style, was founded in part by Polish King Jan III Sobieski with contributions from Primate Andrzej Olszewski. Constructed between 1678 and 1681, the Royal Chapel's inception was intertwined with the resolution of a longstanding religious conflict in Gdansk.
Before the Royal Chapel was established, both Lutherans and Catholics shared the Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary for their religious services. Catholics used the main altar, and Protestants used the altar of Saint Nicholas. However, in the late 16th century, Lutherans expelled Catholics from the basilica, forcing Catholics to use the Plebania of the Holy Mother of God, a parish house adorned with the Ferber family's coat of arms and built between 1517 and 1518. The Royal Chapel was created as a solution, providing Gdansk Catholics with their dedicated place of worship.
The chapel's construction involved the demolition of five houses on Saint Spirit Street. It was designed by architect Tillmann von Gameren, while Andreas Schluter Jr. was responsible for the interior work. The interior of the chapel was beautifully adorned with stucco flower garlands, the emblem of Poland, the coat of arms of the Chase, and the symbol of the Sobieski royal family.
Despite its historical significance, the Royal Chapel suffered partial destruction during the tumultuous events of the 20th century. It sustained damage to its western wall due to a shell, and much of its church furniture and utensils were irretrievably lost. However, during restoration efforts, it was discovered that the valuable 19th-century paintings on the vault were remarkably well-preserved. The chapel was successfully restored and reopened to the public in 1948, showcasing its original grandeur and continuing to serve as a testament to the rich religious and cultural history of Gdansk.
Before the Royal Chapel was established, both Lutherans and Catholics shared the Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary for their religious services. Catholics used the main altar, and Protestants used the altar of Saint Nicholas. However, in the late 16th century, Lutherans expelled Catholics from the basilica, forcing Catholics to use the Plebania of the Holy Mother of God, a parish house adorned with the Ferber family's coat of arms and built between 1517 and 1518. The Royal Chapel was created as a solution, providing Gdansk Catholics with their dedicated place of worship.
The chapel's construction involved the demolition of five houses on Saint Spirit Street. It was designed by architect Tillmann von Gameren, while Andreas Schluter Jr. was responsible for the interior work. The interior of the chapel was beautifully adorned with stucco flower garlands, the emblem of Poland, the coat of arms of the Chase, and the symbol of the Sobieski royal family.
Despite its historical significance, the Royal Chapel suffered partial destruction during the tumultuous events of the 20th century. It sustained damage to its western wall due to a shell, and much of its church furniture and utensils were irretrievably lost. However, during restoration efforts, it was discovered that the valuable 19th-century paintings on the vault were remarkably well-preserved. The chapel was successfully restored and reopened to the public in 1948, showcasing its original grandeur and continuing to serve as a testament to the rich religious and cultural history of Gdansk.
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The Royal Chapel on Map
Sight Name: The Royal Chapel
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.
Solidarity Union Walking Tour
For decades, the word 'Solidarity' (Polish: Solidarno艣膰) 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
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
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