St. Catherine's Church

Gdańsk, Poland

St Catherine's Church is the oldest church in Gdańsk. The first record dates from 1185, when Prince Sobieslaw I built a wooden church. It was replaced with a stone church in 1227-1239. St. Catherine’s church evolved over centuries and only reached its final shape in the mid-15th century. It was a Protestant church from 1545 until 1945, after which it became a Roman Catholic church. There are several magnificent details in the church, like Anton Möller’s triptych painted in 1563-1611.

The tower was destroyed in 1945 in World War II, but rebuilt again in the following decades. Today the church hosts a Tower Clock Museum.

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Address

Katarzynki, Gdańsk, Poland
See all sites in Gdańsk

Details

Founded: 1227-1239
Category: Religious sites in Poland

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

adrian m (Minimogul) (2 years ago)
Just a quick note to say that this church appeared to be closed at 12pm noon on a Saturday (December 2021). Not sure if this was due to Covid or construction or what, but wanted to offer a heads up for anyone making a special trip. St Bridget’s church (just around the corner…with the world’s largest amber altar) WAS open, however.
Thomas Riseng Nygaard (2 years ago)
Beautiful Church, free entrance??
Difora (2 years ago)
Paid for ticket to see the view from the tower. When we climbed to the top they closed the door saying that the weather is bad, even the weather was okay, no strong wind, just light rain. After talking with the workers they didn't seem to care, tried to play it off.
Piotr Krella (2 years ago)
Don't miss this great church when you are in Gdańsk. Por supesto una iglesia de visitar
Mirek Zabski (3 years ago)
A.D 1239. Dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of scientists, ordinary people and Cyprus island. Delightful brick gothic architecture. The tower is 249 ft tall. An interesting historical site. Worth visiting. Inside you will see fantastic oil painting images by Flemish painter Isaak van den Blocke and german painter Anton Möller. There is Museum of Turret Clocks as well. St. Catherine’s church houses Johann Hewelcke tombstone, who was a great astronomer and former mayor of Gdansk. Outside the church, you will be able to enjoy the unmistakable sounds of the carillon consisting of 50 bells. I visited St. Catherine’s church in September 2015. My best recommendations to visit.
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