St Mary’s Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gdańsk is one of the most impressive buildings in Gdańsk. It is not without reason that it is called the „Crown of Gdańsk”. It is located in the heart of the Old Town and has attracted the attention of visitors from all over the world for centuries. It is a unique sacred building, whose stunning architecture and rich history will certainly interest every visitor to Gdańsk. 

The history of the basilica dates back to the 13th century, when, according to the oldest accounts, the construction of what was originally a small wooden church began, followed by an impressive Gothic temple. Its construction took as long as 159 years. In the following centuries, the basilica was extended and rebuilt several times, which contributed to its present form. It contains elements of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Inside the basilica, it is worth noting the beautiful stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings, which are examples of masterpieces of sacred art. Many of them are works of the highest artistic and historical calibre, created from the late Middle Ages, through the Renaissance, to modern times.

St Mary’s Basilica is also known for many interesting facts. It is the largest brick-built church in Europe and the third largest in the world. It can accommodate up to 20 000 people. There are seven gates leading into the church, and its 'crown’ is made up of 11 towers, with the tallest – measuring 78 meters – the bell tower. From its terrace, visitors can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Old Town and the whole of Gdańsk.

It is undoubtedly one of the most important monuments of Gdańsk, whose excellent location makes it easy to combine sightseeing with other attractions in the city. The history of the Basilica, its architecture and sacred art will delight anyone who decides to visit this magnificent place. If you are looking for a unique experience and want to learn more about the history of Gdansk, St. Mary’s Basilica should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

Guests of Mariacka Residence can, with a cup of aromatic coffee, admire the beauty of this amazing building every morning from the windows of our apartment and photograph it from a perspective not available to others 🙂 And in the evenings, the same windows offer an amazing view of the sun setting over the old town.