St Mary's Church, formally the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, sits at the end of Mariacka Street in Gdańsk's Old Town. Built in brick between 1343 and 1502, it is one of the largest brick churches in the world, and its square tower, about 78 metres high, can be seen from across the city. Inside, the vaults are white and the light is soft, a quiet contrast to the heavy exterior. You can see a 15th-century astronomical clock, a Gothic high altar and a wooden pietà, then climb the tower for views over the Old Town rooftops.
Building the basilica, 1343 to 1502
Construction began in 1343 and the church reached its present size in 1502, a span of about 160 years. One source places the first church on this site in the mid-13th century, where a timber chapel stood before. The Gothic building was extended over time, with Flemish-style roof forms added.
The figures explain why the church is so often described as a giant. It is about 105 metres long and 66 metres wide across the transept, and the vaults rise roughly 30 metres. The square tower is about 78 metres high. The structure is brick throughout, and from the narrow streets around it the walls fill the whole view.
The church has also served more than one congregation. Between 1536 and 1572 Catholics and Lutherans used it together, and from the late 16th century until 1945 it was a Lutheran church. It was badly damaged in the Second World War and later restored.
Inside the church
After the dark mass of the exterior, the interior is a surprise: white walls and vaults, with colour from the stained glass. The space is large and airy, and it has been described as plainer than many famous churches, so the interest lies in the individual works.
The high altar has a Gothic polyptych from the 1510s, with the Coronation of the Virgin in the central panel. The wooden astronomical clock dates from the 15th century and stands in the northern transept. Look also for the sculpture of the Madonna of Gdańsk and a wooden pietà. The altarpiece of the Last Judgment attributed to Hans Memling is a copy today. The original came to the church after a Gdańsk privateer, Paul Benecke, seized the ship carrying it.
The church holds over 300 tombstones and 31 chapels, and the Royal Chapel lies on the far side of the basilica. Allow time to walk the aisles slowly, since most of the detail is in the side chapels and monuments.
Climbing the tower
The tower entrance is on the left as you enter the church, and a small fee is charged. Sources count the steps differently, between 400 and about 410, so expect just over 400. The route uses the old stairs and some scaffold-style walkways.
At the top, the platform is small and exposed. The view runs over the Old Town roofs to Gdańsk Bay, and the houses below look like miniatures. If the stairs are too much, the Main Town Hall tower also gives a panorama of the Main City, and from there you can see the scale of St Mary's itself.
Around the church
Mariacka Street leads to the church from the river side. Tall, narrow houses line it, and many of the shops sell amber jewellery. You can also reach the church along Piwna Street, or from Długa Street by a narrow side lane. Because the tower is so tall, it also works as a landmark if you lose your bearings in the Old Town.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for St Mary's Church?
Climbing the tower costs a small fee, and cash is the safer way to pay. For current prices, check the church's own website.
How many steps are there to the top of the tower?
Just over 400. Sources give figures from about 400 to 412, so treat it as a long climb. The platform at the top is small and open to the wind.
How big is St Mary's Church?
It is one of the largest brick churches in the world, about 105 metres long with vaults around 30 metres high. The tower is about 78 metres tall.
What is there to see inside?
The 15th-century astronomical clock, the Gothic high altar from the 1510s, the Madonna of Gdańsk, a wooden pietà and a copy of the Last Judgment altarpiece. There are also over 300 tombstones and 31 chapels.
Is the church wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible. The tower is reached only by stairs.
