The Field Cathedral of the Polish Army is a Roman Catholic church at Długa 13/15, just outside Warsaw’s Old Town and opposite the Heroes of the Warsaw Uprising Monument. Its Baroque interior has stained glass and commemorative plaques honouring Polish soldiers, alongside memorials to those killed in the Katyń massacre. The church was completed in 1701, damaged during World War II and rebuilt by 1960. Come for the military history and a quiet pause between nearby landmarks.
A church shaped by war and change
The church was completed in 1701 and built by the Piarist order. In 1834, Russian authorities took it over and converted it into an Orthodox church. The interior was altered with Orthodox frescoes and a large iconostasis, and onion domes were added to the towers.
After Russian forces left in 1915 and Poland regained independence in 1918, the building became the seat of the field bishop of the Polish Army. Its earlier appearance was restored, but the church was later destroyed during World War II. Reconstruction was completed by 1960.
Memorials and details inside
The church’s military role is visible in its commemorative plaques, which honour Polish soldiers and military units. Memorials also remember those killed in the Katyń massacre. The stained-glass window behind the altar is a key detail to look for, set within the church’s Baroque interior.
The Field Cathedral remains a place of worship for the Polish military and hosts military religious ceremonies. Treat the church as an active sacred space while exploring its history.
Planning a visit
The cathedral stands at Długa 13/15, opposite the Heroes of the Warsaw Uprising Monument and near Warsaw’s Old Town. The two landmarks fit naturally into the same stop, with the cathedral providing a quieter place to look at memorials after visiting the monument.
Access times shown for visitors are limited, and the listed schedule includes only short periods on Wednesday and Thursday. Check the cathedral’s website before setting out. The entrance and parking are listed as wheelchair accessible.
FAQ
Where is the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army?
It is at Długa 13/15 in Warsaw, opposite the Heroes of the Warsaw Uprising Monument and near the Old Town.
What can you see inside the cathedral?
Look for the stained-glass window behind the altar, military commemorative plaques and memorials to those killed in the Katyń massacre.
When can visitors enter?
The listed visitor access periods are Wednesday from 9 to 10 am and Thursday from 4 to 5:30 pm. Check the cathedral’s website before your visit.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and parking are listed as wheelchair accessible.
