St. Bridget Basilica

St. Bridget's Basilica, located in Gdańsk, is an extraordinary example of Gothic architecture with deep historical and cultural significance. According to historical sources, around 1350, a brick chapel of penitents dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene existed to the east of St. Catherine's Church. Many years later, it was expanded and then incorporated into the body of the monastery church. In 1374, on its way from Rome to Vadstena in Sweden, a funeral procession with the mortal remains of the founder of the Order of the Most Holy Savior stopped in Gdańsk. The residents of Gdańsk paid deep tribute to the deceased Bridget of Sweden, whose sarcophagus with relics was placed in the chapel of penitents, where they rested for about two weeks. In 1390, the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights decided to attempt to transform the association of Gdańsk penitents into a regular monastery of the Most Holy Savior. The 15th and 16th centuries were basically the time of the monastery's heyday.

In 1945, as a result of the devastation caused by the Soviet army, St. Bridget's Church was seriously damaged. It was not until 1970 that the church community regained the temple. It was rebuilt over 10 years of intensive work. The church and parish, due to their proximity to the Gdańsk Shipyard, are associated with the NSZZ Solidarność trade union. Throughout the fight for the nation's freedom, prayers for the homeland were held within the walls of the church. Not only shipyard and port workers came here, but also leaders of European and world countries, including Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Margaret Thatcher, President Wizecker. In 1992, Pope John Paul II gave the church the title of Basilica. It is a world-famous Bastion of Freedom and Solidarity, a symbol of resilience and faith. St. Bridget's Basilica Bridget is not only a historical monument, but also a living testimony to the spiritual heritage and cultural identity of Gdańsk and the entire Pomerania region.

The Basilica is one of the most interesting places in Gdańsk – the world capital of amber. Tourists are attracted by the only “Amber Altar of the Homeland” in the world, which has been under construction since 2000, as well as the “Crypt of Skulls”, an amber monstrance and many commemorative reliefs and plaques telling the story of the fight for Poland's independence.

Read More