Oliwa Cathedral

This Holy Trinity, Blessed Virgin Mary, and St Bernard's Church was first erected as a Cistercian shrine back in the 13th century. Reconstructed in 1350 after a great fire, it re-emerged in the Gothic style, but many of the new fixtures were to be relatively short lived. The Gothic interior was extremely damaged in a 1577 fire and was replaced with the Baroque fixtures we admire today for their beauty and intensity. Structurally, the cathedral is a triple-aisle, vaulted basilica built on the plan of the Latin cross. The Oliwa Cathedral is perhaps best known for its massive, yet splendid organ. The organ is comprised of over 7,000 pipes and is decorated with movable angels and brightly painted stars. When built, the instrument was the largest in Europe. The main alter is also very impressive, but if the organ is in use, you're sure to be riveted by its magnificent sound!

"My visit to this church was just so breathaking... I was visiting thil wonderful place in september 2008.It was my great wonderful polish friends who invited my to Gdansk. As a part of what they wanted to show me, was this wonderful church in Oliwa Park. At the time we had our visit, it was also an amazing organ concert, also playing Bach,Toccata and Fugue in D. It was really so unforgettable... I just have to come back soon...... "

Widar Johannessen
Norway
Feb.07.2009
Overall rating 5/5

"We visited your delightful church September, 2008. We were on a cruise tour and chose to visit Gdansk. The Cathedral is very charming and beautiful. We were fortunate to enjoy a fantastic organ concert. The history of the Cathedral is even more amazing! You have accomplished much in the restoration and maintenance of this amazing Cathedral! Thank you!"

Ruth
United States
Dec.13.2008
Overall rating 5/5

"In 1977 we were in Poland for a concerttour, as guests of the Gdansk international Choral Meeting and the Gdansk University Choir. We had the honour of performing in this cathedral with it splendid acoustic. It was an experience I'll never forget. The website of course mentions the big organ. But don't forget to look at the other organ: small, with beautifully carved pipes ans wait for the bells to ring!"

Jacqueline
Netherlands
Oct.21.2008
Overall rating 4/5

"The cathedral takes your breath away. I was amazed!!!"

Kelly
United States
Jul.21.2008
Overall rating 3/5