Archcathedral Basilica of St. James in Szczecin

The Archcathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle in Szczecin, located in the Old Town, is the main Roman Catholic church of the city and the second tallest temple in Poland. Built in the Brick Gothic style in the 14th and 15th centuries, it is an example of extraordinary architecture, being the work of Hinrich Brunsberg and his workshop. As a result of destruction during World War II, the building was rebuilt in the 1970s, but part of the northern wall was not reconstructed in accordance with the original style. The church has served various religious functions, being a Lutheran Protestant temple from 1534, and after 1972, the cathedral of the Szczecin-Kamień diocese. The interior of the basilica is adorned with valuable works of sacred art, including a late Gothic crucifix, retables, and Baroque furnishings. The Diocesan Museum also operates here, and in the 1980s, the interior and stained glass windows were renovated. In 2008, the tower spire was reconstructed, and modern 66-voice organs were consecrated in honor of John Paul II. Interestingly, the famous organist at the former St. James Church was Carl Loewe, a German Romantic composer who influenced the musical life of Szczecin. The basilica is part of the European Route of Brick Gothic, highlighting its cultural significance in the region. In 1983, Pope John Paul II granted it the title of a minor basilica, and in 2008, a ceremony was held to consecrate the new organs. The cathedral is not only a place of worship but also an important tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.