Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Gdańsk

The Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gdańsk is located in the Śródmieście district, at Podkramarska Street. Its history dates back to the 14th century, when it was established as a parish at the Church of Our Lady, and was later re-erected in 1840 and again in 1991 at St. Mary's Basilica, which plays a key role in the religious life of Gdańsk. St. Mary's Church, known as the "Crown of Gdańsk," is the third largest brick temple in the world, built in the Gothic style between 1346 and 1502. Distinctive architectural elements, such as the massive western tower and slender corner turrets, make the church a dominant feature of the city's skyline. Inside the church, there are many valuable works of art, including the Altar of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary, the Beautiful Madonna of Gdańsk, and an astronomical clock, highlighting its cultural and artistic significance. The history of the parish is closely tied to the past of Gdańsk, including its multicultural character, as it served as both a Catholic and Evangelical church. Between 1986 and 1992, the church served as the co-cathedral of the Diocese of Gdańsk, and it is now part of the Archdiocese of Gdańsk. Over the centuries, the parish has had many parish priests, including notable figures such as Bishop Maurycy Ferber and Monsignor Stanisław Bogdanowicz. In recent years, the parish has been led by Monsignor Ireneusz Bradtke, who actively participates in the life of the archdiocese as a member of the economic council and chairman of the Council for the Church Building Fund. The parish has also witnessed a wide range of historical events, often serving as a backdrop for the Gdańsk community.