Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Chełmno

The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Chełmno, formerly a Dominican church, is a site rich in history and notable for its intriguing architecture. It is located in the northeastern part of the Old Town, within an area bordered by Wodna and Kościelna Streets and the city walls. The Dominicans arrived in Chełmno in 1233, coinciding with the city's foundation. Construction of the present church began with the chancel in the last quarter of the 13th century, and its neo-Gothic porch contains fragments of late Romanesque architecture dating from 1240–1250. In the first half of the 14th century, the main body was built as an asymmetrical two-nave hall, and a narrow northern aisle was added in the third quarter of the same century. During the 17th century, the interior was transformed into a four-bay basilica with new vaulting. The brick church retains Gothic features, while the interior reflects Baroque influences. Today, it stands as a four-bay asymmetrical basilica, with the preserved chancel featuring a three-bay closure in the form of an octagon. The external facade, with its western gable divided by pilaster strips, inspired the design of Warsaw Cathedral. Culturally, the church underwent changes in its furnishings after being taken over by Protestants, resulting in the removal of most late Baroque and Rococo elements. However, significant fragments have survived, including the late Baroque main altar, modeled on the one in Toruń, as well as Rococo stalls in the chancel and a pulpit with personifications of the continents. The church currently serves as a subsidiary church within the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, underscoring its continued importance to the local community.