Co-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Kamień Pomorski

The Co-Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist, and St. Faustinus the Bishop in Kamień Pomorski is a historic religious site and the oldest cathedral in Western Pomerania. It is renowned for its Romanesque-Gothic architecture and the oldest preserved roof truss in Poland. Construction of the cathedral began in 1176 following the Christianizing mission of St. Otto, and the temple has witnessed numerous historical events, including invasions and religious changes. After falling into Protestant hands during the Reformation, the cathedral remained Lutheran until 1945, when it was reclaimed by Catholics. Since 1972, it has served as the co-cathedral of the Archdiocese of Szczecin-Kamień, and in 2005, it was designated a Historic Monument of Poland. The cathedral boasts rich furnishings, including 17th-century Baroque organs, a distinguished pulpit, and a main altar with Gothic details. Its interior is adorned with polychromes and sculptures, including two large paintings from the workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder. Notably, the cathedral serves as the necropolis of the Pomeranian dukes of the Griffin dynasty, and many church dignitaries are buried in its crypts. The cathedral's culture comes alive through organ and chamber music festivals held here, attracting renowned artists from around the world. The cathedral's cloister, unique in Poland, once served as a place of prayer and contemplation. The cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a vital part of the region's cultural heritage, intertwining history, art, and religion.