Pelplin Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pelplin is a Gothic church that originally served as the temple of a Cistercian monastery and has been the seat of a bishop since 1824. It is one of the largest brick Gothic churches in Poland, surpassed only by St. Mary's Basilica in Gdańsk. The cathedral's monumental architecture, built in the 14th century, features a three-nave basilica with a Latin cross plan, a richly decorated interior, numerous altars, choir stalls, and organs. The cathedral underwent numerous reconstructions, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries, giving it a Baroque character. In the 19th century, the building was regothicized, and in 1823 the Cistercian order was dissolved, leading to the transformation of the church into the cathedral of the Chełmno diocese. Interestingly, the monastery complex is one of the few that has survived in this area, and the cathedral itself, with its preserved rich decor, attracts numerous tourists and history enthusiasts. The interior of the cathedral, with its 23 altars including a monumental main altar, is adorned with works by Baroque painters and late Gothic choir stalls. Nearby is the complex of monastery buildings, including the chapter house and oratory, which once served the Cistercians and today are part of the Higher Seminary. The paintings in the cloisters depict biblical scenes, highlighting the cultural significance of the site as a religious and artistic center in the region. The cathedral is not only an important landmark in Pelplin's history but also a valuable testimony to the architecture and culture of the Gothic and Baroque eras.