St. Barbara's Church in Gdańsk

St. Barbara's Church in Gdańsk is a late Gothic temple that served as a Protestant church from the mid-16th century until 1945. In 1387, a hospital for infectious diseases with a chapel dedicated to St. Barbara was established at Długie Ogrody. In 1456, the chapel was elevated to the status of a parish church. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the church underwent numerous expansions and, after major fires in 1499, 1537, and 1545, it was rebuilt and reinforced with buttresses. In 1557, as a result of religious changes in Gdańsk, the temple was transformed into a Lutheran church. The architecture of the church, measuring 36 meters in length and 10 meters in height, showcases a heterogeneous style, with a main Gothic section, a Renaissance tower and spire, and a Baroque eastern gable. The 40-meter-high tower is adorned with three bronze bells, which were originally intended for St. Mary's Basilica. Inside the church, visitors can admire historic sculptures and modern stained-glass windows designed by Barbara Massalska. After World War II, the church suffered significant damage but was rebuilt between 1956 and 1961. In 1968, a Roman Catholic parish was established, and restoration work has continued over the years. The church gained recognition for its new organ and interior design, which contributed to the revitalization of cultural life in the region. An interesting fact is that the organist in the late 16th century, Piotr Drusiński, was a renowned composer. In 1986, the installation of external illumination enhanced the church's aesthetic appeal. Thus, St. Barbara's Church is not only a place of religious worship but also a significant landmark in the history and culture of Gdańsk.