St. Catherine's Church in Gdańsk

St. Catherine's Church in Gdańsk, the oldest parish church in the Old Town, was built between 1227 and 1239, funded by the Dukes of Pomeranian Gdańsk. Throughout its history, the church underwent numerous changes and expansions, especially after 1379. For several centuries, from 1555 to 1945, the church was under Protestant control. Its patron saint is St. Catherine of Alexandria, and its impressive tower stands 76 meters tall, crowned with a Baroque spire designed by Jacob van den Block in 1634. The interior of the church is adorned with paintings by Anton Möller and Isaac van den Block, and among its notable monuments is the tomb of astronomer Johannes Hevelius, dated 1659. A particularly valuable artifact is the icon of the Mother of God of Bołszowce, relocated after World War II from the sanctuary in Bołszowce. A significant historical event includes Władysław Łokietek holding court in the church in 1298. The church suffered damage from fires in 1905 and 1945, which destroyed the roofs and part of the vault. Reconstruction took many years and was completed in 1982. The church tower houses the Museum of Tower Clocks, a branch of the Gdańsk History Museum. An interesting fact is the installation in 2011 of the world's only pulsar clock. The church is also notable for its rich carillon history. The first carillon was installed in 1575, and the current instrument consists of 50 bells weighing 17,115 kg, making it the largest concert carillon in Central Europe. The largest bell, named Katarzyna, weighs 2,845 kg and was installed in 2013. St. Catherine's Church not only serves religious functions but is also an important cultural landmark in Gdańsk, reflecting its rich history and heritage.