St. Nicholas Cathedral in Elbląg

St. Nicholas Cathedral in Elbląg, originally a parish church and now the cathedral of the Elbląg diocese, is one of the tallest religious buildings in Poland, reaching a height of 97 meters. Its history dates back to the mid-13th century when a rectangular chancel and five bays of the nave were constructed. Over the centuries, the church underwent various phases of expansion, transforming from a hall church without a tower into a basilica, and then back into a hall church after the main nave was lowered. In 1777, the cathedral burned down during a storm, and its reconstruction brought many changes, including lowering the church by over 6.5 meters and giving it a Baroque style. In 1906–1907, a new tower was added, which became one of the tallest structures in eastern Germany. After World War II, the church was severely damaged, and its reconstruction was actively supported for many years by Father Gedymin Pilecki. Elements of the church’s furnishings, including a Gothic baptismal font and late Gothic altarpieces, hold significant cultural value. The cathedral is also renowned for its exceptional organ, whose history dates back to 1397, and three bells from 1929 that have survived various historical upheavals. The architecture of the cathedral, a result of multiple styles and reconstructions, reflects the turbulent history of Elbląg, while its interior, rich in valuable artifacts, remains an important landmark on the cultural map of the region.