The Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Białystok

The architectural complex of the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Białystok consists of two buildings: the old late Renaissance church and the new Neo-Gothic one, which serves as the archcathedral of the Archdiocese of Białystok. The old church, built between 1617 and 1625 thanks to the foundation of Piotr Wiesiołowski, captivates with its late Baroque furnishings and 18th-century polychromes, while its main altar is adorned with the painting *Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary* by Augustyn Mirys. The interior houses many valuable monuments, including the epitaph of Izabella Branicka and sculptures of saints. The crypts beneath hold the tombs of the Branicki family and other important figures. The new church, designed by Józef Pius Dziekoński and constructed between 1900 and 1905, stands out for its Neo-Gothic architecture and impressive dimensions. It was granted cathedral status in 1991 and elevated to an archcathedral in 1992. The interior of the new temple features rich liturgical furnishings, including altars and an organ, which are objects of veneration and serve as a venue for cultural events such as organ concerts. During the interwar period, the church functioned as a center of religious and cultural life, experiencing periods of intense development. After World War II, it became a pro-cathedral for the Archdiocese of Vilnius and eventually the center of the local Catholic church. As a sacred site, the basilica is also an important pilgrimage destination, attracting both the faithful and tourists thanks to its rich cultural, artistic, and historical heritage. Interestingly, organists from around the world are invited to perform during summer organ concerts, highlighting the vitality of Białystok’s spiritual and cultural legacy.