The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Przasnysz

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Przasnysz, built in the Gothic style, is one of the oldest temples and historical monuments in the city. Its structure is brick-built, single-naved, with a distinct rectangularly enclosed chancel and two side chapels. The interior features a flat ceiling in the nave, while the chancel once had a crystal vault. The church is surrounded by a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows and a Gothic bell tower from the late 15th century. The history of the church dates back to the 13th century when the first wooden temple was erected. The brick church was consecrated in 1408 but burned down around 1470. The current building was constructed between 1474 and 1785 and consecrated in 1489. Over the years, the church suffered significant damage due to fires but was repeatedly rebuilt, including during the periods 1848–1856 and 1877–1878, when thorough restorations were carried out. Important events took place in the church, such as the baptism of St. Stanislaus Kostka in 1550, as well as major celebrations in 1926 and 1967, which gathered large crowds of the faithful. The interior of the church is adorned with Neo-Rococo altars and an image of Our Lady of the Rosary. A special chapel houses the tombs of the parents and brothers of St. Stanislaus Kostka, as well as plaques commemorating soldiers from World War II and Cardinal Aleksander Kakowski, who was baptized here. For years, the church has played an important cultural role in the region by organizing diocesan pilgrimages to Rostkowo, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims each year.