The Co-Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kołobrzeg

The Co-Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kołobrzeg, built in the 14th century in the Gothic style, is a monumental hall church with five naves. The construction of the temple began in the early 14th century on the site of the former Church of St. Nicholas. Although St. Mary's Church served as a collegiate church from the 14th century, it was transformed into a Lutheran church in the 16th century. After World War II, it was rebuilt and restored to Catholic worship. In 1986, Pope John Paul II elevated it to the status of a minor basilica. The interior of the church, though repeatedly damaged, contains valuable historical elements, including three wooden altarpieces from the 15th/16th centuries, which are triptychs, a bronze baptismal font from 1355, and richly decorated chapter stalls, among the oldest in Poland. Warnings against diabolical evil are deeply embedded in the church's space, illustrated by figures in bas-reliefs and crucifixes. A notable curiosity is a unique Gothic candelabrum from the early 14th century, one of only five such pieces in the world. This bronze chandelier features a rich symbolic program reflecting profound Catholic theology. The church also houses numerous paintings, including the dramatic "Dance of Death" from 1492, which depicts the relationship between the living and the dead. The building is not only a witness to local history but also an expression of the rich cultural heritage of Western Pomerania.