Saint Mary's Church in Gdańsk

The Co-Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as St. Mary's Basilica, is the historical parish church of the Main City in Gdańsk, often referred to as the "Crown of Gdańsk." It served both as a Catholic and Protestant church from 1572 to 1945. The Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, Ludolf Koenig, granted the town charter for the Main City, which included provisions for the construction of the church. The foundation stone for the temple was laid on March 25, 1343, during the Feast of the Annunciation. The basilica is the third-largest brick church in the world by volume. Its construction, carried out in stages as the wealth of the urban religious community grew, lasted for 159 years. The church's interior can accommodate at least 20,000 worshippers, which is more a reflection of the affluence of the residents than actual demand at the time of its completion, as Gdańsk's population was only twice that size. The impressive structure made of dark red brick towers over the rooftops of townhouses, and the massive bell tower, standing at 82 meters, remains the tallest point in Gdańsk's city center. Together with its corner turrets, this tower is an important element of the city's skyline. Built between 1346 and 1502, the church is an example of brick Gothic architecture, characteristic of the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. Despite a turbulent history, the basilica has retained its historic architectural form, as confirmed by iconography dating back to the 16th century and its rich interior decoration. Noteworthy are numerous medieval works of art, such as the Coronation Altar of Mary, the Beautiful Madonna of Gdańsk, the Pietà, the altar of St. Barbara, the Ten Commandments Tablet, as well as modern-era pieces, including paintings and epitaphs from the 16th–18th centuries and the famous astronomical clock.