One of the interesting and unforgettable monuments of Warsaw, St. John’s Cathedral, is one of the objects that every guest of the Polish capital should visit. Perhaps many consider it the main temple of the city.
Interesting facts about St. John's Cathedral
St. John's Cathedral in Warsaw was erected on the site of a wooden chapel in the 14th century in the brick Gothic genre. It was built as a place for the coronation and funeral of princes. Initially, the religious building was an ordinary church, but over time it became increasingly important. By the 16th century, St. John's Cathedral became the most important church in the country.
In the 17th century, the Gothic temple changed in the spirit of that time to the Baroque style. Warsaw Cathedral becomes one of the richest Polish religious buildings. And this became possible because when decorating the interior, unique works were used, donated by kings and nobility. For example, the altar was decorated with the painting “Madonna with Saints John the Baptist and Stanislaus” by the artist Giacomo Palma. In the 17th century, the basilica was connected by a corridor to the Royal Castle.
Warsaw Cathedral is a witness to many events such as the coronation of King Stanisław August Poniatowski in 1764. Figures of Polish culture and history are buried here - Stefan Wyszynski (archbishop), Gabriel Narutowicz (first president of Poland), Mazovian princes, Henryk Sienkiewicz (writer) and many others. Of particular importance is the fact that it was here that the first European Constitution was adopted in May 1791.
The basilica was significantly damaged already in 1939 from raids, and in 1944 it became the scene of military operations - German tanks broke into the building twice. After the uprising, it was blown up again, destroying 90% of the buildings. On the wall of the newly built temple you can see an interesting detail - part of a tank caterpillar. This is a reminder of what the iconic building had to endure during the war.
After the war, the original shape of the Warsaw cathedral was restored, and the original height of the roof and the shape of the facade were retained. When you enter from a crowded noisy street under the arches of the portal, you find yourself in a completely different Warsaw, it seems that you have stepped into the past. In June 1960, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski consecrated the reconstructed temple.
What to see in St. John's Cathedral
The attention of tourists is attracted by the beautiful chapel with a breathtaking star ceiling, the medieval Holy Cross, the extraordinary figure of Christ with natural hair (donated by Jurga Borichko) and the interesting marble sculpture over the tomb of Malakhovsky (the work of Thorvaldsen). At the end of the 20th century, the ashes of Stanislav Poniatowski, the last Polish king, were transferred to the temple.
Today, Warsaw's St. John's Cathedral is an international center for the promotion of sacred organ music, hosting festivals and concerts. Wedding ceremonies are often held in the temple. It is generally accepted that marriages concluded here are blessed by John the Baptist himself.
St. John's Cathedral (pol. Archikatedra Św. Jana Chrzciciela) is considered one of the main attractions of Warsaw. This is the main Catholic church of Warsaw and the Warsaw Archdiocese. It is located on Świętojanska Street, in the Old Town next to the Royal Castle, and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The church serves as a burial place for a number of prominent figures of Polish history and culture. Within the walls of this temple, Polish monarchs were crowned, the country's Constitution was ratified and the last of the Polish kings, Stanisław August Poniatowski, was buried. The first President of Poland Gabriel Narutowicz, the writer Henryk Sienkiewicz, the Mazovian princes, the artist Marcello Baciarelli, the Archbishop of Warsaw Stefan Wyszynski and many other famous personalities are buried here.
St. John's Cathedral was built at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries. and is the oldest temple in Warsaw. In the 13th century on the site of the current cathedral there was a wooden chapel built by the princes of Mazovia from the Piast dynasty. In 1339, a trial against the Teutonic Order took place within its walls, according to the verdict of which the order was obliged to return the occupied lands to Poland and pay monetary compensation.
In 1390, on the site of the chapel, on the initiative of Prince Janusz I the Elder, a brick Gothic church was built, which became the main parish church of Warsaw and the place of coronations and burials of the Dukes of Mazovia. In 1406, by decree of Pope Boniface IX, the temple became a cathedral church. In the 16th century The temple was damaged by a strong hurricane and was rebuilt in the Baroque style.
In the 17th century The cathedral served for coronation and was connected to the Royal Castle by a special corridor. During the same period, the interiors of the cathedral were decorated in the Baroque style, and the altar was decorated with the painting “Madonna with Saints John the Baptist and Stanislaus” by Giacomo Palma Jr. After the return of Poland's independence, the cathedral acquired the status of the National Pantheon.
The temple has witnessed many important historical events. In 1705, the coronation of Stanisław Leszczynski took place there, and in 1764, Stanisław August Poniatowski. In 1798, the temple was elevated to the rank of Cathedral, and in 1817 it became a Cathedral.
In 1944, along with the historical center of the city, St. John's Cathedral was destroyed during the suppression of the Warsaw Uprising. After the war it was restored to its original form. Its main attractions include the Borichko Chapel with a star-shaped ceiling and the miraculous Holy Cross of the 16th century. from Nuremberg with a unique crucifix. A visit to the temple is included in this excursion tour to Poland.
St. John's Church is a Gothic church located in Gdansk. One of the most important monuments in the city.
The first mention of the small wooden chapel of St. Nicholas dates back to 1358. In 1360, construction began on a new three-nave church on the site of the previous one. The work was completed at the beginning of the 15th century, but the builders left room for a tower, which was planned to be built in the future. In 1415 a new altar was created. In 1456, Bishop John MacArthur divided the city into six parishes, and St. John's Church became a parish church. In 1465, the Church of St. John received star vaults. In 1543, the bell tower was destroyed by fire.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, patrons financed the construction of a total of 13 altars in the church. In 1612, the most beautiful stone altar by Abraham van der Block was built, which has survived to this day.
During World War II, the church burned down. In the post-war years, St. John's Church was not included in the list of buildings in need of planned reconstruction. Most of the surviving items were transferred to the Church of St. Mary in Gdańsk. Reconstruction of the church facades began in the late 1960s, but the inside of the church remained in a ruined state.
In 1991, the church was transferred to the Catholic diocese, after which Sunday and holiday services began to be held here. In 1996, a thorough reconstruction of the church began: repairs and strengthening of external walls, internal work, as well as archaeological excavations. In December 2012, the Baroque epitaphs of Lawrence Fabricius, Johann Hutzing and Ultrich Kantzler returned to their places from St. Mary's Church.
The Church of St. John of Nepomuk is not only a temple and a place of pilgrimage. This is the legend of the saint in whose honor it was erected, encrypted and embodied in stone, the fruit of the ambitions of Abbot Vaclav Veimluv and the genius of the architect Jan Blazej Santini.
Not far from the town of Žďár nad Sázavou, on the forested Green Mountain, the Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk is located, which is one of the most original Christian church buildings.
History of the temple
The first stone was laid in 1719, and in 1722 the church was solemnly consecrated in honor of St. John of Nepomuk. The construction was financed by a Cistercian monastery (led by Abbot Vaclav Veimluv), which was located in the city of Zdiar nad Sazavou. This is the most famous creation of the architect Jan Blazej Santini Aichl. The church was built specifically to honor St. John of Nepomuk, which determined the originality of its architecture.
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The fact is that, according to legend, when the martyr John of Nepomuk was drowned, a crown of five stars appeared over his body. That is why there are stars in the interior decoration of the church. The six-pointed ones are a symbol of Christ (Stars of Bethlehem), the five-pointed ones are a reminder of John of Nepomuk, the eight-pointed ones are one of the symbols of the Cistercian Order. But there is another version that the six-pointed stars are a tribute to Veimluva and Santini’s passion for Kabbalah.
Architecture and interior
The architectural design of the church dedicated to John of Nepomuk is unusual: the church in the Baroque Gothic style has the shape of a five-pointed star. The number five is used everywhere in this church: the church has five exits, the altar has five niches, and in the center there are two times five chapels.
The main altar is decorated with five angels and five stars on the globe, representing the five continents where Christianity spread. The saint is depicted standing on the globe. Three small angels are visible above his head: one holds a key in his hand, and the second a seal, a symbol of the saint’s silence.
On the side altars the holy apostles-evangelists are depicted: John is depicted with an eagle, Luke with a bull, Mark with a lion and Matthew with a book. The Church of St. John of Nepomuk is surrounded by a cemetery, which is also shaped like a ten-pointed star.
In 1994, the Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk on Green Mountain was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Church opening hours
April, October: Sat-Sun 09:00-17:00;
May – September: Mon-Sun and holidays 09:00-17:00.
Entrance to the Church of St. John of Nepomuk is only possible with a guide. Duration of the tour is 45 minutes.
Entrance fees
Adult – 110 CZK;
with a discount (children 6-18 years old, students, pensioners) – 60 CZK.
How to get there
You can get to the Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk on Zelena Gora from the station by bus 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 5, 6, stop Bezručova, u pily. Then you need to walk 500 meters until you turn right onto the street. Sychrova and climb along it to the church. Along the way, you will see beautiful views of the city and the Konventsky Pond, the nearby forest and Zdiarsky Castle.
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Church of Saint John- Church of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist in Vilnius, a monument of Vilnius Baroque architecture, part of the ensemble of Vilnius University. Built in 1738-1749 according to the design of I.K. Glaubitz with funds from T.F. Oginsky.
Located at the intersection of Piles (Zamkovaya, in Soviet times - Gorky Street) and Shvyanto Jono (St. John, in Soviet times - Sruogi) streets, the main facade faces the university's Great Courtyard (formerly called Skarga's Courtyard). Official address: Shvento Jono street, 12 (Šv. Jono g. 12).
The church and bell tower (part of the complex of buildings of Vilnius University) are included in the Register of Cultural Property of the Republic of Lithuania (temple code 26848, bell tower - 26849), protected by the state as objects of national significance.
Story
Main altar
Construction of the church began in 1387 by order of Jogaila immediately after the baptism of Lithuania (according to another version, even before the baptism in 1386). Presumably the wooden church was erected on the old market square in the center of the then city, apparently on the site of a former pagan sanctuary. It is assumed that a stone cathedral was soon built, consecrated in 1427. The Gothic temple with three naves was repeatedly repaired and rebuilt. In the current temple, some Gothic elements have been preserved.
Chapel of St. Anne
Fragment of the altar and statue of Gregory the Great
The building underwent the greatest changes during restoration after the fire of 1737. According to the design of Johann Christoph Glaubitz, new vaults were built, organ choirs were installed, a large altar was built, the main facade and the presbytery pediment were decorated. Thanks to this reconstruction, the church became an outstanding work of Baroque architecture and art.
Occasionally, concerts are held and ceremonies for the immatriculation of students, the presentation of bachelor's and master's diplomas, the end of the academic year, and other university celebrations regularly take place. On September 5, 1993, a meeting of the intelligentsia with Pope John Paul II took place in the church.
In the church, farewells are held for the deceased who had outstanding services in the field of science and art, for example, with the journalist, writer, literary historian Jonas Bulota in June 2004, the writer Birutė Pukėlevičiūtė on September 24, 2007, the singer, actor and TV presenter Vytautas Kernagis on March 16 2008.
Facade
Main facade
The main western façade faces the university's Great Courtyard (formerly Skarga's Courtyard). It is considered one of the most original works of late Baroque architecture. Architect Glaubitz, without violating the general Gothic character, wrapped the façade in a Baroque shell. Baroque features have been given to the previous door and window openings. The basis of the composition of the main facade is the harmonious rhythm of horizontal and vertical elements with complication of forms from bottom to top.
The main facade is divided into four parts by wide wavy lines of a complex profile. The central entrance portal is decorated with two small columns supporting a decorative balcony. The lower, relatively modest tier is sparsely decorated with rustication; It features a magnificent portal and later tables installed in memory of the second rector of the Jesuit College, Jakub Wujek, and the first rector of the Vilna Jesuit Academy and University, Petr Skarga.
Central portal
North façade
The decoration of the second tier of the facade is more magnificent. Three tall narrow windows are placed in deep niches. Four groups of pilasters and decorative columns in the piers continue the risalits of the lower tier. Two of them continue in the third, narrower and lower tier, connected by large volutes, which gives the facade slenderness and upward direction. Between the columns of the third tier are sculptured figures of John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, Saint Ignatius and Saint Xavier by the sculptor Jan Gödel. There is a niche in the center of the third tier, with characteristic snail-shaped volutes on the side. There is also a niche at the top of the façade. The upper tier is decorated with bas-reliefs, sculptural details, an openwork cross and openwork vases made of forged metal. The two upper tiers form a dynamic contour of plastic forms.
The baroque pediment (facita) of the eastern façade of the church, which dates back to the same period, was designed in a similar way, which is best viewed from the intersection of Piles and Shv streets. Jono (in Soviet times, Gorky and Sruogos). Like the main facade, it is decorated with abundant columns, pilasters, broken cornices, sculptures, cartouches and works of metal sculpture. The wavy planes of the walls and the columns and pilasters placed at an angle give the pediment even greater dynamics. The side facades have partially retained Gothic forms and structures.
On the outer wall of the presbytery from Zamkova Street (now Pilies) there is a large marble memorial table of the Khreptovich family, decorated in the Rococo style (). Above it there used to be a crucifix with a gilded figure of the Savior. On the eastern facade of the church there was a large fresco depicting scenes of the plague epidemic of the year, painted over in the 19th century.
Interior
Central nave and altar
The interior has preserved the solemnity of a Gothic temple, aggravated by Baroque pomp. The altar of the church forms an ensemble of ten altars at different levels, in different planes. The main altar is built between two massive columns, which contain other altars. The main altar was built at the expense of Marshal Albert Wojciech Radziwill. The columns have sculptures of John Chrysostom, Pope Gregory the Great, Saint Anselm and Saint Augustine. The main altar is connected to the altars of St. Ignatius and St. Xavier. Behind this group, near the southern wall, on a high altar, is the altar of Mary of Loreto, surrounded by a decorative wrought iron fence with a gate. In the side northern and southern naves there are located in a semicircle, repeating the shape of the apse, six more altars - St. Josaphat, St. Casimir, Christ Crucified and Saints Peter and Paul, St. Nicholas and the Sorrowful Mother of God. The ensemble is considered a masterpiece of art that has no analogues in the world.
Oginski Chapel
Thirteen more 18th-century Baroque altars were located on pylons supporting the vaults. They were destroyed during the reconstruction of the interior in the twenties of the 19th century. Instead of altars on consoles, in 1826 sculptures of saints were installed from altars destroyed during reconstruction (according to other dubious information, the statues were moved from the former churches of St. Casimir, St. Ignatius and the Franciscan Church, confiscated by the Russian authorities. 18 plaster figures were installed, two at each column in the central nave, one facing the entrance, the other inside the temple. Of these, 12 depict various Saints John - John of Nepomuk, John of Damascus, John the Baptist, John Chrysostom, John Climak, John of Capistran and others, as well as Saint Bonaventure, Ignatius of Loyola, Stanislaus Kostka and others. The statues date back to the second half of the 18th century.
The vaults of the central nave were painted with frescoes, painted over during the reconstruction of the 1820s. The church has preserved seven side chapels of different sizes, shapes and styles, decorated with sculptures, frescoes, altars, columns and pilasters. Of these, the most interesting is the Chapel of the Corpus Christi, otherwise known as the chapel-mausoleum of the Oginski magnates, built in 1768. Its portal is made in the style of classicism. An elegant portal in the Rococo style leads to the Chapel of St. Anne.
Mechanic Bruner was tasked with dismantling the organ and organizing its delivery to Vilna; sent to Polotsk in June 1835, he died there. After this, the delivery of the organ, which required additional expenses (up to 1000 silver rubles) and associated negotiations, was handled by the organ master Antonii Gurinovich. The organ was delivered in February 1836 in 84 boxes and weighed 1,264 pounds (20.25 tons). From August 1837 to October 1839, organ builders Theodor Tiedemann and his sons Theodor and Franz Tiedemann were engaged in the installation and restoration of damaged parts, for which they were paid 3,000 silver rubles. The restored organ had 40 voices, or stops, and 2,438 pipes. In December 1839, the Medical-Surgical Academy donated the former organ to the chapel of the Vilna Charitable Society.
Restored after many years of work by July 2000, the current organ with 65 voices and 3600 pipes is the largest in Lithuania. On the organ choir there is a bust of the composer Stanislav Moniuszko, who lived in Vilna in 1858 and was the church organist for several years (the annual salary was 100 silver rubles).
Bell tower
Bell tower (Sv. Jono St.)
At the end of the 16th and 17th centuries, next to the church, a bell tower with a rhythmic division of tiers and the arrangement of openings, characteristic of Renaissance buildings, was erected next to the church at the expense of the magistrate. The cantor of the church lived in the lower floor of the bell tower. The four-tier bell tower had three bells; In fires and wars, the bells were repeatedly damaged and destroyed, and new ones were cast in their place. One was donated by Lev Sapega after the fire of the year. During the First World War, before the German army entered Vilna, all the bells were removed. During the restoration of the bell tower in - years, the baroque copper bell of the famous Vilna master Jan Delamars, cast in the year for the Church of St. Michael, was raised. Bell height 58 cm, diameter 92 cm.