St. Mary's Basilica in Gdańsk Religious Site

Address: St. Mary’s Basilica (Bazylika Mariacka), ul. Podkramarska 5, 80-834 Gdańsk, Poland

St. Mary’s Basilica (Bazylika Mariacka) is a large Brick Gothic basilica in Gdańsk’s Main Town, Poland, built mainly between the 14th and early 16th centuries and notable for its scale and historic art.

Key interior highlights include the carved high altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz), executed in the late 15th century, and a large medieval astronomical clock. The nave and chapels contain significant Gothic and later furnishings and murals.

The church was built across the late medieval period and sustained heavy damage in 1945; extensive post-war restoration returned much of its interior and exterior to their historic appearance. The Veit Stoss altarpiece and other fittings were conserved and rehoused during 20th-century repairs.

The basilica stands in Gdańsk’s Main Town near Długi Targ (Long Market) and the Motława river, in the historic core of the city.

• Scale and date: Construction of the brick Gothic church took place roughly between the mid-14th and early 16th centuries, making it one of the largest brick churches in Europe.

What to See#

• Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece: The late-Gothic high altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz), created between 1477 and 1489, located behind the main altar and considered one of the church’s principal artworks.
• Astronomical clock: A large 15th-century astronomical clock and associated mechanisms located in the nave, restored and maintained as part of the church’s historic fittings.

St. Mary’s Basilica (Bazylika Mariacka) is in Gdańsk’s Main Town (Główne Miasto) on the Long Market (Długi Targ). From Gdańsk Główny railway station it is an easy walk of about 15-20 minutes along Podwale Przedmiejskie toward Długi Targ, or a short local bus/tram ride part of the way.

The basilica is in the pedestrianised centre of Gdańsk; if driving, follow signs to the city centre and use nearby paid parking facilities before walking to the church.

• Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon when entry queues are shorter; long lines form from the Long Market side during peak season and at midday.
• Book a time slot for the basilica tower/viewing platform ahead of time - the tower has limited capacity and gives the best panoramic views of Gdańsk's Old Town and Motława waterfront.
• Plan your visit around Mass and concert times posted at the entrance; services can restrict tourist access to parts of the nave and chapels, so check the schedule to see the highlights uninterrupted.