St John's Archcathedral, Warsaw

Saint John's Archcathedral, located in Warsaw, is a historically and architecturally significant landmark. Found in the Old Town area, this Catholic church sits on Świętojańska Street, near the Jesuit Church. It distinguishes itself as one of the three major cathedrals in Warsaw and holds the unique title of an archcathedral. As the primary church of the Archdiocese of Warsaw, it is also considered one of Poland's national pantheons. This cathedral, along with Warsaw's Old City, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cathedral's origins date back to the 14th century when it was constructed in the Masovian Gothic style. Historically, it served as a site for the coronation and burial of many Dukes of Masovia. An interesting feature is the elevated 80-meter-long corridor connecting it to the Royal Castle, built in the late 16th century by Queen Anna Jagiellonka and extended in the 1620s.

Over the course of its history, Saint John's Archcathedral underwent several renovations. The most notable of these took place in the 19th century, preserving its English Gothic Revival architectural style until World War II. In 1944, during the Warsaw Uprising, the cathedral became a battleground between insurgents and the German army.

After World War II, the cathedral underwent significant reconstruction. The exterior was restored to its presumed 14th-century appearance based on 17th-century illustrations. The interior was redesigned to reflect a more authentic Gothic style, featuring a three-nave structure and various notable elements, including a 1959 pulpit, replica baroque stalls, chapels, gravestones, and epitaphs.

Why You Should Visit:
Not only is this, by itself, a beautiful building worth seeing, but it is also an important international centre to promote sacred music and its value certainly increases when you attend an organ concert (schedules can be found online).

Tip:
If you visit, make sure that your pictures are taken from the bottom up!
The small crypt can be viewed for a small fee, whereas the rest of the church is free.
Do wander through the tiny streets around the cathedral as they are atmospheric as well.