St. Martin's Church and the Castle, Wroclaw

St. Martin's Church, a modest and somewhat uniquely shaped brick structure, serves as a poignant remnant of the Piast dynasty's 13th-century Royal Castle, once proudly situated on the island of Ostrów Tumski. This venerable church, however, has seen its fair share of transformations over the centuries, with significant reconstructions occurring in both the 15th and 20th centuries.

Before delving into its architectural history, it is essential to recognize the pivotal role St. Martin's played in the cultural tapestry of the city. In a predominantly German city before World War II, this church held the distinction of being a vibrant center of Polish culture. Here, Poles congregated to partake in sermons and hymns delivered in their native language, fostering a sense of community and heritage. The church also bore witness to a poignant chapter in Polish history, as it hosted the last Polish mass under the oppressive rule of the Nazis in 1939.

A commemorative plaque adorning the exterior of St. Martin's poignantly reminds visitors of this historical significance, bearing the inscription: "We are Poles... A Pole is a brother to a Pole... Poland is our mother, we cannot speak badly of our mother."

Standing sentinel outside St. Martin's Church is a monumental tribute to Pope John XXIII, erected in 1986, serving as a symbol of the enduring faith and spiritual legacy of the church and its community.

The history of Ostrów Tumski is intertwined with the castle that once stood here. The 12th and 13th-century brick castle, constructed atop the foundations of an earlier stronghold dating back to the 10th century, has left only a handful of remnants. Chief among them is the church of St. Martin, which, though severely damaged, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and culture in Wrocław.