Wrocław Cathedral, Wroclaw

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Wrocław serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Wrocław and an iconic symbol of the city in Poland. Located in the historic Cathedral Island district, this cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture with later Neo-Gothic additions, marking the fourth church to grace this hallowed site.

The cathedral, along with the Old Town of Wrocław, has been rightly honored as a Historic Monument of Poland. Its rich history traces back to the mid-10th century when the first church was erected during the Přemyslid rule, characterized by its fieldstone construction featuring a single nave, a distinctive transept, and an apse, stretching about 25 meters (82 feet) in length. This initial structure was, however, succeeded by a more substantial basilical church with three naves, crypt, and eastern towers, following the Polish conquest of Silesia and the establishment of the Wrocław diocese under Duke Bolesław I Chrobry in 1000.

The ravages of time and historical events took their toll, leading to the destruction of the first cathedral, possibly during the invasion of Duke Bretislaus of Bohemia around 1039. In its stead, a grand Romanesque-style church was erected during Duke Casimir I's era. Subsequent to the conclusion of the first Mongol invasion of Poland, the cathedral underwent significant reconstruction in the prevailing Brick Gothic style that endures today.

Notably, the cathedral's interior boasts several chapels of profound historical and artistic significance. The Chapel of St. Elizabeth, located in the southern section, was constructed between 1682 and 1700 as a mausoleum for Bishop Frederick of Hesse-Darmstadt. This sacred space is dedicated to St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a venerated figure in Wrocław's medieval history.

Another prominent feature is the Gothic Marian Chapel, found just behind the choir, constructed by architect Peschel on the orders of Bishop Przecław of Pogorzela between 1354 and 1365. It houses not only the tomb of its founder but also that of Bishop Johann IV Roth, a masterpiece crafted by Peter Fischer the Elder of Nuremberg. To the north, the Baroque Elector's Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Corpus Christi, was built from 1716 to 1724. This chapel serves as the mausoleum of Bishop Count Palatine Francis Louis of Neuburg and showcases exquisite decorative paintings by Carlo Carlone and sculptures by Ferdinand Brokoff.

One of the cathedral's crowning achievements is its magnificent pipe organ, the largest in Poland. This awe-inspiring instrument was crafted in 1913 by E.F. Walcker & Sons of Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and was initially installed in the Centennial Hall, formerly the world's largest organ.