St. John's Archcathedral, Gothic cathedral in Old Town, Warsaw, Poland
St. John's Archcathedral is a red brick Gothic cathedral in the Śródmieście district of Warsaw, distinguished by twin slender towers and pointed arch windows. The interior displays ribbed vaulting and a three-nave layout typical of the Masovian Gothic style, while several side chapels line the walls to complement the spatial arrangement.
The church was originally built in 1390 as a smaller wooden structure before being replaced with the current brick building. It gained cathedral status in 1798 and was elevated to archcathedral rank in 1818 when Warsaw became the seat of the newly established archdiocese.
The interior features side chapels where local worshippers light candles and pause for private devotion, while the crypt serves as a resting place for prominent figures from Polish history. Visitors often observe residents stopping before individual altars or attending weekday services, reflecting the building's ongoing role in the religious life of the city.
The crypt can be visited from Monday through Saturday between 10 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon, with Sunday access limited to the hours between 3 and 5 in the afternoon. Visitors should keep in mind that access to certain areas may be restricted during services, particularly on weekends.
Fragments of a Borgward tank from the Warsaw Uprising are embedded in the outer wall, serving as a visible reminder of the 1944 conflict. On nearby Kanonia Street, a 17th-century bell hangs within reach and has become popular with passersby who believe touching it can fulfill personal wishes.
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