St. John's Archcathedral
St. John's Archcathedral, Gothic cathedral in Old Town, Warsaw, Poland
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Śródmieście).
Jesuit Church
38 m
Kanonia Street
44 m
Świętojańska Street
48 m
Muzeum Archidiecezji Warszawskiej
31 m
Dziekania Palace in Warsaw
31 m
1/3, Jezuicka Street in Warsaw
60 m
Dziekania Street
33 m
10 Castle Square in Warsaw
64 m
6, Świętojańska Street in Warsaw
50 m
Kamienica (d. kanonia)
49 m
Kamienica Chociszewskiego
56 m
17, Świętojańska Street in Warsaw
58 m
Royal Corridor in Warsaw
40 m
21, Świętojańska Street in Warsaw
64 m
11, Świętojańska Street in Warsaw
61 m
2, Jezuicka Street in Warsaw
50 m
6, Kanonia Street in Warsaw
47 m
13, Świętojańska Street in Warsaw
60 m
10, Kanonia Street in Warsaw
57 m
12, Kanonia Street in Warsaw
60 m
22, Kanonia Street in Warsaw
64 m
24, Kanonia Street in Warsaw
58 m
Virgin Mary Statue at Kanonia Street in Warsaw
31 m
4, Świętojańska Street in Warsaw
62 m
Zespół klasztorny jezuitów
47 m
10/12, Świętojańska Street in Warsaw
61 m
19, Świętojańska Street in Warsaw
60 m
Przejście z Zamku do katedry (I) (nad ul. Dziekania)
33 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes