Exaltation of the Holy Cross church in Tczew, Gothic church in Tczew, Poland.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross church is a Gothic hall church in Tczew divided by three pairs of octagonal pillars into a nave and two side aisles. Its interior spans four bays with stellar vaults, and features an elongated chancel that matches the width of the central nave.
The original structure was first documented in 1275 and destroyed in 1308 when the Teutonic Knights captured the city. Reconstruction followed, establishing the Gothic building that survives today.
The church demonstrates the religious transformation of Tczew, as Catholics and Lutherans shared ownership of the building from the early 16th century until 1595.
The interior creates a clear visual rhythm through its regular pillar spacing and consistent vault design across all sections. Visitors can easily follow the architectural layout and understand the structure's proportions while moving through the space.
The vaults feature different star patterns depending on the location: the chancel displays seven-pointed stars while the side aisles show other variations. This variation in vault designs suggests different construction phases or craftsmen who worked on completing the interior.
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