Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Kamianets-Podilskyi, Catholic cathedral in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine.
Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral is a three-nave basilica with limestone-mortared walls in Kamianets-Podilskyi. Its ensemble includes the church, a four-tiered bell tower (1646–1648), a 40-metre minaret topped by a 4.5-metre copper-and-silver statue of the Virgin Mary, and a 1781 triumphal arch. The building mixes Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic Revival features.
A wooden cathedral was built in 1375 under the first bishop, the Dominican Wilhelm; the stone church is attributed to Bishop Jakub Buczacki (1502–1517). In 1672–1699, under Ottoman rule, it became the city's main mosque and a minaret was added. After 1699 it was repaired, and in 1756 a statue of the Virgin was placed on the minaret.
The minaret built by the Ottoman Turks in the 17th century now carries a 3.5-metre copper-and-silver statue of the Virgin Mary, placed there in 1756 after the Turks left. She stands on a globe and a crescent, with a halo of twelve stars, blessing the city. Inside, the chapel walls are covered with copies of 16th-century Italian paintings by Rampieghi.
The cathedral stands on Katedralska Square in the old town, a short walk from the fortress. The minaret's 136 steps lead to the upper platform, reached through a narrow spiral stair lit by slit windows. Visitors should dress modestly and keep silent during services.
The minaret's 40-metre shaft holds 136 steps, and the 4.5-metre copper-and-silver Madonna placed on top in 1756 is hollow to save weight. The statue stands on a globe and crescent, with a halo of twelve stars around her head.
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