St. John’s Archcathedral in Warsaw

Bazylika Archikatedralna w Warszawie p.w. Męczeństwa św. Jana Chrzciciela, fot. Filip Kwiatkowski

Crossing the threshold of this impressive 14th-century building, you enter one of the most important Polish temples. The cathedral has witnessed many historical events, such as the coronation of King Stanisław August Poniatowski in 1764, and royal weddings and funerals. Of particular importance was the swearing of the first constitution in Europe on 3 May 1791.
During the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, the cathedral was a battleground, and after the battle it was blown up. 90% of the building was destroyed. After World War II, the original form of the temple was reconstructed, restoring the Gothic facade.
In the crypt you will see the tombs of Mazovian dukes, Warsaw archbishops, the last king of Poland Stanisław August Poniatowski, the first Polish president Gabriel Narutowicz, writer and Nobel Prize winner Henryk Sienkiewicz, and musician and statesman Ignacy Jan Paderewski. From July to September, the International Organ Festival takes place in here.

ul. Świętojańska 8