Introduction
The Frombork Cathedral, officially known as the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Andrew (Polish: Bazylika archikatedralna Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Maryi Panny i św. Andrzeja we Fromborku), is a historic Roman Catholic church located in the small town of Frombork, in northern Poland. The cathedral was built between 1329 and 1388, replacing an earlier wooden church from 1288. It stands on a hill known as Cathedral Hill, at 8 Katedralna Street, and has been the heart of the town for centuries. Designed in Gothic style, it’s a large, three-nave hall church with no towers and a long, straight-ended chancel. It served as the main cathedral for the local diocese and was built on a fortified hill, giving it both spiritual and strategic importance. One of the most significant facts about the cathedral is that it’s the burial site of Nicolaus Copernicus, who died in 1543. His tomb lies within the church, drawing visitors from around the world. The basilica was officially added to Poland’s list of national Historic Monuments (Pomnik historii) on September 16, 1994. Today, it’s part of the Frombork Cathedral Complex Historical Monument Museum, and it’s open to the public. In addition to its historical and religious significance, the cathedral also hosts the renowned International Organ Music Festival, held regularly in its grand interior. Nearby, visitors can also explore the former bishop’s residence and the canonical hall, both part of the rich history of this quiet but remarkable town.
The first cathedral built in Frombork was finished in 1288 and was made of wood. It was referred to as Ecclesia Warmiensis, indicating that it served as the diocese’s principal church. That one didn’t last too long though by 1329, they started building a proper one out of brick and stone. It took almost 60 years to finish, and it was finished in 1388. That’s the one you see today. The structure has three naves, is 90 meters long, and the ceiling is about 16.5 meters high. It is pretty big. No tower at first, though. It remained that way until the late 1500s, when tall Renaissance-style spires were finally added to the corners. Then, in 1638, they put a clock in the middle spire. They added a super-detailed, decorative front entrance and expanded the north side in the 1700s, two more changes. The South Side received two additional chapels over time, one of which was the Gothic-style Chapel of St. George in the 15th or 16th century, and the other was the Chapel of the Savior in 1735, which was also known as the Chapel of Holy Relics. Between 1887 and 1891, the inside of the cathedral got a complete makeover. A guy named Justus Bornowski from Elbląg did the murals that are still there now. Old Gothic paintings depicting early Church Fathers and Bishop Nicholas Tungen’s arms can be found inside the chancel. There’s also a bit of modern history tied to the place. To commemorate Poland’s 1000 years of Christianity, a visit from the Black Madonna of Czestochowa was planned for 1966. However, it was halted by the communist government. Instead, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski showed up and addressed a 10,000-strong crowd, blaming the government for preventing it and claiming that the icon had been essentially disrespected.
Copernicus & the Cathedral
This cathedral is also famous because Nicolaus Copernicus worked here. He was a canon at Frombork between 1512–1516 and again from 1522 until his death in 1543. While he was living here, he wrote his groundbreaking book De revolutionibus orbium coelestium the one where he explained that the Earth goes around the sun, not the other way around. He died shortly after the book came out, and he was buried in the cathedral. For a long time, no one was 100% sure where his grave was, but in 2005, archaeologists believed they found it. Then in 2008, DNA tests confirmed it matching the bones and hair to a couple of strands of hair kept in Uppsala University in Sweden. If you visit the cathedral grounds, you can still see Copernicus’ tower in the northwest corner. There’s also a small octagonal building in the southwest corner, with a square bell tower, a little planetarium, and even a Foucault’s pendulum inside.
The Wars & Rebuilding
The place has seen its fair share of damage. King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden took control of Frombork in the 1600s during the Polish Swedish wars. He and his troops looted the cathedral and took off with a bunch of valuable stuff including some of Copernicus’ original manuscripts. After that, the cathedral and the town were severely damaged once more during World War II. A lot of it was destroyed, but after the war, the cathedral was carefully rebuilt, pretty much stone by stone, to bring it back to what it once was.
Architecture of Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Andrew, Frombork, Poland
Interior
Architectural style: Gothic architecture, Brick Gothic architecture.
Altars
Bishop Adam Grabowski was instrumental in the construction of the main altar, which is still in use today. He worked on it from 1747 to 1752. Stonemasons in Dbnik crafted the black and pink marble altar components in accordance with Francesco Placidi’s design. The Assumption of the Virgin Mary and The Martyrdom of Mark are two paintings by Stefano Torelli that are situated in the center field. St. Andrew, Frombork polyptych featuring a late Gothic Madonna and Child sculpture. The Church Fathers are depicted on the sides, and partially preserved bas-reliefs of Marian scenes and paintings of the Passion of Christ can be found on the wings. altarpiece of the former main altar, carved and painted, built in Toru in 1504 on the order of Bishop Ukasz Watzenrode late Baroque inlaid stalls with a canopy, built in 1734–1738 by Krzysztof Sand according to the design of K. Peucker 16 side altars with valuable paintings from the 17th century.
Chapels
St. Anthony’s Gothic chapel George was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. It was known as the Polish chapel, and it had an attic on top. From 1639 to the 19th century, Bishop Mikoaj Szyszkowski ordered services to be held there for the Polish population. Bishop Szembek of Warmia established the Savior’s Chapel on the cathedral’s southern elevation. Its construction began in 1732, and it was consecrated in 1735. Maciej Jan Meyer painted the interior of the chapel, and Jan Schwartz from Reszel forged the gate.
Epitaphs and Tombs
There are several tombs and epitaphs throughout the cathedral. Among the oldest is the painted epitaph of canon Bartłomiej Boreschow from 1426. You’ll also find tombstones of many bishops of Warmia. The epitaph of Nicolaus Copernicus from 1735 honors him not just as a famous astronomer but also as a canon and chancellor of the Warmia chapter.
Organs
During the Polish-Swedish War, the Swedes stole the old organ. The Warmia Chapter agreed to build a new organ with Gdask organ builder Daniel Nitrowski on February 29, 1683. In 1684, the contract was carried out, and in 1685, Lidzbark Warmiski provided it with Baroque-painted decorations by Jerzy Piper. The decision to renovate the Nitrowski organ was made in 1934, following numerous reconstructions. Organ builder E, however. Kemper made the decision to construct a brand-new organ with a bag-valve windchest system and an electropneumatic action. The exquisite Baroque case was kept. Nitrowski’s organ was much smaller than Kemper’s, with 43 stops that were also arranged outside the case. On the cathedral floor, the playing table was electrically connected to the organ. Kemper also built a choir organ with 13 stops that was electrically connected to a playing table that both instruments shared. The organ was destroyed in World War II. Frombork Cathedral was taken over by Salesian priests in 1946. Salesian priest Father Józef Sianko restored both cathedral instruments to working condition in 1960. The Kamiski company from Warsaw rearranged the organs in the late 1970s, replacing some stops with those made of more valuable materials, under the direction and design of Professor Jan Jargo from Krakow. The Kamiski company added tubular bells controlled by the third manual and an additional 7-stop Brustwerk section to the main organ during this time. Thirteen more stops were added to the choir organ. This led to an organ with 66 stops. A new bench with height-adjustable seats and a refurbished pedalboard were added to the organ for Christmas 2013. Cynar of Wrocaw performed the work.
Blessed Dorota of Mątowy and the Oak Tree Mikołaj
The image of Blessed Dorota of Mątowy is really important around here. People have been following her for a long time, and you can still see her image in different places. It’s a big part of local tradition and faith. Right next to the cathedral, there’s this massive oak tree called Mikołaj. It’s an English oak and has a circumference of 734 cm (measured in 2011). It’s estimated to be around 500 years old. Sadly, though, the tree’s not in great shape. Its health is pretty poor these days.
Philately
On June 1, 1971, the Polish Post released a 4 złoty stamp featuring Frombork Cathedral. It was part of the “On the Trail of Copernicus” series. The stamp was printed using offset printing on coated paper and was designed by Andrzej Heidrich. It stayed in circulation until December 31, 1994.
Feast Day
Feast Day : 15 August – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 30 November – St. Andrew the Apostle
The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15, honoring Mary being taken into Heaven, body and soul. The Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle falls on November 30, remembering one of Jesus’ first disciples and the brother of Saint Peter.
Church Mass Timing
Monday to Saturday : 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 6:00 PM.
Sunday : 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM.
Church Opening Time:
Monday to Saturday : 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM.
Sunday : 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM.
Contact Info
Address : Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Andrew
Katedralna 8, 14-530 Frombork, Poland
Phone : +48737445297
Accommodations
Connectivities
Airway
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Andrew, Frombork, Poland, to Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, distance between 2 hr 2 min (112.5 km) via S7.
Railway
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Andrew, Frombork, Poland, to Braniewo Railway Station, distance between 16 min (11.4 km) via DW504.
