Gothic Churches Trail
Gothic style in art and architecture appeared in France in XII century as a direct successor of Romanesque style. Thanks to new constructional solutions it was possible to leave the rules of constructing buildings used until then, and to create figures of a new type. After heavy Romanesque buildings the time had come for soaring and slender constructions of Gothic style.
St. Peter and Paul’s Church is a historical parish church of the Old Suburbs of Gdańsk Let us remind you that Old Suburbs together with Old, Main and Young Town create the historical part of Gdańsk.
The construction of the church was initiated in 1393 and it lasted more than 100 years. The result is a three-nave temple with starry vaults in the main nave and diamond vaults in side aisles. There had been plans to heighten the 41 metre tower, but the reformation closed the door on it. Interestingly, its demands appeared here very quickly by one of priest’s affair. He is said to be so engaged in spreading new faith because of personal reason. There are rumours that Jakob Knade fell in love with a kinswoman of a trader from Kramarska Street and this is why he sermonised against celibacy. Indeed, right after he had taken off his habit, he married beautiful Anna Rastenberger.
The beginning of XIX century was not merciful to the church. Bombarded by Napoleonic army, for several years it had been serving as a storage for hay and straw. Then in 1813 it was bombarded again, this time by Russians. Next years’ renovations were useless as in 1945 the church was ruined again. Its reconstruction was initiated only in 1958, when the facility was passed on to the Catholics of Armenian rite that came here from Eastern Borderlands. 2006 is said to be the year of finishing the reconstruction; it is when the church was reconsecrated and its illumination was set up.
To this day few original elements of furniture have survived. Among the most precious objects that remained there are XVII century chandeliers and a tombstone from the family chapel of Uphagens, an outstanding Gdańsk house, from the same age.
While being in church, it is worth seeing the khachkar (traditional Armenian cross-stone) that was unveiled in 2009. It can be found right next to the Gothic wall of the temple, in so called Armenian Corner.
How to access point 9:
The shortest way to the next point of the trail requires going through the gate of the service pavilion located opposite the church’s exit.
