Basilica of st. Bridget

Fantastic church. The amber alter here is brilliant - visit when it gets darker if you can. The crypt is also very interesting, as is the rest of the church. This place says donations voluntary, however we were forced to pay when we entered, so be cautious. It was not much, roughly 10zl and it is 100% worth that!

This was the church that surprised me the most in Gdansk. It has the most brilliant altarpiece I've ever seen, and there's also a small underground room with skulls. The entrance fee is 6zl, but it's definitely worth it. Every corner of the church is captivating. I highly recommend it.

Visiting this beautiful church is totally worth it as it combines artistry, spirituality and tradition, paying tribute to Polish culture and history. The main highlight is one of the world's largest amber altarpieces which is housed within this reconstructed medieval church. The entry ticket is 6 PLN and can be purchased at the church's reception. Another highlight within the church is the underground 'Crypt of Skulls'.

A remarkable historical and cultural site that intertwines Poland’s rich religious heritage with its modern history. Originally established in the late 14th century, the church was built to honor St. Bridget of Sweden, whose relics rested in Gdańsk during their journey from Rome to Vadstena in 1374. This event spurred the establishment of the Bridgettine Order’s presence in the city.   The church suffered extensive damage during World War II, leaving it in ruins until reconstruction efforts began in the 1970s. Today, it stands not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of resilience and national identity. During the 1980s, St. Bridget’s Church became a sanctuary for the Solidarity movement, providing support and refuge during a pivotal time in Poland’s path to freedom.    One of the church’s most captivating features is the ongoing construction of the Amber Altar, a monumental piece that, upon completion, will be one of the largest amber artworks in the world. The altar includes figures of significant religious and national figures, such as the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Bridget of Sweden, and Pope Saint John Paul II, and incorporates amber, silver, and gold elements contributed by parishioners and visitors. The altar serves as a tribute to divine providence and Poland’s regained independence.   Visitors can also explore the recently discovered Crypt of Skulls, unearthed in 2010 during renovation work. The crypt contains human remains believed to date back to the 17th century, offering a poignant glimpse into the church’s long and complex history.  St. Bridget’s Church is open to visitors daily, with extended hours on Sundays. Admission fees are modest, and guided tours are available for those interested in delving deeper into the church’s rich past. Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance, architectural beauty, or spiritual atmosphere, a visit to St. Bridget’s Church offers a profound and enriching experience.  

Was told by the historic tour we went on to go and visit as this is usually missed by tourists visiting the city. Seeing the beautiful amber alter did not disappoint!

We had the Great pleasure of meeting the Polish Artist Leszek Jerzy Sobiech here. His work on the Alter is utterly Amazing and a true Gift for all to see.

I'd say this church must have extremely generous and wealthy patrons. It's not just the stunning amber altar, but the overall decoration, the gorgeous metalwork everywhere, the beautiful statues... everything looks so luxurious. What really stands out is the 'Amber Altar', which is still under construction. The idea is that the altar will be a tribute to Divine Providence, in thanks for the papacy of Pope John Paul II and the regaining of Polish independence. It's fascinating, but I have to say there's nothing humble about that place. The place also has an underground chamber with a pile of human skulls that were discovered in 2016 (while working on the spiral staircase leading to the choir). There are lots of memorials to various conflicts in Polish history on the walls. There's a statue of Pope John Paul II outside. The first chapel here was built in 1350. The church was almost completely destroyed during WWII. It was rebuilt in 1973 based on original designs from 1394-1420. There's a small entrance fee and you can pay by card too.

Most beautiful church and very well maintained. There are so many things to watch and entrance fee is very well justified. The mid and dark tone of church make it more beautiful. It famous "The crypt of skull" make it more interesting. You could not miss this Church while visiting GDANSK or nearby places. I would recommend to visit this place for sure.