Reverence and beauty in Poland’s churches

Poland is one of Europe’s most religious countries, with a fleet of outstanding churches and chapels. In addition to being places of worship, these buildings are architectural feats showcasing everything from Gothic design to lavish Baroque detail. There’s beauty to be found wherever you look but these are the Polish churches that are especially worthy of a visit.

The Chapel of St Kinga, Wieliczka

The Chapel of St Kinga is located in the Wieliczka Salt Mine (which is as deep as the Eiffel Tower is tall) and is carved completely out of salt, making it a veritable subterranean spectacle. It was built in the 13th century as a way for miners to practice their faith while working underground, and still stands as a popular tourist attraction. Inside, you’ll find resplendent chandeliers, religious reliefs and an image of St Kinga – the patron saint of the salt miners – all carved entirely out of salt. Head above ground to spend the night at Turówka Hotel & Spa.

St Mary’s Church, Gdańsk

As Gdansk’s glittering crown, St Mary’s Church has a palatial presence. It’s one of the largest brick churches in the world – certainly in Europe – and entering into this cavernous place of worship is enough to instill at least a hint of reverence in you. Walk beneath the intricate vaulted ceiling and past the tall, slender windows where fragments of light spill through and illuminate the space in a dim glow, towards the gargantuan Baroque organ. It’s a haunting and hypnotic place; look up and you’ll locate an astronomical clock in its northern quadrant. Look down and you’ll notice hundreds of gravestone slabs that form part of the floor. End the visit on a high – the 78 metre-tall church tower will gift you unblemished views of the Gdańsk cityscape. You can even try to spot these apartments, which are a nearby retreat after a day out strolling.

Wang Church, Karpacz

Unlike the exuberant drama of Poland’s Baroque and Gothic churches, the Wang Church in the town of Karpacz is a more restrained affair. Hailing from a school of design known as the Nordic Romanesque movement, it’s a stave church; this type of whimsical, almost fantastical structure is native to Norway and traditionally combines the more austere architecture of Christianity with Nordic iconography. The Wang Church is unique in that it was imported from Norway by King Frederick William IV of Prussia during the 19th century. First dismantled and then completely rebuilt in its new position, it is handmade from Norwegian pine and doesn’t include a single nail in its woodwork. Admire its runic inscriptions and the ornate dragon carvings that lurk in the apses overhead. Keep the wintry fairy tale alive even when you leave by staying overnight at Chaty Świerkowe Wzgórze.

Saints Philip and James Church, Sękowa

One of the many wooden churches now anointed UNESCO World Heritage status, the Saints Philip and James Church is a worthy stop for any traveller who appreciates late medieval ecclesiastical architecture. Located in the south of the country, this church is notable for its sloping shingle roof and onion domes, often associated with the opulence of a Russian cathedral. Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Beskid Niski’, it’s a standout even among the other wooden churches dotted around the country. While you’re visiting, stay at the romantic Agroturystyka Barnilka.

St. Mary’s Basilica in Kraków

Floating high above the swell of people in Kraków’s Main Market Square, St Mary’s Basilica is a glorious example of Polish Gothic architecture. Destroyed during the Mongol invasion of Poland in the 13th century, it was later rebuilt in the Gothic style it’s now known for. This included the leaping asymmetrical towers that served as a defensive vantage point for the city and also became known for the hejnał, a melodious bugle call that has been played in the Main Square daily since the 14th century to signal the time. Keep an ear out for this call and note the tradition of a break in the melody mid-tune, in commemoration of the trumpeter who was shot while trying to warn the city of the Mongol invasion. Head inside to discover bold orange- and yellow-painted grand archways, amid the canopy of blue that is the church’s ceiling. And the wooden masterpiece that is the Veit Stoss altarpiece – a Polish national treasure. After that, you need only wander around the corner to these restful apartments and their rooftop views.