Baltic Cruise — Gdańsk; St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church

Today I present to you the marvelous interior of St. Mary’s Church in Gdańsk. Formerly named Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this Roman Catholic church is indeed a basilica, and has been since it was elevated to that status in 1965. Construction of the current structure began in 1343, but would not be completed for 159 years.

St. Mary’s Church

Within the church is an intricate and unique clock that was built over a six-year period beginning in 1464. This is the six-faced Gdańsk astronomical clock, and it is sophisticated enough to announce the time of day, the date, the zodiacal location of both the moon and the sun, and the calendar of saints.

Gdańsk astronomical clock

The Gdańsk astronomical clock stands 14 meters/46 feet in height, making it at the time the largest in the world. Among current wooden clocks, it may still hold the size record. Each hour, Adam and Eve let you know the time by striking the bells at the top:

Bell ringers Adam & Eve

Now for more interior views: