St. Mary Magdalene Church, Wrocław
| St. Mary Magdalene Church Kościół Św. Magdaleny we Wrocławiu (Polish) | |
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| Basic information | |
| Location | Wrocław, Poland |
| Affiliation | Old Catholic |
| District | Old Town |
| Architectural description | |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Brick Gothic |
| Completed | before 15th century |
| Materials | Brick |
St. Mary Magdalene Church in Wrocław, Poland, is a gothic church located between Szewska and Laciarska street close to the central market square, established in the 13th century. Currently it is a cathedral of the Polish Catholic Church led by Piotr Mikolajczak. It was here that the first evangelical service in Wrocław was celebrated.
Description
During the Second World War the church was seriously damaged. In 1945 the legendary Sinner's Bell, which was the biggest Silesian bell, was also damaged. St Mary Magdalene was rebuilt during the period 1947-1953.
The most precious relic of the church is a Romanesque portal dating from the 12th century, coming from a Benedictine monastery on the river Elbing.
The bridge connecting the two towers is called the "Mostek Czarownic" (Witches’ Bridge). A legend says that the shadows visible on the bridge are the souls of the girls who used to seduce men without wanting to be married, being scared of housekeeping. Indeed shadows represent women with brooms in their hands.
Bibliography
- Malgorzata Urlich-Kornacka A guide to Wrocław
- Beata Maciejewska Spacerownik Wrocławski
External links
Coordinates: 51°06′34″N 17°02′05″E / 51.10944°N 17.03472°E