The best things to do in Bydgoszcz - Churches

1. Things to prepare before going to Bydgoszcz
2. Costs of living in Bydgoszcz
3. Save money in Bydgoszcz - Tips for living in Bydgoszcz on a student budget
4. How to get to Bydgoszcz - Getting to Bydgoszcz by train, plane, car or bus
5. Bydgoszcz neighborhoods - The most important districts of Bydgoszcz
6. Accommodation for students in Bydgoszcz - Top tips and pieces of advice
7. Public transport in Bydgoszcz - Getting around Bydgoszcz
8. Nightlife in Bydgoszcz - Night club guide and going out in Bydgoszcz
9. Where to eat in Bydgoszcz - Polish cuisine and gastronomy in Bydgoszcz
10. Polish cuisine - The gastronomy of Poland and traditional dishes
11. The best things to do in Bydgoszcz
12. The best things to do in Bydgoszcz - Museums
13. The best things to do in Bydgoszcz - Churches
14. Where to relax in Bydgoszcz
15. Cinemas and Theatres in Bydgoszcz
16. Day trips from Bydgoszcz - Places to visit and excursions around Bydgoszcz
17. Festivals in Bydgoszcz - Festivities and celebrations calendar
18. Bydgoszcz In 2 Days - What to see in Bydgoszcz in 2 days

Churches

St. Vincent de Paul Basilica Minor in Bydgoszcz

The biggest and the most impressive church in Bydgoszcz. 12 000 people can visit this church at the same time, making it one of the biggest in Poland. The dome is 65 m high. You can see that it was inspired a little by the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City. Construction started in 1924 and the idea behind this project was that is was built in appreciation for the independence of Poland. The almost-finished building was destroyed during the Second World War, but after 1945, reconstruction process re-started. A lot of decorative details inside of the church were designed by Polish architect Wiktor Zin. I really recommend going to see its interior, where you can see a beautiful coffering on the ceiling of the dome, which was also designed by Wiktor Zin, as well as main altar, which shows the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Make sure you also see the mosaic “The Creation of the World” which is placed above the main entrance and the decorative “Doors of Blessings”.

St. Martin and St. Nicholas Cathedral

This is the oldest and the most important church in Bydgoszcz, located in the Old Town, just next to the Old Market Square. It’s the Cathedral, but for everyone in Bydgoszcz it’s just “Fara”, which means 'parish church'. This Church was built in gothic style in 1466-1502. Fara is beautiful for two reasons: one is due to its picturesque location just next to the river (best view you can get from the other side of the river, from Karmelicka Street, recommended especially after dusk!) and two, because of its unique and surprising colours inside. The walls are painted red, purple and dark blue. The paintings come from the twenties of the last century, yet he most precious item in the Cathedral is the miraculous image of Our Lady of Beautiful Love, also called Our Lady of the Rose.

Garrison Church and Poor Clares' Church

These are two other very old churches in Bydgoszcz. Although they are rather small, they are still a very important symbol of the history of Bydgoszcz. Garrison Church is located near Bernardyńska Street. It was built in 16th century. Poor Clares' Church is located very central at the crossroad of Gdańska and Jagiellońska Street. Built in 16th-17th century, contains elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Every day at noon, 3 pm and 6 pm from the tower of the church you can hear the bugle call of the city of Bydgoszcz, which was inspired by the motif of the Kashubian melody.

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

This is probably the most impressive church in downtown of Bydgoszcz. Located just next to Gdańska Street, at Wolności Square. It was built in 19th century for Protestants in a neo-Gothic style with eclectic and Roman elements. After the Second World War there was a threat that the church would be demolished and replaced by a Stalin statue, which thankfully never happened. Today it’s an excellent background for the Potop fountain.

Saint Andrew Bobola's Church

A Neo-Gothic church located in the Old Town, in Kościeleckich Square. Its recognizable silhouette is visible from different parts of the city - its 75 m high tower makes it the highest building in the city. It was built at the beginning of 20th century as a church for the Protestant population of the city; it’s a Catholic church now. Interesting fact: very close to the present church there is a spot, where the Bydgoszcz medieval castle was located. Unfortunately, nowadays you can’t find any evidence of its existence, as it was destroyed by Swedes during the Swedish invasion (known as the Deluge) in the mid 17th century. You can only see the model of the castle (we’re not really sure how it looked like) next to the mBank building at Grodzka 19 Street. For fans of classical music: from time to time there are organ music concerts organized in the church

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