Building Name: | Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene |
Native Name: | Katedra św. Marii Magdaleny |
Location: | Wrocław, Poland |
Native Name Lang: | pl |
Religious Affiliation: | Old Catholic |
District: | Old Town |
Architecture Style: | Romanesque, Brick Gothic |
Year Completed: | before 15th century |
Materials: | Brick |
Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene in Wrocław, Poland, is a gothic church located between Szewska and Laciarska street close to the central market square, established in the 13th century. It serves as a cathedral of the Polish Catholic Church led by Piotr Mikołajczak. Along with the Old Town of Wrocław, it is listed as a Historic Monument of Poland.[1]
On 21 October 1523, the city's first Lutheran services were held in the church.[2] The church is named after Jesus' companion Mary Magdalene.
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 in Ołbin that had been torn down in the 16th century.
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.
thumb|240px|Romanesque portal