St. Mary Magdalene Church, Wrocław

St. Mary Magdalene Church Kościół Św. Magdaleny we Wrocławiu (Polish)
Basic information
Location	Wrocław, Poland
Affiliation	Old Catholic
District	Old Town
Architectural description
Architectural style	Romanesque, Brick Gothic
Completed	before 15th century
Specifications
Materials	Brick

File:View from Szewska street.jpg

View from Szewska street

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.

File:Portal of Mary Magdalene church in Wrocław.jpg

Romanesque portal

Bibliography

• Malgorzata Urlich-Kornacka A guide to Wrocław
• Beata Maciejewska Spacerownik Wrocławski

External links

• St. Mary Magdalene church virtual tour