Information
Landmark: St. James' CathedralCity: Szczecin
Country: Poland
Continent: Europe
St. James' Cathedral, Szczecin, Poland, Europe
Overview
St. James’ Cathedral, known in Polish as Bazylika Archikatedralna św., rises with pale stone walls that catch the late afternoon light.St. James’ Cathedral in Szczecin towers over the city as its largest and most important place of worship, its spire visible from streets lined with old brick buildings.Rising high with its Gothic spires, the basilica dedicated to St. James the Apostle has stood for centuries, a steadfast emblem of Szczecin’s faith and graceful architecture.One.Construction began in the mid-12th century, placing it among Szczecin’s oldest churches, its stone walls darkened by centuries of weather.First built for Roman Catholic worship, it shifted to Protestant hands during the Reformation in the 1500s.After World War II, the cathedral was returned to the Catholic Church.Bombing had torn through its brick walls and shattered stained glass, leaving much of it in ruins.Careful restoration over the following decades rebuilt the structure, and in 2008 a sleek modern spire was added, rising to 110.18 meters-the tallest point in Szczecin.The design reflects classic Brick Gothic style, with soaring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and heavy masonry.An elevator inside the new tower carries visitors to a viewing platform 56 meters above the streets.From the tower, visitors take in sweeping views of Szczecin, the wide curve of the Oder River, and the green sprawl beyond; inside, light floods the vast nave, glinting off Gothic windows and soaring vaulted ceilings where modern touches blend seamlessly with centuries-old stone, while the main altar and chapels hold intricate sculptures, vivid paintings, and treasured relics, and jewel-toned stained glass casts scenes of saints and scripture in pools of color, all within St. James’ Cathedral-the Archbishop’s seat, a Camino de Santiago stop, and a beloved venue for concerts-where a recently added modern chapel and soft, energy-efficient lighting complement its history, and where visitors, whether drawn by faith, music, or the view, find a welcoming space in the city’s heart, open daily, free to enter, with a small fee for tower access and full wheelchair accessibility, standing as a living symbol of Szczecin’s endurance and heritage.With soaring Gothic spires, lively festivals, and sleek modern touches, it’s a landmark you can’t miss when you’re in the city.
