Frombork Cathedral

Frombork, Poland

The Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Andrew in Frombork was constructed during 1329-1388. The astronomer and mathematician Nicolaus Copernicus worked there as a canon (1512–16 and 1522–43). He wrote his epochal work, De revolutionibus orbium cœlestium in Frombork. Shortly after its 1543 publication, Copernicus died there and was buried in the cathedral where his grave was thought to have been found by archaeologists in 2005. This was subsequently confirmed in November 2008 by the publication of the results of DNA tests on fragments of bone and hair found on the skeleton; hair that matched two strands of hair which belonged to Copernicus and are currently located in Uppsala University.

In the northwest corner of the cathedral grounds is Copernicus' tower, and in the southwest corner an octagonal building with a square bell tower and a small planetarium and a Foucault's pendulum. Frombork suffered destruction during the Polish–Swedish wars. Between 1626 and 1635 it was occupied by Gustavus Adolphus of Swedenwho looted the cathedral and removed many cultural artefacts, including Copernicus' manuscripts to Sweden.

The town and cathedral were badly damaged in World War II. After the war the cathedral was meticulously reconstructed.

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Address

Katedralna , Frombork, Poland
See all sites in Frombork

Details

Founded: 1329-1388
Category: Religious sites in Poland

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Michał Dąbrowski (9 months ago)
Beautiful building both outside and inside. I've been to many churches, but this one is really impressive.
Sebastian F (12 months ago)
The cathedral is impressive. Beautiful, you can feel the atmosphere of the place. It is worth watching the photo presentation before entering, showing what it looked like years ago and now. A piece of good conservation work. Beautiful organ, unfortunately we didn't have the opportunity to hear it. Stunning details, faces of angels, etc. It is worth paying attention to the vaults. Of course, a must-see in Frmoborek.
Jan Platta (15 months ago)
super
Marek Piotr Wójcicki (16 months ago)
It is worth visiting in the late afternoon when most tourists return to the spit. Beautiful and atmospheric cathedral. I recommend going to the attic and seeing the impressive roof truss structure from the inside. It is also worth listening to the organ concert. Copernicus's grave is always besieged. Remember that there is no 100 percent certainty that the remains of a great scientist were buried there (I recommend articles about it), although I have heard guides who have no doubts. Big applause for the team of young people who are in the service team (Michael, who told us about the roof structure, was doing great). Super helpful girls at the entrance to the cathedral. Greetings also to the very nice Mrs. Jasia.
Alec “hhh” Kempendorf (2 years ago)
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