Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chełmno

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Polish: Kościół Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Maryi Panny w Chełmnie) is a Catholic church in Chełmno, Poland. It was founded in the 13th century, and its gothic style is considered notably well preserved.[1] The church was an influence for the Cathedral at Königsberg.[2]

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Kościół Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Maryi Panny w Chełmnie
Credit: Jerzy Strzelecki
Map
53°20′52.8″N 18°25′18.1″E / 53.348000°N 18.421694°E / 53.348000; 18.421694
LocationChełmno
CountryPoland
DenominationCatholic
History
Founded13th century
Relics heldSt. Valentine
Architecture
Heritage designationRegister of monuments
StyleGothic

The church contains relics of St. Valentine and is on the register of monuments in Poland.[2][3] The church is also located in the Chełmno Old Town, which is itself a Historic Monument of Poland, as designated by the President of Poland.[3]

History

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Prior to the construction of the Church of the Assumption, the site contained a church that had been destroyed by Prussian forces.[1]

Between 1280 and 1320, initial construction consisted of multiple stages, beginning with the chancel and ending with the body and nave.[3]

In 1560, a major chapel addition was added, designed by Mathias Niemojewski.[1]

Additions in the 17th century gave the church's interior its final appearance.[1]

Relics of St. Valentine

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Relic of St. Valentine in silver reliquary

According to Rzeczpospolita, Fr. Jakub Fankidejski wrote in 1880 that the church possessed a small piece of the head of St. Valentine. By that time, the piece was stored in an octagonal silver reliquary about one foot in height. This reliquary was commissioned in 1630 by Jadwiga of Czarnków Działyńska in appreciation for a miracle allegedly performed by the relic.[2]

The relic was restaged for viewing in 2002.[2]

Architecture

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The brick church is designed in the hall style.[1][3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Dmochowski, Z. (1956). The Architecture of Poland: An Historical Survey. Kiribati: Polish Research Centre.
  2. ^ a b c d Cieślak, Jacek. "Polski partner Rzymu". Rzeczpospolita (in Polish). Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  3. ^ a b c d Stocka, Marzenna (ed.). "(Parish) Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary". Zabytek. Retrieved 2024-09-11.