The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Legnica (Katedra Świętych Apostołów Piotra i Pawła) is a significant sacred building with a rich history and impressive architecture. Here are the key details:
🏰 Historical Overview
First church built: Already mentioned in 1208, originally dedicated to the Apostle Peter.
Gothic Rebuilding: Built between 1328 and 1378 under master builder Wiland, modeled on St. Elizabeth's Church in Breslau.
Consecration: On September 20, 1342, by Bishop Wacław; St. Paul was added as a second patron.
Reformation: From 1522/23, the church served as a Protestant church under Duke Frederick II.
Fire & Reconstruction: After a fire in 1835, it was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style according to designs by Karl Friedrich Schinkel.
🛐 Catholic Cathedral
Return to Catholics: After 1945, following the transfer to Poland.
Elevation to cathedral status: On March 25, 1992, by Pope John Paul II, the main church of the newly established Diocese of Legnica.
Visit of the Pope: John Paul II visited the cathedral on June 2, 1997.
🎨 Architecture & Furnishings
Three-aisled hall church with cross vaults in the side aisles and a ribbed presbytery.
Northwestern main portal: Around 1370, with a Gothic statue of the Madonna and Child (ca. 1340) – a masterpiece of stonemasonry.
West portal: Scenes from the Adoration of the Magi.
Interior:
Renaissance pulpit (1586/88)
Baroque high altar
Bronze baptismal font in the shape of a Gothic chalice
Gravestone of Duke Ludwig II of Brieg and Elisabeth of Brandenburg.
📍 Location & Surroundings
Directly on Liegnitz Square, centrally located in the old town.
In the immediate vicinity: Church of Our Lady, Liegnitz Castle, Copper Museum, and Modrzejewska Theater.