Cathedral in Olsztyn – Basilica of St. James

The Cathedral in Olsztyn, known as the Basilica of St. James, is one of the most valuable monuments of brick Gothic in northern Poland. The church stands in the heart of the Old Town, and its history dates back to the late 14th century, when the main construction works were completed. Since 1973 it has served as a co-cathedral of the Archdiocese of Warmia, and in 2004 it was granted the title of a minor basilica. The interior features three naves and an impressive tower about 61 meters high. This place is associated with prominent figures – Nicolaus Copernicus visited it as an administrator of the chapter's estates, and Feliks Nowowiejski played the organ here. During recent conservation works, unique Gothic ceramic heads were discovered, causing a sensation on a European scale. The cathedral is the burial place of Warmian bishops and archbishops. It is a site of great spiritual and historical significance, eagerly visited by tourists, pilgrims, and architecture enthusiasts. Admission is free, and the building is open to visitors all year round.