St. Mary Magdalene's Cathedral and Penitents' Bridge

St. Mary Magdalene's Cathedral in Wrocław is a towering Gothic brick church just off the Market Square, and the Penitents' Bridge (also called the Witches' Bridge) slung between its two towers is one of the best viewpoints in the city. From 45 m (about 150 ft) up you look over the Old Town's rooftops, the Town Hall and St. Elizabeth's Church. The church also played a key role in history: Silesia's Protestant Reformation began here in 1523.

A short history

A church has stood here since around the late 11th century. Today's brick building dates from 1342–1362, with the towers finished in the 15th century. It was one of the two main parish churches of the merchant city. On October 23, 1523, Johannes Hess preached the first Lutheran sermon in Silesia here, and the church remained Protestant for over four centuries.

In May 1945, after the fighting had ended, an explosion – probably a mine – tore apart the south tower and destroyed the vaults and Silesia's largest bell, cast in 1386. The church was rebuilt in 1960–1970 and in 1972 was handed over to the Polish Catholic Church (an independent church, not part of the Roman Catholic Church), whose diocesan cathedral it is today.

The Penitents' Bridge

The bridge between the towers was first mentioned in 1459. Destroyed in 1945, it was rebuilt around the turn of the 21st century. Local legends explain its names: in one, a vain girl cursed by her father must sweep it every night; in another, the souls of young women who preferred partying to marriage haunt it.

Getting up means climbing 247 steps, including narrow spiral staircases – there's no elevator. It's a workout, but the view is worth it: part of the Market Square and the Town Hall tower on one side, St. Elizabeth's on the other, and Cathedral Island in the distance. Late afternoon light is the most flattering.

What else to see

• The Romanesque Ołbin portal on the south wall, moved here in 1546 from a demolished abbey.
• A Renaissance pulpit from 1579–1581.
• Stone epitaphs inside and outside the church.
• The red-and-green checkerboard roof, best seen from the bridge.

Hours and tickets

According to the City of Wrocław's official website (updated June 2025), the viewpoint is open daily 10 am–8 pm, and 10 am–6 pm from November to March. Tickets cost 15 PLN (standard) and 10 PLN (reduced), sold at the entrance. The church doesn't publish its own price list, so confirm on site – especially in winter 2026/27, when the shorter hours apply.

Allow 30–45 minutes for the climb and the view. Not suitable for anyone with limited mobility or a fear of heights.

Getting there and nearby

The church is at Szewska 10, a three-minute walk from the Market Square. Nearest tram stops: Oławska and Wita Stwosza; bus stop: Galeria Dominikańska. Wrocław Airport is about 10 km west of the center.

Nearby you'll find the Old Town Hall, St. Elizabeth's Church with its own viewing tower, the Museum of Architecture and the Market Hall.