Co-Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Chełmża

The Holy Trinity Co-Cathedral in Chełmża is one of the most valuable examples of Gothic brick architecture in the Chełmno Land. The church stands on a slope above the lake, while its twin-tower façade, transept and tall chancel create the town’s distinctive skyline.

A Gothic church above the lake

Construction began in 1251 and the main works continued until 1359. The church has three aisles, a hall layout, a transept and a rectangular chancel without an ambulatory. It was built of red brick, combining cathedral forms with solutions associated with the churches of mendicant orders. The Baroque top of the tower was added in 1699.

Furnishings and historical traces

The chancel preserves Gothic seats for the celebrant and assistants as well as star vaults. Look for the granite holy-water stoup, the Baroque high altar by Giovanni Gisleni from around 1650, the Holy Cross altar from 1744 and a late-Renaissance pulpit from 1604. The church also contains a fragment of the tomb slab of Grand Master Siegfried von Feuchtwangen, buried here in 1311, and memorials connected with Blessed Stefan Wincenty Frelichowski.

Visiting Chełmża

The co-cathedral remains an active church, so visits must fit around services and parish events. Chełmża Tourist Information offers arrangements for individual or group sightseeing. Check the current visiting rules before travelling, keep quiet inside and do not photograph during services without permission. Afterward, walk down to the lake to see the church from the water side.