Churches & monasteries

Garrison Church in Wrocław

The Garrison Church in Wrocław, the Minor Basilica of St Elizabeth, dominates the western side of the Market Square. For centuries the Gothic church served the city’s patricians; today it belongs to a military-civil parish. Its main visitor attraction is the tower and viewing terrace, but leave time for the interior and the story of its rebuilding.

Gothic church and a troubled tower

The present basilica began in the early 14th century as a foundation of Duke Boleslaw III, and its tower once carried a spire more than 130 metres high. Storms, fires and lightning repeatedly damaged the structure; the major fire of 1976 destroyed the roof and the 91-stop organ. The rebuilt interior was consecrated in 1997, and the church received the title of minor basilica in 2003.

A view from more than 90 metres

The terrace is about 75 metres above the ground and is reached by more than 300 steps. In clear weather it offers a broad panorama of Wrocław and, according to the parish, even Śnieżka. Back at ground level, notice the approximately 370 epitaphs and the details of the Market Square and nearby St Elizabeth Street.

Tower opening hours

From May to September the tower is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00, except Sundays and public holidays, when admission begins at 11:00. In other months it opens from 10:00, or 11:00 on Sundays and holidays, until dusk. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing; the tower closes during storms and rain or snow. The church is at 1/2 St Elizabeth Street, beside the Market Square.