St John the Baptist's Church in Malbork

The Gothic parish church of the old town stands right below the castle, beside the Nogat, and is one of the few medieval buildings in Malbork that survived 1945. There has been a parish here since the late 13th century, and the present hall church was begun in 1467. Inside you will find a stone figure of St Elizabeth from around 1410, a Gothic font and neo-Gothic altars that survived the war. It is a natural stop as you leave the castle.

History: from war ruins to the Orionines

The first church on this site was built in the late 13th century but was reduced to rubble in 1457–1460, during the Thirteen Years' War. According to Visit Malbork, the church owes its present form to a rebuilding begun around 1468; other sources give 1467 as the start and 1523 as the end of the work. The result was a brick hall church with three naves and six bays, without a separate chancel. The crystal vault was replaced with a net vault in 1534, the tower was completed in 1623, and after a fire in 1668 the church was shortened by one bay.

In the 19th century small parish houses were built around it, and between the wars the furnishings and stained glass were replaced. Around 1900 it was the only Catholic church in town. In 1945 the tower collapsed and the only bell, from 1502, half melted; the church lost its roofs and windows. The first service was held here as early as 3 May 1945, and since 1957 the parish has been run by the Orionine Fathers.

What to see inside

• The stone figure of St Elizabeth of Hungary (of Thuringia) from around 1410 in the south aisle – the church's most valuable movable artwork.
• A Gothic font from the late 13th or the 14th century.
• A 15th-century Gothic crucifix in the porch and a figure of St John the Evangelist on the organ case from around 1800.
• A Baroque chandelier from the 17th century with the Virgin and Child set on a pair of deer antlers.
• A painting of the Judgement of Solomon from around 1600 and a Virgin and Child from 1629.
• The neo-Gothic altars, which survived the war.

Did you know?

During works in 2007, a stone foundation about 6 metres long, older than the present church, was uncovered on its east side. A stone threshold was also found, heavily worn by the feet of earlier churchgoers. The town stresses that St John's has been a Catholic church throughout its history.

Tripto tips

• This is a working parish church: entry is free, but avoid visiting during services.
• 15–30 minutes is enough for the interior.
• The church stands on Trakt Jana Pawła II, south of the castle. There is a car park in front in the paid parking zone (Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00).
• Nearby: the Nogat riverside promenade, the Old Town Hall, St Mary's and Potters' Gates, and the footbridge to the opposite bank with views of the castle.