Things to do in Pelplin
Pelplin, nicknamed the Athens of Pomerania, is a small town in the Kociewie region with one of the best-preserved former Cistercian complexes in Europe. The cathedral basilica, with its cloister and huge high altar, is among the largest Gothic churches in Poland. A few minutes away the Gutenberg Bible Museum shows the country's only copy of the first printed Bible, and next to the cathedral stands the Gothic Corpus Christi Church from around 1417. Outside town rises John Paul II Hill with a 33-metre cross and views over Kociewie. Pelplin makes a good day trip for lovers of medieval art, the history of books and quiet walks.
Map of attractions in Pelplin
All 4 places on one map: see what is close together and plan your route.
All attractions (4)
Viewpoints
John Paul II Hill, Pelplin
Pelplin
On a hill just outside Pelplin stands a 33-metre steel cross, clad in shiny metal that reflects the landscape of the Kociewie region. The height is no accident – it symbolises the years of Jesus's life. Here, on 6 June 1999, Pope John Paul…
30–60 min
Churches & monasteries
Pelplin Cathedral (Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption)
Pelplin
Pelplin Cathedral (say "PEL-pleen") – the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption – is a former Cistercian abbey church and one of the largest brick Gothic churches in Poland. This small town in the Kociewie region, south of Gdańsk, hides an…
Churches & monasteries
Corpus Christi Church, Pelplin
Pelplin
In the shadow of the vast cathedral it is easy to miss a small brick church with decorative stepped gables. Pelplin's Corpus Christi Church was built around 1417 and is part of the former Cistercian complex designated a Historic Monument o…
10–20 min
Museums
Museum of the Gutenberg Bible and Sacred Art, Pelplin
Pelplin
In Pelplin you can see Poland's only copy of the Gutenberg Bible – the first major book printed in Europe with movable type, around 1455 in Mainz. Since March 2025 the original has been on permanent display. Before that, for more than 20 y…
60–90 min