Description of the attraction
The Cistercian Church of the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Bernard, called the Oliva, or Oliwa Cathedral Basilica, was founded in 1178. The history of its appearance dates back to the reign of Prince Subislav the First. Once, while hunting, he was seriously injured. A local peasant bandaged the wound, saving the life of the prince, after which an angel with an olive branch appeared in a dream to Subislav the First, and therefore it was decided to found a church in this area called Oliva.
The church was seriously damaged by a fire in 1350. It was later restored in the Gothic style. The temple also survived the second fire in 1577, and the interior was restored in the Baroque style.
Oliwa Basilica is one of the most popular architectural structures in Gdansk. It is the longest basilica in Poland, built in the shape of a Latin cross, with vaults and three naves. Its length is 107 meters. The interior of the church is decorated with 23 altars. The wonderful organ complex, which was the largest in Europe at the end of the 18th century, enjoys special attention of tourists. It is made in the Rococo style from more than eight thousand organ pipes, pewter and wood. Every year, from May to September, you can enjoy organ concerts using musical instruments from the 18th century.
Next to the basilica is the picturesque Oliwa Park, which has interesting buildings for visitors - the Palace of the Abbots, the monastery. A museum has been opened in the building of the monastery. This old park is located on the territory of the monastery gardens. Here you can admire plants from different parts of the world, a rock garden, a waterfall, a grotto, a greenhouse, ponds with ducks and a stunning 17th century hornbeam alley. The park is laced with a network of bicycle and walking paths.
