Description of the attraction
The former Franciscan Church of St. Vincent in Wroclaw has been the cathedral of the Greek Catholic Diocese of Wroclaw since 1999. The cathedral is considered one of the main attractions of the city. The church is located in the Old Town, about 500 meters northeast of the Town Hall.
The first church was built in 1234 as a Franciscan monastery church in the style of Romanesque architecture. Construction was carried out under the auspices of Duke Henry II. After his death in 1241, the work was completed with the support of his widow, and the duke himself was buried in the church crypt.
In the 14th century, the church underwent significant renovations and expansions, and a Gothic-style nave appeared. In the years 1662-1674, changes were made to the interior, which was made in the Baroque style. An altar, designed by Franz Zeller and George Cermak, appeared in the church in 1667. In 1723-1727, a late Baroque chapel of Our Lady of Our Lady, created by Christoph Hackner, appeared on the southern façade. The chapel is considered one of the masterpieces of the Baroque style in Wroclaw.
During the Second World War, the church was badly damaged. The restoration work was completed only in the 80s.
Since 1997, Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Henry Gulbinowicz have made the church the diocese of the Greek Catholic Church in Wroclaw. In 1999, the renovation was completed.
