Churches in Oliva
Oliva Catherdal
The most famous church in Oliva is cathedral - part of Cistercians cloister complex. Cystercians were invited to Oliva in 1186 by Danzig duke Sambor I. The first, probably wooden chapel was built by monks at the end of 12th century. The oldest walls of the church come from beginning of 13th century. Frequent fires and wars destroyed church, which was every time rebuilt and enlarged. Cathedral got its final shape at the end of 16th century, when during years 1779 - 1771 western facade of the church was rebuilt in baroque style and two towers were decorated by baroque cupolas. The cloister church, named for St. Trinity, was in 1831 - after convent's liquidation, changed to parish church. Since 1926 it has been cathedral and the residence of Danzig bishops. Now, the Oliva cathedral is three-naves gothic basilica. It is probably the longest church in Poland, after all the enlargments it is 107 m long.
Oliva Cathedral.
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) | Cathedral's plan. |
There are many extraordinarily valuable culture monuments in the cathedral. Among others, there is 18th century organ with 7876 pipes, high altar from 1688, side altars, paintings and sculptures.
Cathedral's interiors.
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) | High altar. |
) | 18th century organ. |
) | Room in cloister, where the peace treaty between Poland and Sweden was signed on 3 May 1660. |
The cathedral in Oliva lost only two baroque cupolas in 1945, the rest of the church survived war in quite good condition.
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St. Jacob church
St. Jacob church (Jakobikirche) was built at the end of 13th century as parish church for Oliva. After fire in 1577 church was rebuilt at the beginning of 17th century. In 1831, when Oliva cathedral became the parish church, St. Jacob church was given to protestants. When the new protestant church at Lesna street (Waldstraße) was built in 1920, St. Jacob church was called "the old protestant church". Since 1946 it has been catholic church again.
St. Jacob church
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New evangelical church
The new protestant church at Lesna street (Waldstraße) was built to thank god for German victories against Napoleon's III armies. Construction works, with financial help of empress Eugenia started in 1909 and finished in 1921. The church was built in neo-gothic style. The last clergyman - dr. Vorwerek was expelled in 1945 r and the church was given to Cystercians.
New protestant church
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Interior of the church
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