St. Bridget's Church in Gdańsk - amber altar and 15 prayers
- Damian Brzeski
- Jun 7
- 13 min read
Can one place combine Gothic beauty, an amber masterpiece and the history of the fight for freedom? St. Bridget's Basilica in Gdańsk – called the Church of Solidarity – is not only a pearl of architecture and spirituality, but also a living museum of Polish identity.
The amber altar, the relics of a saint, the chapel of national remembrance and traces of resistance to communism create a space that cannot be forgotten. Discover what lies behind the walls of this unique temple and why its history still touches hearts.
Basilica of St. Bridget (Solidarity Church)
St. Bridget's Basilica in Gdańsk is a place where history intertwines with spirituality, and the Gothic wall hides many secrets. This Roman Catholic church , also known as the Solidarity Church , is a true legend of Gdańsk.
It started innocently – from the chapel of Mary Magdalene around 1350. But everything gained momentum when a funeral procession with the relics of St. Bridget passed through Gdańsk.
It was then that the heart of the cult of St. Bridget of Sweden began to beat. In 1394, a monastery of the Bridgettine sisters was established here, and three years later, Bishop Stefan of Chełmża consecrated the first main nave.
Over the years, the temple expanded, transforming into a majestic parish church with a three-nave layout typical of brick Gothic (reconstruction in 1514).
In the 17th century, a Baroque tower with a spire was added to the presbytery – its last storey dates back to 1673.
Unfortunately, time did not spare this sanctity. As a result of fires in 1945 and 1957, the roof and vaults burned down.
These were real ruins of a church . But like a phoenix from the ashes, it was rebuilt in 1972–1975, preserving the original elements, including the baroque tower.
Interesting fact: Although it is commonly called the "Church of St. Bridget", since 1991 the church has had the official title of minor basilica , granted by St. John Paul II . This means that it is not only a church, but also a place of special importance to the Roman Catholic Church , distinguished for its history, worship and architecture.
What makes this temple talked about not only in the context of architecture?
Because the history of the church is not just walls and altars. It is also people and the fight for freedom.
The Solidarity Church and the spiritual bastion of resistance
In the 1980s, St. Bridget became a symbol of resistance. After the strikes in August 1980, it was this church in Gdańsk that opened its doors to workers and activists.
When martial law was declared on December 13, 1981, St. Bridget, headed by parish priest Father Henryk Jankowski, became a refuge and asylum.
Lech Wałęsa, Tadeusz Mazowiecki and other representatives of the banned "Solidarity" sought support within its walls.
Today, in front of the church you can see a monument to Father Jankowski, and the Bridgettine Order itself, although it was dissolved after the church reform of 1817, has become a permanent part of the spiritual landscape of Gdańsk.
In 1988, the church gained a new dimension – it was proclaimed the Sanctuary of Our Lady Queen of the Working World , and on September 23, 1991, Pope St. John Paul II gave it the title of minor basilica .
And the cherry on the cake? It is undoubtedly a monumental amber altar , unique not only in Poland but also in Europe. It attracts attention, it combines the sacred with the natural beauty of the Baltic Sea.
So if you ever find yourself in Gdańsk – stop for a moment at St. Bridget. Let history speak to you not only through bricks and towers, but through the story that every corner of this place carries.
Architecture - Gothic style with an amber heart and a western soul
The Basilica of St. Bridget is not only a witness to history, but also a masterpiece of medieval architecture that has survived wars, fires and the passing of centuries. How does it look from up close? Let's take a look inside and out to discover its unique structure.
External body
St. Bridget's Basilica is a classic of brick Gothic , but with a few twists that make it stand out even in the rich panorama of Gdańsk's monuments.
Imagine a three-nave hall, where each of the six bays has its place in a precise symphony of arches and buttresses. And then there are the chapels attached to the side – seemingly shallow, but giving the mass a subtle rhythm.
The biggest surprise? The chancel. Not only is it rectangular and three-bay, but it is also situated on the western side! Why? Because that is what St. Bridget of Sweden recommended, and her instructions were taken very seriously.
In the north-eastern corner, a Baroque tower with a lantern-shaped dome watches over everything.
Slender, elegant, somewhat capricious in its Baroque styling, but adding expression to the entire structure. Roofs? Classic: gabled over the naves and chancel, as befits a Gothic monument.
Interior and furnishings - From baroque splendor to national memory
The interior of St. Bridget surprises with its richness of detail. Although many of the old works were destroyed, the Baroque furnishings survived, giving the space a golden character.
The walls also conceal numerous national relics that turn this temple into something much more than a place of worship.
The most valuable painting is the painting by Herman Han "Allegory of the Triumphant Church" - originally located in St. Mary's Church, and today decorating the main altar.
In addition, there is a carved 18th-century Crucifixion group, a few epitaphs and tombstones, and a richly decorated pulpit and side altars – including those of St. Anne, St. Joseph and Our Lady of Fatima, where you can see spectacular stained glass windows and bas-reliefs.
But the real heart of the interior beats somewhere else – in the space of national memory. The basilica acts as a spiritual time capsule, a “chapel of history” , where every wall has a story to tell.
There are bas-reliefs on the walls, such as the one depicting the Mother of God dressed in a dress with the coats of arms of Polish cities, and the symbolic grave of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko.
Under the pillars stand wooden crosses from the Gdańsk shipyards from the times of the strikes in 1980 and 1988. At the entrance – massive metal doors with engraved figures of 152 heroes of “Solidarity”.
And further? Plaques, epitaphs, urns with soil from Katyn and Volhynia, memory of AK soldiers, scouts, insurgents and all those who gave their lives for freedom.
In the fence of the altar of Our Lady of Fatima there is a White Eagle with the coat of arms of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth – a detail that says more than a thousand words.
This is a place where the religious cult of St. Bridget meets with homage to national identity. And that is why it is difficult to pass by this temple indifferently.
Reconstruction
Although much was destroyed during the war, the rebuilt church retained its original shape, including the original window openings and the Baroque tower. It is not just a brick structure, but a story of stone and light. One that is not watched, but experienced.
Amber Altar - Baltic Jewels in the Heart of a Gothic Temple
Among all the elements that distinguish the Basilica of St. Bridget, one attracts particular attention: the amber altar .
It is a true pearl of contemporary sacred art and one of the largest objects of its kind in the world. It is located in the presbytery and measures over 11 meters in height and 12 meters in width.
Its concept was born from passion and the spirit of the times. The originator of the project was the charismatic priest Henryk Jankowski, the work was realized by prof. Stanisław Radwański (sculptor, rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk) and amber master Mariusz Drapikowski.
They created an extraordinary composition of amber and bronze , which delights with its detail and panache.
The central point of the altar is the painting of Our Lady – Protectress of Working People – by Father Franciszek Znaniecki.
The painting was created as a response to the dramatic events of December 1970 and carries a deep message of hope and care.
Mary and Child were crowned with amber crowns, consecrated by St. John Paul II in 2001.
At the base of the altar stand two giants of the Polish Church, cast in bronze: Pope John Paul II and Primate Stefan Wyszyński . These are not just figures, but symbols of spiritual leadership and steadfastness.
On the sides of the painting are the patron saints of Europe: St. Bridget of Sweden and St. Elizabeth Hesselblad , emphasizing the universal message of this space of prayer. And above the whole soars a white eagle made of amber - a symbol of Poland and a tribute to its steadfastness.
It is not without significance that the altar blends in perfectly with the Gothic architecture of the basilica. The appropriately designed light highlights the depth and color of the ambers, creating an atmosphere that is both sacred and reflective.
The amber altar is not just a work of art. It is the spiritual center of St. Bridget and one of the most important contemporary messages about the power of faith, work and Polish identity.
Who was St. Bridget? – the patron saint of the temple
When you think of the Gothic basilica in the heart of Gdansk, it’s worth getting to know the person who started it all. Saint Bridget of Sweden (Birgitta Birgersdotter, ca. 1303–1373) was not only a mystic and writer, but also a wife, mother of eight, and a woman of deep faith who changed the course of spiritual history in Europe.
She came from an aristocratic family, probably related to the Swedish royal family.
After her husband's death, she joined the order of the Canonesses of Vadstena, and shortly afterwards founded her own congregation, the Bridgettines , or the Order of the Most Holy Saviour.
She had the gift of visions and revelations, which she collected in the work "Revelationes" ("The History of the Queen of Heaven"), read and commented on for centuries.
In 1371 she went to Rome, where she died two years later. She was canonized in 1391, and from then on her cult spread throughout Europe.
Today she is recognized not only as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church , but also as the patron saint of Europe , pilgrims, and a good death.
In iconography, St. Bridget is depicted with a crown and a heraldic lion – a reference to her family coat of arms. Her relics of St. Bridget (body fragments) were for some time in Gdańsk, which gave impetus to the creation of a local monastery of the Bridgettine sisters and the church itself.
To this day, in the basement of the basilica, there is a chapel of St. Bridget, where her relics are kept. It is not only a tribute to an extraordinary woman, but also a living part of spirituality that has survived the centuries.
Fifteen Prayers of St. Bridget - The Secret of Happiness and the Spiritual Promise of the Mystic
St. Bridget of Sweden is associated not only with a spiritual heritage, but also with an extraordinary prayer practice known as the "Secret of Happiness." This is a set of 15 prayers that St. Bridget is said to have received in an apparition in the Roman Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Their content focuses on meditation on the Passion of the Lord and spiritual union with the suffering of Jesus.
These prayers are recited daily for a year. Each one contains a fragment of meditation, to which is added the prayer "Our Father", "Hail Mary" and the short invocation: "Jesus, my love" .
Example? The first prayer begins with the words: "O Jesus... grant me, before my death, to experience true contrition of heart... and obtain forgiveness of all sins. Amen."
According to tradition, regular recitation of these prayers is supposed to bring spiritual graces . In St. Bridget's revelation, there are also specific promises: among others, the release of 15 souls from purgatory , the conversion of loved ones , the grace of a good and painless death , and the forgiveness of all sins.
This is not just a pious legend. For many, it is a daily ritual, a tool for spiritual growth, and a space for a living relationship with God. In the parish of St. Bridget in Gdańsk, this practice has its place.
Services are organized, prayer groups operate, and the text of the prayers is available to every believer who wants to immerse themselves in this form of prayer.
The secret of happiness is not a formula, but a path. And as with paths, you have to walk it persistently, but the reward is unearthly.
15 Prayers Traditionally Attributed to Saint Bridget
Prayer I: "O Jesus Christ! Sweet Eternal Sweetness of all who love You, Joy surpassing all joy and every desire, Salvation and Hope of all sinners..."
Prayer II: "O Jesus! Angelic Sweetness, Joy of the Saints, Heavenly Memory, which gives sweetness of life..."
Prayer III: "O Jesus! Heavenly Physician, who frees us from sin and death..."
Prayer IV: "O Jesus! Mirror of eternal brightness, memory of all who love You..."
Prayer V: "O Jesus! Beautiful Flower and Dear King, remember the pain you suffered when the Jews stripped you of your clothes..."
Prayer VI: "O Jesus! Wonderful and sweet light, remember the pain you suffered when you were brought before Annas and Caiaphas as an innocent lamb..."
Prayer VII: "O Jesus! True Sweetness, remember Your pain and the sadness You suffered when Your soul was separated from Your body..."
Prayer VIII: "O Jesus! Warm and sweet Love, remember Your pain and the sufferings You endured when Your Apostles abandoned You..."
Prayer IX: "O Jesus, King and Judge, remember the pain and suffering you endured when you were nailed naked to the cross..."
Prayer X: "O Jesus! Source of mercy, remember Your pain and the sufferings You endured when they stretched Your limbs and nailed You to the cross..."
Prayer XI: "O Jesus! Depth of love, remember Your pain and the sufferings You endured, when all Your wounds opened and blood flowed abundantly from them..."
Prayer XII: "O Jesus! Extraordinary patience, remember Your pain and the sufferings You endured when They lifted You up on the cross and when Your body was hanging..."
Prayer XIII: "O Jesus! True mirror, remember Your pain and the sufferings You endured when They took You down from the Cross and when Your dead body rested in the arms of Your Mother..."
Prayer XIV: "O Jesus! The only hope of abandoned souls, remember Your pain and the sufferings You endured when Your holy body was laid in the tomb..."
Prayer XV: "O Jesus! True and living Vine, remember Your pain and the sufferings You endured, when Your blood flowed over Your Body..."
Interesting facts and events
The basement and crypt of St. Bridget: In 2018, the floor of the basilica crypt was uncovered deep inside the temple. The crypt (the so-called Chapel of St. Bridget) houses the saint's relics (in a reliquary by Wawrzyniec Samp) and the buried remains of the monastic benefactors. In total, around 1,000 people lie under the floor of the basilica (multi-layered bones and skulls - just like in other old churches in Gdańsk). Thanks to the discovery and securing of this crypt, the temple has gained additional archaeological and historical value.
Concerts and culture: St. Bridget's Basilica is often used for cultural purposes - organ and choral concerts are organized here. It is part of the series "Music in the monuments of old Gdańsk" - chamber and choral concerts are held in the historic churches of the city. For example, in 2022, classical music concerts (violin and cello) were held here as part of this series. Thanks to good acoustics and a stylish interior, it is a popular place for music events and organ performances.
Patronesses of Europe: Both St. Bridget and St. Elizabeth Hesselblad (the Swedish nun who revived the Bridgettine nuns after World War II) feature prominently in the main altar setting, emphasizing the site’s European heritage. In Catholic tradition, St. Bridget is one of the six patroness of Europe (along with St. Catherine of Siena, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, etc.).
Amber symbolism: The church also serves to promote the Polish amber tradition – next to the main altar there are amber stained glass windows; in the crypt of St. Bridget there are white amber crowns; amber motifs are applied to Mary's chasuble (70% of the world amber market comes from Poland). The amber exhibition is open all year round – tourists visiting the temple can see the amber elements of the monument as an interesting example of contemporary art referring to the local craft tradition.
A place of remembrance and Solidarity: The temple is also a monument to Poles who fought for independence. The plaques and crosses of remembrance (described above) allow visitors to learn about many tragic pages of Polish history. Due to the help given to striking workers, St. Bridget's Basilica is sometimes called the "Church of Solidarity" - it was visited by many opposition activists, and today it is an important point on the map of places of remembrance in Gdańsk.
How to get to St. Bridget and what is worth knowing before visiting?
The Basilica of St. Bridget in Gdańsk is located in the heart of the city, at 17 Profesorska Street (80-856) in the Old Town.
Just a few minutes' walk from Gdańsk Główny Railway Station (approx. 10–15 minutes on foot), and along the way you can stop off at the Solidarity Bastion or the Museum of the Second World War.
There is a car park on site and a bay for tourist buses.
Visiting hours
The Basilica is open every day except during Mass. You can visit:
Monday–Saturday : 10:00–18:30
Sundays : 13:30–18:30
Entrance is paid in the form of a brick for the maintenance of the temple and the continuation of work on it.
amber altar :
regular ticket: 6 PLN
seniors and students: 5 PLN
children: 3 PLN
A free information brochure about the history and architecture of the church is available at the entrance.
Sightseeing and rules
The Basilica can be visited on your own or with a parish guide (contact details in the church).
A few basic rules apply:
mute your phone and stay quiet
appropriate attire (shoulders and knees covered)
no eating, drinking or bringing dogs
photography without flash
The church is a place of prayer and still serves as a parish church , therefore respect for its sacred character is essential.
Contact and website
More information can be found on the official website of the parish: www.brygida.gdansk.pl . There you can also check current events, mass intentions and details of sightseeing.
If you have any questions, please call the parish number: +48 721 171 133 (ul. Profesorska 17). Guided tours or participation in Mass in English (Sundays at 11:00) must be arranged in advance with the parish priest.
Why is it worth visiting St. Bridget's Church?
The Basilica of St. Bridget is not only a monument of Gothic architecture, but also a space where Polish history and spirituality meet in one, delightful whole.
The interior houses stained glass windows, altars, organs, relics, commemorative plaques and of course the famous amber altar . All this makes St. Bridget one of the most moving places on the map of Gdańsk.
Well-organized opening hours, clear rules and a spiritual atmosphere make this place worth seeing more than once.
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