St. Catherine's Church

Overview

St. Catherine's Church (Kościół św. Katarzyny) is the oldest parish church in Gdańsk, founded in the 1220s. Its 76-meter tower houses a carillon of 50 bells and functioning tower clock, and the church interior features notable Gothic and Baroque elements alongside its memorial role as a burial place of the astronomer Johannes Hevelius.

Highlights

• Carillon: A 50-bell carillon plays melodies on the hour, audible across the Old Town.
• Hevelius Tomb: Memorial to Johannes Hevelius, the famous 17th-century astronomer who lived nearby.
• Tower Views: Climb the tower for a unique perspective over the Old Town and Main Town.

History

Founded around 1227, St. Catherine's served as the parish church of the Old Town (as distinct from St. Mary's in the Main Town). Damaged by fire in 2006, restoration work has been ongoing.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Listen for the carillon on the hour — it plays traditional melodies.
• Tip 2: The adjacent market square has food stalls and seasonal events.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.