Elbląg - Katedra św. Mikołaja

Elbląg´s history dates back to 1237 when the Teutonic Order constructed a fortified stronghold here. The castle subsequently served as the official seat of the Teutonic Order Masters. The city itself was founded under the protection of the Teutonic Order by craftsmen and merchants coming from Lübeck. In 1246, Elblag was granted city rights according to Luebian law.

Elbląg became part of the Hanseatic League, which contributed much to the city's wealth. At the beginning of the 14th century, the city had grown so much that in 1337 the Commander Siegfried von Sitten laid out the Elblag New Town outside the gates.

In 1397 the "Eidechsenbund" ("Lizard League") was formed and the rebellion of the nobility and towns against the rule of the Order began. After the Battle of Grunwald (Battle of Tannenberg) Polish troops besieged the Elbing Castle of the Order in 1414, but without success.

In 1478 the previously independent halves of the town, the Old and New Towns of Elbing, merged.

Elbląg joined Poland in 1454 and after the defeat of the Teutonic Knights in the Thirteen Years’ War was recognized as part of Poland.

The Katedra św. Mikołaja (St. Nikolauskirche) was originally a parish church. It is the cathedral of the Elbląg diocese since 1992.

The origins date back to the mid-13th century. Over the course of two centuries, the church was gradually enlarged.

From 1573 to 1617 the church served as the main church of the Lutheran congregation, but then it was given back to the Catholics

On April 26, 1777 lightning struck the tower, which burst into flames, followed by the entire church. Shortly after the fire, the vaults collapsed. In a difficult financial situation, the city could not rebuild the church in its original appearance. All towers were demolished and the church was finished more than 6.5 meters lower with baroque dome vaults. The triple gable roof was replaced by a single gable roof. In 1790 the main altar was reconstructed.

The late Gothic altars were taken from other churches in Elblag, as the interior decoration of the cathedral was lost in fires and wars.

Depicted on the left wing are the Annunciation (above) and the Adoration of the Magi (bottom).