Winged Altars

Gdańsk is mentioned the Vita of Saint Adalbert of Prague who baptised the inhabitants of "urbs Gyddannyzc" in 997. Later the site was a duchy of Poland. In 1224/25, merchants from Lübeck were invited Significant German influence did not appear until the 14th century, after the takeover of the city by the Teutonic Knights. In 1300, the town had an estimated population of 2,000. Low on funds, the Pomeranian Samborides lent the settlement to Brandenburg, although they planned to give it to Poland. Poland threatened to intervene, and the Brandenburgians left the town. Subsequently, the city was taken by Danish princes in 1301. The Teutonic Knights were hired by Polish nobles to drive out the Danes. In 1308, the town was taken by the Teutonic Knights. Primary sources record a large massacre carried out by the Knights against the population. In 1358, Danzig joined the Hanseatic League. After a series of Polish-Teutonic Wars, the Order had to acknowledge that it would hold Pomerelia as a fief from the Polish Crown. The city thrived as a result of increased exports via the Vistula River trading routes. While under the control of the Teutonic Order German migration increased. A new war broke out in 1409, culminating in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The city came under the control of the Kingdom of Poland. Only a year later, with the Peace of Thorn, it returned to the Teutonic Order. In 1440, the city participated in the foundation of the "Prussian Confederation", an organisation opposed to the Teutonic Knights. Upon the request of the organisation King Casimir IV of Poland reincorporated the territory to the Kingdom of Poland in 1454. This led to a war between Poland and the Teutonic Order. Casimir IV of Poland granted the town the Great Privilege. With this, the town was granted full autonomy and protection by the King of Poland. The privilege removed tariffs and taxes on trade within Poland, Lithuania and Ruthenia. Gaining privileged access to Polish markets, the seaport prospered while simultaneously trading with the other Hanseatic cities. Being the largest and one of the most influential cities of Poland, it enjoyed voting rights during the royal election period in Poland. In the 1575 election of a king to the Polish throne, Danzig supported Maximilian II in his struggle against Stephen Báthory. Stephen became monarch but the city shut its gates against him. After the 6 months siege of Danzig in 1577 the city's army was defeated. A compromise was reached: Stephen confirmed the city's special status and its privileges. The city recognised him as ruler of Poland and paid the enormous sum of 200,000 guldens in gold as payoff. During the Reformation, most German-speaking inhabitants adopted Lutheranism. The "Battle of Westerplatte" was the first battle of the German invasion of Poland, marking the start of WW II in Europe. The historic city centre of Gdansk was 90% destroyed at the end of WWII. It was reconstructed by Poles at great expense and today attracts tourists. According to tradition in 1243 Duke Swietopelk had a wooden church built where the Bazyliką Mariacką is now. Construction of a new hall church on a Romanesque predecessor began in 1343. By 1447 the eastern part of the church was finished, and the tower was raised by two floors in the years 1452–1466. From 1485 the work was continued by Hans Brandt and after 1496, the church was finally finished under Heinrich Haetzl In the course of the Reformation most Danzigers adopted Lutheranism. After a short wave of turbulent religious altercations in 1525 and 1526 the authorities favored a smooth transition to Lutheran religious practice. In 1529 the first Lutheran sermon was given here. From 1536 on both Lutheran services and Catholic masses were held. After King Sigismund II Augustus had granted Danzig the religious privilege of celebrating communion with both bread and wine in 1557, the City Council ended Catholic masses in all Danzig churches except St. Mary's, where Catholic masses continued until 1572. The "Ołtarz św. Adriana" (Altar of St. Adrian) is an Antwerp product from about 1520. The central part and the obverses of the side wings are carved, the other parts of the settee have painted quatrefoils. The body is divided into three sections: Carrying of the Cross, Crucifixion and Mourning. Unfortunately I could not take a "complete" photo with my camera.

Gdańsk is mentioned the Vita of Saint Adalbert of Prague who baptised the inhabitants of "urbs Gyddannyzc" in 997. Later the site was a duchy of Poland. In 1224/25, merchants from Lübeck were invited Significant German influence did not appear until the 14th century, after the takeover of the city by the Teutonic Knights. In 1300, the town had an estimated population of 2,000. Low on funds, the Pomeranian Samborides lent the settlement to Brandenburg, although they planned to give it to Poland. Poland threatened to intervene, and the Brandenburgians left the town. Subsequently, the city was taken by Danish princes in 1301. The Teutonic Knights were hired by Polish nobles to drive out the Danes. In 1308, the town was taken by the Teutonic Knights. Primary sources record a large massacre carried out by the Knights against the population. In 1358, Danzig joined the Hanseatic League. After a series of Polish-Teutonic Wars, the Order had to acknowledge that it would hold Pomerelia as a fief from the Polish Crown. The city thrived as a result of increased exports via the Vistula River trading routes. While under the control of the Teutonic Order German migration increased. A new war broke out in 1409, culminating in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The city came under the control of the Kingdom of Poland. Only a year later, with the Peace of Thorn, it returned to the Teutonic Order. In 1440, the city participated in the foundation of the "Prussian Confederation", an organisation opposed to the Teutonic Knights. Upon the request of the organisation King Casimir IV of Poland reincorporated the territory to the Kingdom of Poland in 1454. This led to a war between Poland and the Teutonic Order. Casimir IV of Poland granted the town the Great Privilege. With this, the town was granted full autonomy and protection by the King of Poland. The privilege removed tariffs and taxes on trade within Poland, Lithuania and Ruthenia. Gaining privileged access to Polish markets, the seaport prospered while simultaneously trading with the other Hanseatic cities. Being the largest and one of the most influential cities of Poland, it enjoyed voting rights during the royal election period in Poland. In the 1575 election of a king to the Polish throne, Danzig supported Maximilian II in his struggle against Stephen Báthory. Stephen became monarch but the city shut its gates against him. After the 6 months siege of Danzig in 1577 the city's army was defeated. A compromise was reached: Stephen confirmed the city's special status and its privileges. The city recognised him as ruler of Poland and paid the enormous sum of 200,000 guldens in gold as payoff. During the Reformation, most German-speaking inhabitants adopted Lutheranism. The "Battle of Westerplatte" was the first battle of the German invasion of Poland, marking the start of WW II in Europe. The historic city centre of Gdansk was 90% destroyed at the end of WWII. It was reconstructed by Poles at great expense and today attracts tourists. According to tradition in 1243 Duke Swietopelk had a wooden church built where the Bazyliką Mariacką is now. Construction of a new hall church on a Romanesque predecessor began in 1343. By 1447 the eastern part of the church was finished, and the tower was raised by two floors in the years 1452–1466. From 1485 the work was continued by Hans Brandt and after 1496, the church was finally finished under Heinrich Haetzl In the course of the Reformation most Danzigers adopted Lutheranism. After a short wave of turbulent religious altercations in 1525 and 1526 the authorities favored a smooth transition to Lutheran religious practice. In 1529 the first Lutheran sermon was given here. From 1536 on both Lutheran services and Catholic masses were held. After King Sigismund II Augustus had granted Danzig the religious privilege of celebrating communion with both bread and wine in 1557, the City Council ended Catholic masses in all Danzig churches except St. Mary's, where Catholic masses continued until 1572. The Ołtarz św. Doroty (Altar of St. Dorothy) was created around 1435. The quatrefoils come from an English workshop. The painted wings were made in Gdańsk. The English panels depict the Resurrection of Christ, Christmas on the left and Pentecost on the right. The Gdansk painted sections depict the martyrdom of St. Agatha and St. Catherine. Unfortunately I could not take a "complete" photo with my camera.

Gdańsk is mentioned the Vita of Saint Adalbert of Prague who baptised the inhabitants of "urbs Gyddannyzc" in 997. Later the site was a duchy of Poland. In 1224/25, merchants from Lübeck were invited Significant German influence did not appear until the 14th century, after the takeover of the city by the Teutonic Knights. In 1300, the town had an estimated population of 2,000. Low on funds, the Pomeranian Samborides lent the settlement to Brandenburg, although they planned to give it to Poland. Poland threatened to intervene, and the Brandenburgians left the town. Subsequently, the city was taken by Danish princes in 1301. The Teutonic Knights were hired by Polish nobles to drive out the Danes. In 1308, the town was taken by the Teutonic Knights. Primary sources record a large massacre carried out by the Knights against the population. In 1358, Danzig joined the Hanseatic League. After a series of Polish-Teutonic Wars, the Order had to acknowledge that it would hold Pomerelia as a fief from the Polish Crown. The city thrived as a result of increased exports via the Vistula River trading routes. While under the control of the Teutonic Order German migration increased. A new war broke out in 1409, culminating in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The city came under the control of the Kingdom of Poland. Only a year later, with the Peace of Thorn, it returned to the Teutonic Order. In 1440, the city participated in the foundation of the "Prussian Confederation", an organisation opposed to the Teutonic Knights. Upon the request of the organisation King Casimir IV of Poland reincorporated the territory to the Kingdom of Poland in 1454. This led to a war between Poland and the Teutonic Order. Casimir IV of Poland granted the town the Great Privilege. With this, the town was granted full autonomy and protection by the King of Poland. The privilege removed tariffs and taxes on trade within Poland, Lithuania and Ruthenia. Gaining privileged access to Polish markets, the seaport prospered while simultaneously trading with the other Hanseatic cities. Being the largest and one of the most influential cities of Poland, it enjoyed voting rights during the royal election period in Poland. In the 1575 election of a king to the Polish throne, Danzig supported Maximilian II in his struggle against Stephen Báthory. Stephen became monarch but the city shut its gates against him. After the 6 months siege of Danzig in 1577 the city's army was defeated. A compromise was reached: Stephen confirmed the city's special status and its privileges. The city recognised him as ruler of Poland and paid the enormous sum of 200,000 guldens in gold as payoff. During the Reformation, most German-speaking inhabitants adopted Lutheranism. The "Battle of Westerplatte" was the first battle of the German invasion of Poland, marking the start of WW II in Europe. The historic city centre of Gdansk was 90% destroyed at the end of WWII. It was reconstructed by Poles at great expense and today attracts tourists. According to tradition in 1243 Duke Swietopelk had a wooden church built where the Bazyliką Mariacką is now. Construction of a new hall church on a Romanesque predecessor began in 1343. By 1447 the eastern part of the church was finished, and the tower was raised by two floors in the years 1452–1466. From 1485 the work was continued by Hans Brandt and after 1496, the church was finally finished under Heinrich Haetzl In the course of the Reformation most Danzigers adopted Lutheranism. After a short wave of turbulent religious altercations in 1525 and 1526 the authorities favored a smooth transition to Lutheran religious practice. In 1529 the first Lutheran sermon was given here. From 1536 on both Lutheran services and Catholic masses were held. After King Sigismund II Augustus had granted Danzig the religious privilege of celebrating communion with both bread and wine in 1557, the City Council ended Catholic masses in all Danzig churches except St. Mary's, where Catholic masses continued until 1572. The Ołtarz św. Doroty (Altar of St. Dorothy) was created around 1435. The quatrefoils come from an English workshop. The painted wings were made in Gdańsk. The English panels depict the Resurrection of Christ, Christmas on the left and Pentecost on the right. The Gdansk painted sections depict the martyrdom of St. Agatha and St. Catherine. See the previous upload for the dimenions. This is just a detail.

Gdańsk is mentioned the Vita of Saint Adalbert of Prague who baptised the inhabitants of "urbs Gyddannyzc" in 997. Later the site was a duchy of Poland. In 1224/25, merchants from Lübeck were invited Significant German influence did not appear until the 14th century, after the takeover of the city by the Teutonic Knights. In 1300, the town had an estimated population of 2,000. Low on funds, the Pomeranian Samborides lent the settlement to Brandenburg, although they planned to give it to Poland. Poland threatened to intervene, and the Brandenburgians left the town. Subsequently, the city was taken by Danish princes in 1301. The Teutonic Knights were hired by Polish nobles to drive out the Danes. In 1308, the town was taken by the Teutonic Knights. Primary sources record a large massacre carried out by the Knights against the population. In 1358, Danzig joined the Hanseatic League. After a series of Polish-Teutonic Wars, the Order had to acknowledge that it would hold Pomerelia as a fief from the Polish Crown. The city thrived as a result of increased exports via the Vistula River trading routes. While under the control of the Teutonic Order German migration increased. A new war broke out in 1409, culminating in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The city came under the control of the Kingdom of Poland. Only a year later, with the Peace of Thorn, it returned to the Teutonic Order. In 1440, the city participated in the foundation of the "Prussian Confederation", an organisation opposed to the Teutonic Knights. Upon the request of the organisation King Casimir IV of Poland reincorporated the territory to the Kingdom of Poland in 1454. This led to a war between Poland and the Teutonic Order. Casimir IV of Poland granted the town the Great Privilege. With this, the town was granted full autonomy and protection by the King of Poland. The privilege removed tariffs and taxes on trade within Poland, Lithuania and Ruthenia. Gaining privileged access to Polish markets, the seaport prospered while simultaneously trading with the other Hanseatic cities. Being the largest and one of the most influential cities of Poland, it enjoyed voting rights during the royal election period in Poland. In the 1575 election of a king to the Polish throne, Danzig supported Maximilian II in his struggle against Stephen Báthory. Stephen became monarch but the city shut its gates against him. After the 6 months siege of Danzig in 1577 the city's army was defeated. A compromise was reached: Stephen confirmed the city's special status and its privileges. The city recognised him as ruler of Poland and paid the enormous sum of 200,000 guldens in gold as payoff. During the Reformation, most German-speaking inhabitants adopted Lutheranism. The "Battle of Westerplatte" was the first battle of the German invasion of Poland, marking the start of WW II in Europe. The historic city centre of Gdansk was 90% destroyed at the end of WWII. It was reconstructed by Poles at great expense and today attracts tourists. According to tradition in 1243 Duke Swietopelk had a wooden church built where the Bazyliką Mariacką is now. Construction of a new hall church on a Romanesque predecessor began in 1343. By 1447 the eastern part of the church was finished, and the tower was raised by two floors in the years 1452–1466. From 1485 the work was continued by Hans Brandt and after 1496, the church was finally finished under Heinrich Haetzl In the course of the Reformation most Danzigers adopted Lutheranism. After a short wave of turbulent religious altercations in 1525 and 1526 the authorities favored a smooth transition to Lutheran religious practice. In 1529 the first Lutheran sermon was given here. From 1536 on both Lutheran services and Catholic masses were held. After King Sigismund II Augustus had granted Danzig the religious privilege of celebrating communion with both bread and wine in 1557, the City Council ended Catholic masses in all Danzig churches except St. Mary's, where Catholic masses continued until 1572. The "Sąd Ostateczny" (Last Judgment) is a triptych painted by Hans Memling in Bruges between 1467 and 1471. The original is the National Museum in Gdańsk. A copy is on display in the basilica. The work was commissioned by Angola di Jacopo Tani from the Bruges branch of the Medici bank and was originally intended for the family chapel of San Michele in Badia Fiesolana near Florence. In 1473, while being transported to Italy aboard a galley, it was captured by the Danzig caper Paul Beneke commanding a ship named "Peter of Danzig". The owners of the caper ship donated Memling's altarpiece to the Marienkirche. A lengthy lawsuit against the Hanseatic League demanded its return to Italy, but that was never finalized. In the Napoleonic era was transported to the Louvre in Paris as a war trophy. Later it was brought to Berlin and finally returned to Gdansk in 1817. At the end of WW II Memling's work was taken by the Germans to Thuringia, where it fell into the hands of the Red Army. As a war trophy, it was exhibited in the Leningrad Hermitage. In 1958 it finally returned to Gdansk. The triptych depicts the Last Judgment. The central panel shows Jesus sitting in judgment on the world, while St Michael the Archangel is weighing souls.

Gdańsk is mentioned the Vita of Saint Adalbert of Prague who baptised the inhabitants of "urbs Gyddannyzc" in 997. Later the site was a duchy of Poland. In 1224/25, merchants from Lübeck were invited Significant German influence did not appear until the 14th century, after the takeover of the city by the Teutonic Knights. In 1300, the town had an estimated population of 2,000. Low on funds, the Pomeranian Samborides lent the settlement to Brandenburg, although they planned to give it to Poland. Poland threatened to intervene, and the Brandenburgians left the town. Subsequently, the city was taken by Danish princes in 1301. The Teutonic Knights were hired by Polish nobles to drive out the Danes. In 1308, the town was taken by the Teutonic Knights. Primary sources record a large massacre carried out by the Knights against the population. In 1358, Danzig joined the Hanseatic League. After a series of Polish-Teutonic Wars, the Order had to acknowledge that it would hold Pomerelia as a fief from the Polish Crown. The city thrived as a result of increased exports via the Vistula River trading routes. While under the control of the Teutonic Order German migration increased. A new war broke out in 1409, culminating in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The city came under the control of the Kingdom of Poland. Only a year later, with the Peace of Thorn, it returned to the Teutonic Order. In 1440, the city participated in the foundation of the "Prussian Confederation", an organisation opposed to the Teutonic Knights. Upon the request of the organisation King Casimir IV of Poland reincorporated the territory to the Kingdom of Poland in 1454. This led to a war between Poland and the Teutonic Order. Casimir IV of Poland granted the town the Great Privilege. With this, the town was granted full autonomy and protection by the King of Poland. The privilege removed tariffs and taxes on trade within Poland, Lithuania and Ruthenia. Gaining privileged access to Polish markets, the seaport prospered while simultaneously trading with the other Hanseatic cities. Being the largest and one of the most influential cities of Poland, it enjoyed voting rights during the royal election period in Poland. In the 1575 election of a king to the Polish throne, Danzig supported Maximilian II in his struggle against Stephen Báthory. Stephen became monarch but the city shut its gates against him. After the 6 months siege of Danzig in 1577 the city's army was defeated. A compromise was reached: Stephen confirmed the city's special status and its privileges. The city recognised him as ruler of Poland and paid the enormous sum of 200,000 guldens in gold as payoff. During the Reformation, most German-speaking inhabitants adopted Lutheranism. The "Battle of Westerplatte" was the first battle of the German invasion of Poland, marking the start of WW II in Europe. The historic city centre of Gdansk was 90% destroyed at the end of WWII. It was reconstructed by Poles at great expense and today attracts tourists. According to tradition in 1243 Duke Swietopelk had a wooden church built where the Bazyliką Mariacką is now. Construction of a new hall church on a Romanesque predecessor began in 1343. By 1447 the eastern part of the church was finished, and the tower was raised by two floors in the years 1452–1466. From 1485 the work was continued by Hans Brandt and after 1496, the church was finally finished under Heinrich Haetzl In the course of the Reformation most Danzigers adopted Lutheranism. After a short wave of turbulent religious altercations in 1525 and 1526 the authorities favored a smooth transition to Lutheran religious practice. In 1529 the first Lutheran sermon was given here. From 1536 on both Lutheran services and Catholic masses were held. After King Sigismund II Augustus had granted Danzig the religious privilege of celebrating communion with both bread and wine in 1557, the City Council ended Catholic masses in all Danzig churches except St. Mary's, where Catholic masses continued until 1572. ołtarz św jadwigi - Altar of St. Hedwig. Created around 1435.

Gdańsk is mentioned the Vita of Saint Adalbert of Prague who baptised the inhabitants of "urbs Gyddannyzc" in 997. Later the site was a duchy of Poland. In 1224/25, merchants from Lübeck were invited Significant German influence did not appear until the 14th century, after the takeover of the city by the Teutonic Knights. In 1300, the town had an estimated population of 2,000. Low on funds, the Pomeranian Samborides lent the settlement to Brandenburg, although they planned to give it to Poland. Poland threatened to intervene, and the Brandenburgians left the town. Subsequently, the city was taken by Danish princes in 1301. The Teutonic Knights were hired by Polish nobles to drive out the Danes. In 1308, the town was taken by the Teutonic Knights. Primary sources record a large massacre carried out by the Knights against the population. In 1358, Danzig joined the Hanseatic League. After a series of Polish-Teutonic Wars, the Order had to acknowledge that it would hold Pomerelia as a fief from the Polish Crown. The city thrived as a result of increased exports via the Vistula River trading routes. While under the control of the Teutonic Order German migration increased. A new war broke out in 1409, culminating in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The city came under the control of the Kingdom of Poland. Only a year later, with the Peace of Thorn, it returned to the Teutonic Order. In 1440, the city participated in the foundation of the "Prussian Confederation", an organisation opposed to the Teutonic Knights. Upon the request of the organisation King Casimir IV of Poland reincorporated the territory to the Kingdom of Poland in 1454. This led to a war between Poland and the Teutonic Order. Casimir IV of Poland granted the town the Great Privilege. With this, the town was granted full autonomy and protection by the King of Poland. The privilege removed tariffs and taxes on trade within Poland, Lithuania and Ruthenia. Gaining privileged access to Polish markets, the seaport prospered while simultaneously trading with the other Hanseatic cities. Being the largest and one of the most influential cities of Poland, it enjoyed voting rights during the royal election period in Poland. In the 1575 election of a king to the Polish throne, Danzig supported Maximilian II in his struggle against Stephen Báthory. Stephen became monarch but the city shut its gates against him. After the 6 months siege of Danzig in 1577 the city's army was defeated. A compromise was reached: Stephen confirmed the city's special status and its privileges. The city recognised him as ruler of Poland and paid the enormous sum of 200,000 guldens in gold as payoff. During the Reformation, most German-speaking inhabitants adopted Lutheranism. The "Battle of Westerplatte" was the first battle of the German invasion of Poland, marking the start of WW II in Europe. The historic city centre of Gdansk was 90% destroyed at the end of WWII. It was reconstructed by Poles at great expense and today attracts tourists. According to tradition in 1243 Duke Swietopelk had a wooden church built where the Bazyliką Mariacką is now. Construction of a new hall church on a Romanesque predecessor began in 1343. By 1447 the eastern part of the church was finished, and the tower was raised by two floors in the years 1452–1466. From 1485 the work was continued by Hans Brandt and after 1496, the church was finally finished under Heinrich Haetzl In the course of the Reformation most Danzigers adopted Lutheranism. After a short wave of turbulent religious altercations in 1525 and 1526 the authorities favored a smooth transition to Lutheran religious practice. In 1529 the first Lutheran sermon was given here. From 1536 on both Lutheran services and Catholic masses were held. After King Sigismund II Augustus had granted Danzig the religious privilege of celebrating communion with both bread and wine in 1557, the City Council ended Catholic masses in all Danzig churches except St. Mary's, where Catholic masses continued until 1572. The "Ołtarz Bractwa Kapłańskiego" (Altar to the Priestly Fraternity of the Blessed Virgin) was created by an unknown Dutch or North German painter 1473-1478. The statue of the Madonna is older ( ~ 1400) and was probably not part of the altar originally.

Gdańsk is mentioned the Vita of Saint Adalbert of Prague who baptised the inhabitants of "urbs Gyddannyzc" in 997. Later the site was a duchy of Poland. In 1224/25, merchants from Lübeck were invited Significant German influence did not appear until the 14th century, after the takeover of the city by the Teutonic Knights. In 1300, the town had an estimated population of 2,000. Low on funds, the Pomeranian Samborides lent the settlement to Brandenburg, although they planned to give it to Poland. Poland threatened to intervene, and the Brandenburgians left the town. Subsequently, the city was taken by Danish princes in 1301. The Teutonic Knights were hired by Polish nobles to drive out the Danes. In 1308, the town was taken by the Teutonic Knights. Primary sources record a large massacre carried out by the Knights against the population. In 1358, Danzig joined the Hanseatic League. After a series of Polish-Teutonic Wars, the Order had to acknowledge that it would hold Pomerelia as a fief from the Polish Crown. The city thrived as a result of increased exports via the Vistula River trading routes. While under the control of the Teutonic Order German migration increased. A new war broke out in 1409, culminating in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The city came under the control of the Kingdom of Poland. Only a year later, with the Peace of Thorn, it returned to the Teutonic Order. In 1440, the city participated in the foundation of the "Prussian Confederation", an organisation opposed to the Teutonic Knights. Upon the request of the organisation King Casimir IV of Poland reincorporated the territory to the Kingdom of Poland in 1454. This led to a war between Poland and the Teutonic Order. Casimir IV of Poland granted the town the Great Privilege. With this, the town was granted full autonomy and protection by the King of Poland. The privilege removed tariffs and taxes on trade within Poland, Lithuania and Ruthenia. Gaining privileged access to Polish markets, the seaport prospered while simultaneously trading with the other Hanseatic cities. Being the largest and one of the most influential cities of Poland, it enjoyed voting rights during the royal election period in Poland. In the 1575 election of a king to the Polish throne, Danzig supported Maximilian II in his struggle against Stephen Báthory. Stephen became monarch but the city shut its gates against him. After the 6 months siege of Danzig in 1577 the city's army was defeated. A compromise was reached: Stephen confirmed the city's special status and its privileges. The city recognised him as ruler of Poland and paid the enormous sum of 200,000 guldens in gold as payoff. During the Reformation, most German-speaking inhabitants adopted Lutheranism. The "Battle of Westerplatte" was the first battle of the German invasion of Poland, marking the start of WW II in Europe. The historic city centre of Gdansk was 90% destroyed at the end of WWII. It was reconstructed by Poles at great expense and today attracts tourists. According to tradition in 1243 Duke Swietopelk had a wooden church built where the Bazyliką Mariacką is now. Construction of a new hall church on a Romanesque predecessor began in 1343. By 1447 the eastern part of the church was finished, and the tower was raised by two floors in the years 1452–1466. From 1485 the work was continued by Hans Brandt and after 1496, the church was finally finished under Heinrich Haetzl In the course of the Reformation most Danzigers adopted Lutheranism. After a short wave of turbulent religious altercations in 1525 and 1526 the authorities favored a smooth transition to Lutheran religious practice. In 1529 the first Lutheran sermon was given here. From 1536 on both Lutheran services and Catholic masses were held. After King Sigismund II Augustus had granted Danzig the religious privilege of celebrating communion with both bread and wine in 1557, the City Council ended Catholic masses in all Danzig churches except St. Mary's, where Catholic masses continued until 1572. Duży Ołtarz Ferberów Over some decades the Ferber family donated two altars to the church. The "Duży Ołtarz Ferberów" (Large Ferber altar) was donated by Barbara and Jan Ferber. The altar was made around 1481/4. In its present state, it is incomplete. A pair of movable wings is missing. Johann ("Jan) Ferber (1430 - 1501) was mayor of Gdansk. He came from a family noted from the end of the 12th century in Germany. The progenitor of the Danzig branch came from Kalkar in the Rhineland. Eberhard his grandson, settled in Gdansk in 1415 and obrained citizenship in 1427. Jan Ferber was the first representative of the Gdańsk branch of the family to sit in the city authorities. Since 1463 he was a juror, since 1474 a councillor, in 1478 a judge. Since 1479 he was a mayor. In 1495 he was burgrave of the king in Gdańsk. From 1483 until his death he was an inspector of this church.

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. Here is the central part of one of the two Magi Altars.

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).

The Teutonic Knights probably took over a wooden castle of the Baltic Prussians end of the 13th century. Already at the beginning of the 14th century, the place had developed into an urban settlement. In 1327 Mohrungen was granted the town charter. The knights of the order were followed by peasant treks, one of which, coming from the southern Harz region in Central Germany, settled near the castle of the order. After the 1410 Battle of Grunwald (Battle of Tanneberg) the town was occupied by the forces of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland. In 1440 Mohrungen joined the Prussian Confederation, which opposed the Teutonic Order. The town fought against the Order in the war from 1454 to 1466. Reconquered the town became his seat as deputy Grand Master. After the Torun peace treaty in 1466, the town became a part of Poland as a fief held by the Teutonic Knights. During the Polish–Teutonic War Morąg was again captured by Poland in 1520 and burned down. Upon the Protestant Reformation and the secularisation of the Order's State in 1525 it became part of Ducal Prussia, remaining a Polish fief until 1657. The first Early Gothic parish church was built 1305-1312. It was much smaller than the present church and covered only the nave area of the present one. Within the 14th century the building was extended by choir , sacristy and tower. In 1414 the church was the only building in the town to survive the Morąg fire. From 1525 the church served the Lutherans. The church was severely damaged end of WWII. It got restored and given to the Catholic community.

Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is situated on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. It is only 80 kilometres south of Helsinki. From the 13th century until the first half of the 20th century Tallinn was known as Reval. The first recorded claim over the place was laid by Denmark after a raid in 1219 led by Valdemar II. In 1227, the Order of the Brothers of the Sword conquered Reval and three years later recruited 200 Westphalian and Lower Saxon merchants from Gotland, who settled below the castle and were granted freedom of customs and land. In 1238 Reval fell back to Denmark, Under renewed Danish rule, the city rapidly grew in size and economic importance. In 1248, the Danish king granted it the Lübische Stadtrecht (town charter). Due to the strategic location, its port became a significant trade hub, especially in the 14–16th centuries when Tallinn grew in importance as the northernmost member city of the Hanseatic League. The king of Denmark sold Reval along with other land possessions in northern Estonia to the Teutonic Knights in 1346. The "Niguliste kirik" (St. Nicholas Church) was founded and built around 1230–1275 by Westphalian merchants. In 1405–1420 the church obtained its current late Gothic appearance. In 1515 the tower was built higher and in the late 17th century, it got a Baroque spire with airy galleries, which was raised higher stage by stage through several centuries. The tower is now 105 metres (344.5 ft) high. Saint Nicholas was the only church in Tallinn that remained untouched by iconoclasm brought by the Protestant Reformation in 1523. The church was converted to a Lutheran congregation in the 16th century. In 1944, the church was severely damaged by bombing. The resulting fire turned the church into ruins and destroyed most of its interior. Most art treasures survived thanks to their timely evacuation from the church. The renovation of the church started in 1953 and was finished in 1981. The church tower was again damaged by a fire in October 1982. The tower was burnt out. After a restoration, the church was inaugurated in 1984 as a museum and concert hall. The "Holy Kinship" altarpiece was created in Brussels around 1500.

Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is situated on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. It is only 80 kilometres south of Helsinki. From the 13th century until the first half of the 20th century Tallinn was known as Reval. The first recorded claim over the place was laid by Denmark after a raid in 1219 led by Valdemar II. In 1227, the Order of the Brothers of the Sword conquered Reval and three years later recruited 200 Westphalian and Lower Saxon merchants from Gotland, who settled below the castle and were granted freedom of customs and land. In 1238 Reval fell back to Denmark, Under renewed Danish rule, the city rapidly grew in size and economic importance. In 1248, the Danish king granted it the Lübische Stadtrecht (town charter). Due to the strategic location, its port became a significant trade hub, especially in the 14–16th centuries when Tallinn grew in importance as the northernmost member city of the Hanseatic League. The king of Denmark sold Reval along with other land possessions in northern Estonia to the Teutonic Knights in 1346. The Püha Vaimu kirik (Church of the Holy Spirit) is mentioned in written sources for the first time in 1319. The church was part of a greater almshouse complex and dedicated to the Holy Ghost. In 1630, the tower received its current appearance, which however is a reconstruction as the tower was ravaged by fire in 2002. The two-nave church was the first church in Estonia where services were held in Estonian, and in 1535 the first excerpts of the Catechism were printed here in Estonian. The church has a remarkable main altar, a work by the Kübeck master Bernt Notke. The triptych dates from 1483 and depicts, on the central panel, the descent of the Holy Ghost on the twelve apostles at Pentecost.

A legend attributes Kraków's founding to the mythical ruler Krakus, who built it above a cave occupied by a dragon, Smok Wawelski. The first written record dates to 965, when Kraków was described as a notable commercial center captured by a Bohemian duke Boleslaus I in 955. The first ruler of Poland, Mieszko I, took Kraków from the Bohemians. In 1038, Kraków became the seat of the Polish government. By the end of the 10th century, the city was a center of trade. Brick buildings were constructed, including the Royal Wawel Castle. The city was sacked and burned during the Mongol invasion of 1241. It was rebuilt and incorporated in 1257 by Bolesław V the Chaste who introduced city rights. In 1259, the city was again ravaged by the Mongols. The third attack in 1287 was repelled thanks in part to the newly built fortifications. The city rose to prominence in 1364, when Casimir III founded the University of Kraków, the second oldest university in central Europe. But after Casimir´s death in 1370 the campus did not get completed. As the capital of the Kingdom of Poland and a member of the Hanseatic League, the city attracted craftsmen from abroad, guilds as science and the arts began to flourish. The 15th and 16th centuries are known as Poland's "Złoty Wiek" (Golden Age). After childless King Sigismund II had died in 1572, the Polish throne passed to Henry III of France and then to other foreign-based rulers in rapid succession, causing a decline in the city's importance that was worsened by pillaging during the Swedish invasion and by an outbreak of bubonic plague that left 20,000 of the city's residents dead. In 1596, Sigismund III of the House of Vasa moved the capital of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth from Kraków to Warsaw. - In the place of a Romanesque church, that got destroyed during the Mongol invasion, the early Gothic Church of St. Mary was built on the northeast corner of the market square at the end of the 13th century. It got consecrated in 1320. The church was completely rebuilt during the reign of Casimir III the Great between 1355 and 1365. The main body of the church was completed in 1395–97 with the new vault constructed by master Nicholas Wernher from Prague. In the 18th century, the interior was rebuilt in the late Baroque style. In the years 1887–1891, the neo-Gothic design was introduced into the Basilica. The altarpiece by Veit Stoss is a large Gothic altarpiece and the most important work of art in the basilica. It is located behind the altar of St. Mary. The altarpiece was created between 1477 and 1489 by the German-born sculptor Veit Stoss, who lived and worked in the city for over 20 years. The retable of the Marian altar is a pentaptych, which means that it has five wings. It consists of a central part with sculptures, a pair of opening inner wings and a pair of fixed outer wings. Both pairs of wings are decorated with reliefs. The structure is completed by a predella in relief on the altarpiece and an openwork keystone with massive sculptures. It is made of three types of wood. The structure is made of hard oak, the background of lighter but equally strong larch, while the figures are carved of soft and flexible linden. Unfortunately, the reredos was "closed" so that only the wings could be seen.

The history of Opole dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries. The territory is politically disputed. Around 990 Silesia, together with the territory of Opole, was annexed by Mieszko I to the Polish state. In 1039 Břetislav I reconquered the territory for eleven years, after which Opole reverted to Bohemia. In 1050, Casimir I reconquered Silesia. It became a Polish duchy in 1172 and received city rights from Duke Casimir I of Opole in 1217. Opole was a center of trade. Several trade routes crossed here, which helped to make profits from transit trade. After the death of King Ludvík II Silesia was inherited by Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, placing Opole under the sovereignty of the Habsburg monarchy of Austria. The Habsburgs took control of the region in 1532 but pawned the duchy to different rulers including several monarchs of Poland. In 1615, a fire destroyed all the houses within the city walls. After the Swedish invasion of Poland, in 1655 John II Casimir Vasa stayed with his court here. In November of that year, the "Uniwersał opolski" was issued here by the King, calling for Poles to rise against the Swedes. After 1668 the region passed again to the control of the Habsburgs. Frederick II of Prussia conquered most of Silesia from Austria in 1740 during the Silesian Wars. Under Prussian rule, the ethnic structure of the city began to change and a kind of "Germanization" set in. Nevertheless, Opole remained an important cultural, social and political center for the Poles in Upper Silesia. In the course of German unification in 1871 Opole became part of the German Empire. After WWI, a referendum was held with the result that Silesia remained part of the German Reich. After the end of WWII in 1945, Oppeln was transferred from Germany to Poland and the name changed from Oppeln to Opole. The Franciscans came to Opole at the beginning of the 13th century. The existence of the monastery is documented for 1248. The wooden church of the monastery burned down in 1307. A short time later the church was rebuilt in Gothic style. The tower was added in the 15th century. The interior is largely Baroque and the gables are Renaissance style. The church also served as a castle church, as the Piast castle was located in the immediate vicinity. The Chapel of St. Anne (aka "Piast Chapel") is located in the southern nave of the church. The chapel was built by the Opole Piast Bolko I in 1309. Here are the tombs of Bolko I, Bolko II, and Bolko III, as well as his wife Anna. On the folding altar, you can see St. Anne, Vladislaus II, the founder of the monastery, St. Barbara, and St. Hedwig, the wife of Henry the Bearded.

Nysa was probably founded in the 10th century. The name of the Nysa river, from which the town takes its name, was mentioned in 991 when it was part of the Duchy of Poland under Mieszko I. A Polish stronghold was built in Nysa in the 11th and 12th centuries due to the proximity of the border with the Czech Duchy. From the 14th century on it was administered by the Bishopric of Wrocław. Nysa was granted town rights around 1223 and attracted Flemish and German settlers. In 1241 it was ravaged by the Mongols during the first Mongol invasion. In 1245, it was granted staple right and two yearly fairs were established. Nysa became an important trade and craft center of Poland before it passed under the suzerainty of the Bohemian Crown in 1351, under which it remained until 1742. The town's fortifications from 1350 served to defend against the Hussites in 1424. During the Thirty Years' War, it was besieged three times. It was looted by the Saxons and Swedes. During the First Silesian War in 1741, it was captured by Prussians. In 1758 it was unsuccessfully besieged by the Austrians and stayed Prussian. Towards the end of WWII, about 80% of the city center was destroyed. Most affected were the houses on the Rynek (Market Place) and the houses along the main streets. - There has been a Romanesque church at the site since the first was built between 1195 and 1198. This church was destroyed during the first Mongol raid in 1241. The rebuilding process started immediately, but in 1249, during a dispute between Bolesław II the Horned and Henry III the White the church burned down. After the reconstruction, the church survived for about 150 years, despite the damage caused in 1285 by the forces of Henryk IV Probus (aka "Henry the Just"). The first stage of the new Gothic church was built before 1392. The Gothic choir with an ambulatory and the nave with six bays were built, but it burned down in 1401. In 1424 the master-builder Peter Frankenstein was commissioned to continue. He built a Gothic three-nave hall church from bricks on the model of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Adalbert in Gniezno. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the interior was remodeled in the Baroque style, covering the wall and ceiling paintings with stucco and removing many Gothic items. The church suffered significant damage in 1741 during the Silesian Wars and again in 1807 during the artillery bombardment by the Grande Armée. In 1889-1895 the church was thoroughly renovated The baroque interior was replaced by a neo-Gothic one. Just before WWII, an attempt was made to restore the original appearance of the church, but during the fighting in 1945 the interior burned down, and the western gable collapsed. Meanwhile, the restoration is done. The new roof structure was made of steel to avoid fire hazards. Once there were 43 altars in this church. Today there is only this late Gothic altar, which survived WWII.

The history of Wroclaw dates back more than a thousand years. At various times, it has been part of the Kingdom of Poland, the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Kingdom of Hungary, the Habsburg monarchy of Austria, the Kingdom of Prussia, and Germany. Wrocław became part of Poland again in 1945 as part of the result of extensive border changes and expulsions after WWII. In 990 Mieszko I of Poland conquered Silesia and Wrocław. The town became a commercial center. In the 12th century Polish, Bohemian, Jewish, Walloon, and German communities existed here. Wroclaw was devastated in 1241 during the first Mongol invasion of Poland. In the 13th century due to migration from Saxony and Bavaria, Wroclaw got germanised. The population adopted the German language and culture and the name changed to Breslau. Between 1342 and 1344 two fires destroyed large parts of the city, which was a part of the Bohemian Kingdom at that time. Charles IV`s , successors Wenceslaus and Sigismund became involved in a long-lasting feud with the city and its magistrate, culminating in the revolt in 1418 when local craftsmen killed seven councilors. After the city had defeated the Bohemian Hussites the city was besieged by a combined Polish-Czech force in 1474, however, a ceasefire was signed, according to which the city remained under Hungarian rule. The Reformation reached Breslau already in 1518, and in 1523 the town council unanimously appointed a new pastor and thus introduced the Reformation in Breslau. In 1526, the Habsburg monarchy of Austria inherited Bohemia, Silesia, and the city of Breslau. In 1609 German emperor Rudolf II granted the free exercise of church services to all Bohemian and Silesian Protestants. In the following Thirty Years' War, the city suffered badly. It was occupied by Saxon and Swedish troops and lost 18,000 of its 40,000 residents to the plague. The Counter-Reformation had started with Rudolf II who encouraged Catholic orders to settle in Breslau. The dominance of the German population under the Habsburg rule in the city became more visible, while the Polish population diminished in numbers. After Frederick the Great besieged the city for a year, it surrendered in 1741. In 1742, Queen Maria Theresa handed over Silesia to the Prussian king. - At the end of the 12th century, the family of the governor Peter Włast (Piotr Włostowic) funded the construction of a Romanesque church on this small island, hence its name on the Sand. The Romanesque church was demolished in the 14th century to make way for a larger Gothic church, built in brick between 1334 and 1430 according to the plans of the architect Master Peschel. The nave, lit by huge windows, is 78 meters long. The Gothic vaults rise to 24 meters high. The church was sacked by Swedish troops in 1632 during the Thirty Years' War. During the Seven Years' War, the Prussians used the church as an ammunition depot. When at the end of WWII the Soviet troops advanced in 1945, the Sandkirche and the buildings served as headquarters for the German army, which was conscious of fighting a dead-end battle. During the fighting, most of Breslau's historical monuments were destroyed or severely damaged. The Sandkirche also burned down, only the walls were still standing. The German population was expelled after the war and replaced by Polish refugees from the east. In 1946, the reconstruction began, which was based on the old Gothic plans and also reconstructed the ceiling vaults in their old form. The interior furnishing of the church is composed of surviving elements from other destroyed churches in the city and the diocesan museum. The wings of the altar have the 12 apostles. In the center is Mary, flanked by her father Joachim (?) and her mother Anna, portrayed as "Anna Selbdritt".

The history of Wroclaw dates back more than a thousand years. At various times, it has been part of the Kingdom of Poland, the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Kingdom of Hungary, the Habsburg monarchy of Austria, the Kingdom of Prussia, and Germany. Wrocław became part of Poland again in 1945 as part of the result of extensive border changes and expulsions after WWII. In 990 Mieszko I of Poland conquered Silesia and Wrocław. The town became a commercial center. In the 12th century Polish, Bohemian, Jewish, Walloon, and German communities existed here. Wroclaw was devastated in 1241 during the first Mongol invasion of Poland. In the 13th century due to migration from Saxony and Bavaria, Wroclaw got germanised. The population adopted the German language and culture and the name changed to Breslau. Between 1342 and 1344 two fires destroyed large parts of the city, which was a part of the Bohemian Kingdom at that time. Charles IV`s , successors Wenceslaus and Sigismund became involved in a long-lasting feud with the city and its magistrate, culminating in the revolt in 1418 when local craftsmen killed seven councilors. After the city had defeated the Bohemian Hussites the city was besieged by a combined Polish-Czech force in 1474, however, a ceasefire was signed, according to which the city remained under Hungarian rule. The Reformation reached Breslau already in 1518, and in 1523 the town council unanimously appointed a new pastor and thus introduced the Reformation in Breslau. In 1526, the Habsburg monarchy of Austria inherited Bohemia, Silesia, and the city of Breslau. In 1609 German emperor Rudolf II granted the free exercise of church services to all Bohemian and Silesian Protestants. In the following Thirty Years' War, the city suffered badly. It was occupied by Saxon and Swedish troops and lost 18,000 of its 40,000 residents to the plague. The Counter-Reformation had started with Rudolf II who encouraged Catholic orders to settle in Breslau. The dominance of the German population under the Habsburg rule in the city became more visible, while the Polish population diminished in numbers. After Frederick the Great besieged the city for a year, it surrendered in 1741. In 1742, Queen Maria Theresa handed over Silesia to the Prussian king. - At the end of the 12th century, the family of the governor Peter Włast (Piotr Włostowic) funded the construction of a Romanesque church on this small island, hence its name on the Sand. The Romanesque church was demolished in the 14th century to make way for a larger Gothic church, built in brick between 1334 and 1430 according to the plans of the architect Master Peschel. The nave, lit by huge windows, is 78 meters long. The Gothic vaults rise to 24 meters high. The church was sacked by Swedish troops in 1632 during the Thirty Years' War. During the Seven Years' War, the Prussians used the church as an ammunition depot. When at the end of WWII the Soviet troops advanced in 1945, the Sandkirche and the buildings served as headquarters for the German army, which was conscious of fighting a dead-end battle. During the fighting, most of Breslau's historical monuments were destroyed or severely damaged. The Sandkirche also burned down, only the walls were still standing. The German population was expelled after the war and replaced by Polish refugees from the east. In 1946, the reconstruction began, which was based on the old Gothic plans and also reconstructed the ceiling vaults in their old form. The interior furnishing of the church is composed of surviving elements from other destroyed churches in the city and the diocesan museum. The "Descent from the Cross" is in the center. Apostle Andrew is on the right (St. Andrew's cross). I can not identify the person on the left wing.

The history of Wroclaw dates back more than a thousand years. At various times, it has been part of the Kingdom of Poland, the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Kingdom of Hungary, the Habsburg monarchy of Austria, the Kingdom of Prussia, and Germany. Wrocław became part of Poland again in 1945 as part of the result of extensive border changes and expulsions after WWII. In 990 Mieszko I of Poland conquered Silesia and Wrocław. The town became a commercial center. In the 12th century Polish, Bohemian, Jewish, Walloon, and German communities existed here. Wroclaw was devastated in 1241 during the first Mongol invasion of Poland. In the 13th century due to migration from Saxony and Bavaria, Wroclaw got germanised. The population adopted the German language and culture and the name changed to Breslau. Between 1342 and 1344 two fires destroyed large parts of the city, which was a part of the Bohemian Kingdom at that time. Charles IV`s , successors Wenceslaus and Sigismund became involved in a long-lasting feud with the city and its magistrate, culminating in the revolt in 1418 when local craftsmen killed seven councilors. After the city had defeated the Bohemian Hussites the city was besieged by a combined Polish-Czech force in 1474, however, a ceasefire was signed, according to which the city remained under Hungarian rule. The Reformation reached Breslau already in 1518, and in 1523 the town council unanimously appointed a new pastor and thus introduced the Reformation in Breslau. In 1526, the Habsburg monarchy of Austria inherited Bohemia, Silesia, and the city of Breslau. In 1609 German emperor Rudolf II granted the free exercise of church services to all Bohemian and Silesian Protestants. In the following Thirty Years' War, the city suffered badly. It was occupied by Saxon and Swedish troops and lost 18,000 of its 40,000 residents to the plague. The Counter-Reformation had started with Rudolf II who encouraged Catholic orders to settle in Breslau. The dominance of the German population under the Habsburg rule in the city became more visible, while the Polish population diminished in numbers. After Frederick the Great besieged the city for a year, it surrendered in 1741. In 1742, Queen Maria Theresa handed over Silesia to the Prussian king. - At the end of the 12th century, the family of the governor Peter Włast (Piotr Włostowic) funded the construction of a Romanesque church on this small island, hence its name on the Sand. The Romanesque church was demolished in the 14th century to make way for a larger Gothic church, built in brick between 1334 and 1430 according to the plans of the architect Master Peschel. The nave, lit by huge windows, is 78 meters long. The Gothic vaults rise to 24 meters high. The church was sacked by Swedish troops in 1632 during the Thirty Years' War. During the Seven Years' War, the Prussians used the church as an ammunition depot. When at the end of WWII the Soviet troops advanced in 1945, the Sandkirche and the buildings served as headquarters for the German army, which was conscious of fighting a dead-end battle. During the fighting, most of Breslau's historical monuments were destroyed or severely damaged. The Sandkirche also burned down, only the walls were still standing. The German population was expelled after the war and replaced by Polish refugees from the east. In 1946, the reconstruction began, which was based on the old Gothic plans and also reconstructed the ceiling vaults in their old form. The interior furnishing of the church is composed of surviving elements from other destroyed churches in the city and the diocesan museum. The 12 apostles are on the side wings. In the center is Virgin Mary with Child, flanked by St. Stephen Liborius of Le Mans (stones) and Margaret of Antioch (dragon).