Gothic altar returns to Gdańsk basilica

The ‘Pietas Domini’ altar, dating from the first half of the 15th century, has returned to the Polish Baltic city of Gdańsk, following an agreement between the city’s St. Mary’s parish and the Evangelical Church in Germany.

The Gothic ‘Pietas Domini’ altar, at St. Mary’s Basilica in Gdańsk

Photo: PAP/Adam Warżawa

The altar, which is described by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage as one of the most valuable of Poland’s war-time art losses, was taken away from St. Mary’s Basilica in Gdańsk by German art conservators in 1942.

The Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage said the German Evangelical Church decided to return the altar “in the spirit of an ecumenical understanding between the churches and reconciliation between the two nations.”

One of the finest examples of mediaeval sacred architecture, St. Mary’s Basilica in Gdańsk is among the largest brick churches in the world. It can hold 25,000 worshippers.

(mk/pk)