St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of Wroclaw (note his beheaded skull on the city's coat of arms), and it is to him that this cathedral is consecrated. The most important place of worship in Wroclaw, a church was first established here in 1000 by Boleslaw the Brave with work beginning on the existing cathedral in the 13th century. St. John's is notable for its 91m twin towers (take the lift up for panoramic views of the city), 16th Century altarpiece of the sleeping Virgin Mary, 151 pipe organ, and its numerous motifs and gargoyles on the exterior - many with accompanying legends. Look out for the petrified head of the jeweller's apprentice (southern wall), punished for setting fire to his master's house after he refused him his daugher in marriage.
| |