The Royal Chapel in Gdańsk has undergone renovation. The work, carried out since May this year, included a thorough renovation of the façade and conservation of the details, at a cost of more than 570,000 zloty. As much as 400,000 was donated from city funds for this purpose. The chapel is one of the most valuable Baroque buildings in the city centre, and this year’s renovation has restored its appearance lost due to the passage of time and previous damage.
The Royal Chapel in Gdańsk and its origins
Built between 1678 and 1681, the chapel was initiated by King John III Sobieski, who during his visit to Gdansk supported the efforts of the local Catholic community to have their own church in the then Protestant city. Primate Andrzej Olszowski also played a key role, as it was his will that became the main source of funding for the project. Once the finishing work was completed, the temple was opened in 1683. The consecration took place two years later.
Wartime damage to the chapel
In March 1945, the chapel was severely damaged. Fires and artillery shelling led to the collapse of the roof and the destruction of the interior. The facades were set on fire and most of the decorative details were lost. As a result of the heat, some of the stone ornamentation disintegrated into fragments, making later reconstructions difficult. In the chaos of the fighting, many furnishings also disappeared. However, the perimeter walls remained in good condition, which made it possible to start salvage work after the war.
The Royal Chapel in Gdańsk – reconstruction
Immediately after the war, the object was secured by ad hoc methods. Reconstruction did not begin until the 1950s, when the roof and turret were restored, part of the façade reconstructed and the decorations recreated on the basis of available photographs and descriptions. The interior was re-furnished, but much more modestly. The buildings in the immediate vicinity of the chapel were also rebuilt.
Scope of renovation work
This year’s renovation involved a number of stages. It involved cleaning the plaster, removing damaged sections and repairing them with new mortars. The walls were also reinforced with injections. In addition, the stone elements were restored together with the remaining layers of paint. The façade received a new coating and the window and door woodwork regained its former appearance and colour. The works were aimed at stopping the degradation processes and restoring a coherent appearance to the valuable monument.
Cooperation between the city and the parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gdańsk
The city has been supporting the renovation of historical monuments, including the Royal Chapel and St Mary’s Basilica, for many years. The chapel was among this year’s 17 conservation investments funded by Gdańsk. Last year, the parish renovated the interior of the chapel with its own funds. New painting was carried out, internal windows were installed to allow for heating and contemporary portraits of the founders were placed. The building is now home to an English-speaking ministry, which gathers several dozen people each week.
Grants from Gdańsk for the renovation of historic buildings
Since 2005, Gdansk has allocated nearly 50 million zlotys for the protection of historic buildings and structures. The Royal Chapel is one of the buildings that regularly benefits from financial support. The latest renovation is part of a long-term effort focusing on keeping historic architecture in good condition.
Source: gdansk.pl
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Sacral architecture | Monuments | History | Gdańsk
