Kościół kolegiacki pw. Wniebowzięcia NMP w Łowiczu

The Assumption of BVM Cathedral is the most important historical monument in Łowicz.It attracts crowds of tourists to the Old Square where the cathedral is located.This three-nave baroque-renaissance building delights the eyes with its rich interior.

Description

The Assumption of BVM Cathedral is the mausoleum of the twelve Polish Primates. The main altar is from the 17th century. It consists of four sculptures of the Evangelists and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The elements which deserve attention are the stalls from 1650, the treasury, the organ and6 chapels, e.g. St. Victoria's Chapel (where Prince Poniatowski's body lied for 25 days during the body's transport from Leipzig to Warsaw). Every year organ music concerts are held in the basilica.

Date or time of building

XV w.

Building material

Originally, the church was wooden but in the 15th century the construction of a new masonry collegiate church was begun.

History

In 1433 the church was elevated to the rank of a collegiate church. The church was destroyed several times by fire. It was robbed of the silverware, the organ and the church bells during numerous wars (Deluge, World War I, World War II). In 1992, Pope John Paul II elevated the collegiate church to the rank of a cathedral, thus establishing the Diocese of Łowicz. In 1999 the church was elevated to the rank of a minor basilica.

Object location

The cathedral stands in the Old Square. There is a car park in front of the church.

Accessibility

Inside access only during the mass