Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kamień Pomorski

The Baroque Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kamień Pomorski stands on Mariańska Street, on the site of the former stronghold of the Griffins. The brick building from the mid-18th century has had several different uses over the centuries.

A church that burned down twice and was flooded once by a storm

The first church was built here in the 13th century, and the first mention of it dates from 1297. It was founded by the townspeople of Kamień, and in the Middle Ages it served as the town's branch church of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist. It burned down in 1308 and 1483. In 1619 it was rebuilt as a Lutheran funeral chapel, and in 1743 it was destroyed by a severe storm on the Kamień Lagoon. Around 1755 (1750 in other accounts) it was rebuilt in the Baroque style.

Hospital, concert hall and a church again

In the 19th century the church served as a hospital and a warehouse. After the Second World War it was closed. In 1960-1970 it was used for secular purposes, and until 1993 the concert hall of the house of culture operated in it. Its sacred functions were restored, and the re-consecration took place on 8 September 1996.

Structure and interior

The church has a gable roof and a rectangular plan, closed on three sides at the east end. On the west a two-storey tower with a helm covered in copper sheet was added. In the chancel hangs a painting of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, beneath which stands a tabernacle with a Christogram.

Practical information

• Address: Mariańska Street, Kamień Pomorski.
• The church stands near the Old Town, next to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist and the Bishop's Palace.
• The times of services and of opening are given by the parish.