Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene, Wrocław

Church in Wrocław

Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene
Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Barbara Maliszewska

St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral sits just off Wrocław's Rynek on Szewska Street, close enough that you can drift here naturally between Old Town lanes without breaking the rhythm of your day. From the outside, the twin western towers do most of the talking, but the real appeal is the mix of medieval scale, surviving details, and the sense that this is still a working sacred space rather than a “museum church.”

For travellers, the headline moment is the Penitents' Bridge (also nicknamed the Witches' Bridge), a narrow footbridge linking the towers high above the street and opening up a surprisingly cinematic view over rooftops and the Old Town core. It's one of the must-see places in Wrocław, and it fits neatly into a walking tour of Wrocław because you can combine it with Rynek, nearby churches, and café breaks without any transport planning.

History and Significance of the St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral

The church’s story begins in the early 13th century, when it emerged as Wrocław’s first parish church for a growing community, and later expanded into the substantial Gothic brick basilica you see today. Over time it became one of the city’s central religious landmarks, with chapels added in later centuries that enriched the building’s footprint and created those quieter, side-space moments that reward slow exploration.

It also sits at the heart of Wrocław’s Reformation history. In the early 16th century, the church became closely associated with the city’s first Lutheran services, and for centuries it remained in Protestant hands, reflecting how closely Wrocław’s civic identity and religious life were intertwined.

The 20th century left deep scars: wartime destruction and the post-war period dramatically reshaped both the fabric and furnishings of the church. What you experience today is the result of careful restoration-an Old Town landmark that has been rebuilt and reinterpreted, while still carrying the weight of the city's most turbulent chapters.

Things to See and Do in the St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral

Begin with the interior atmosphere. This is a church that rewards looking up and looking sideways: the rhythm of arches, the way light moves across brick, and the feeling of scale that makes you instinctively lower your voice. If you enjoy architectural details, take time to drift toward the chapels and side areas where the building feels more intimate and less “big-hall monumental.”

Then do the climb to the Penitents' Bridge viewpoint if you are comfortable with stairs and narrow passages. The reward is not just the view, but the experience of standing between the towers and seeing Wrocław from a height that feels close to the city's roofline rather than distant and abstract. It's one of those viewpoints that makes the Old Town's layout suddenly make sense.

If you want a simple mini-route, pair the cathedral with Rynek and the Town Hall nearby, then finish with a quieter loop toward Ostrów Tumski for a contrast in mood. It turns a single church visit into a satisfying “Wrocław in layers” walk: civic centre, sacred space, skyline view, then riverside calm.

How to Get to the St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral

The nearest airport is Wrocław Airport (WRO), and Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is the most practical backup for long-haul connections into Poland. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Wrocław on Booking.com.

If you arrive by train, Wrocław Główny is the main station, and you can reach the Old Town easily by tram, bus, taxi, or an uncomplicated walk if you have light luggage. You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the PKP Intercity website. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

From Rynek, it's a short walk-aim for the Old Town streets around Szewska and you will naturally spot the towers as you approach. Trams and buses also stop around the Old Town edge, which can be useful if the weather is poor or you are building a longer day across the city.

If you are driving, use a central car park outside the tightest Old Town streets and walk the final stretch, as the immediate area is pedestrian-focused and not designed for easy curbside stops. If you are looking to rent a car in Poland I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral

  • Entrance fee: Cathedral entry is free; Penitents’ Bridge (Mostek Pokutnic) viewpoint tickets are typically 15 zł (regular) and 10 zł (reduced).
  • Opening hours: (Summer) April – October; Daily: 10:00–20:00.
    (Winter) November – March; Daily: 10:00–18:00.
  • Official website: http://www.katedramm.pl/
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon is ideal, when the light softens and you can roll straight into an evening Old Town plan afterwards; for the viewpoint, aim earlier on busy weekends to avoid queues.
  • How long to spend: Allow 30-45 minutes for the church interior, and 60-90 minutes total if you are also doing the climb and giving yourself time to enjoy the view without rushing.
  • Accessibility: The interior is generally easier than the viewpoint, which involves many stairs and tight stairwells; if mobility is limited or you dislike enclosed climbs, enjoy the cathedral and choose a ground-level skyline spot elsewhere.
  • Facilities: Expect limited on-site facilities inside the church itself, but excellent options nearby in the Old Town for restrooms, cafés, and quick breaks before or after your visit.

Where to Stay Close to the St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in the Old Town around Rynek so you can walk to churches, museums, and evening dining; if you prefer a quieter, riverside feel while still staying central, consider the edge of the centre nearer Ostrów Tumski and the Odra.

For a modern, design-led base within easy walking distance of the cathedral, PURO Wrocław Stare Miasto puts you close to both Rynek and the city’s most walkable restaurant streets. If you want a classic, grand-hotel feel for a special trip, Hotel Monopol Wrocław is a polished Old Town option that suits evenings out. For something central with boutique character and a short stroll back to the cathedral lanes, Art Hotel works well for travellers who want charm without losing convenience.

Is the St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you want a Gothic landmark that feels integrated into everyday Old Town life rather than isolated as a single-ticket attraction. The cathedral delivers both atmosphere inside and a genuinely memorable skyline moment from the bridge viewpoint.

It’s also a high-value stop for time-poor itineraries. Because it sits so close to Rynek, you can experience a major historic site and a top viewpoint without detouring away from Wrocław’s core sights.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This can be a great stop for families if you treat it as two separate experiences: a short, calm interior visit, then an optional viewpoint climb for older kids who enjoy a “mission.” Setting a simple goal-spot the twin towers from the square, then find the entrance-makes it feel like an adventure rather than a lesson.

For younger children or anyone who struggles with steep stairs, keep the focus on the ground-level visit and the surrounding Old Town streets. You will still get the sense of the place without turning it into a battle of patience.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the cathedral is a strong “quiet contrast” to Rynek’s buzz. Step inside for a calmer, more reflective moment, then head up to the bridge if you want a shared viewpoint that feels a little secret even though it’s central.

It also pairs beautifully with an evening plan. Do the visit late afternoon, catch the light on the towers, then drift back toward Rynek for dinner as the Old Town begins to glow.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers will appreciate that the cathedral itself is free, so you can enjoy a major landmark without spending anything. If you do pay for the viewpoint, treat it as your one paid “skyline” experience and build the rest of the day around walking and free architecture.

To keep the day efficient, cluster your Old Town sights together and avoid unnecessary transport costs. Wrocław's centre is made for walking, and this stop fits naturally into that style of travel.

History Buffs

History buffs should linger here because the building sits at the intersection of medieval urban life, the Reformation in Wrocław, and the city's wartime destruction and post-war rebuilding. It's a place where the layers are not abstract-you can feel them in what survived, what was rebuilt, and what changed function over time.

To deepen the visit, read the space as a civic landmark as well as a religious one. Its prominence, additions of chapels, and later shifts in confession all tell a story about who held influence in the city and when.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (403)

Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene at Szewska 10 in Wrocław is a calming Gothic church open 24 hours, noted for its tall twin towers linked by a characteristic bridge and an upper viewing tower you can climb for panoramic views (no elevator; ticketed climb). Visitors mention a fairly long climb with places to rest and evening music concerts; the interior is described as soothing and relatively sparsely frescoed, and the site displays historical bones and skulls of notable people. Several reviewers highlight the rebuilt “penitents' bridge” between the towers and recommend the tower climb and viewpoint as a must-see while in Wrocław.

Cameron
a month ago
"The cathedral is absolutely beautiful. We climbed to the top to see the panoramic view of Wroclaw, it was trully memorable and worth the effort. Theticket cost was 12 zloty. Be prepared for a long climb up the stairs, but the view from the top is really worth it...."
je y brown
6 months ago
"It’s quite a walk to get up to the top but the view is definitely worth it. There’s also a number of places you can stop on the way up. Catch yourbreath. And learn a little more about the cathedral. A must see while you’re in Wrocław...."
Michael S.
3 months ago
"My dear reader, this is of interest. Traveling to Torun and visited the museum of gothic in the old city center. And you will find here the ‘VIRGINAND CHILD WITH ST BARBARA AND ST CATHERINE’ from 1520, the middle part of a triptych Slaski,nSilesian workshop (circle of the Master of the Passion)..."

FAQs for Visiting St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral

Getting There

It’s in the Old Town near Rynek, on Szewska Street, so it’s easily reached on foot from the Market Square. If you are already exploring central Wrocław, you can treat it as a natural “next stop” rather than a separate trip.
Walk from Rynek toward the Old Town lanes around Szewska and let the twin towers guide you in. It’s a short, scenic approach that works well even if you are navigating casually.
Take a tram or bus toward the Old Town edge, then walk a few minutes into the centre. If timing matters, a taxi is the simplest way to avoid transfers and still arrive close to Rynek.
Driving into the Old Town core is rarely worth the stress because of limited access and pedestrian areas. A central car park plus a short walk is typically the fastest and least frustrating plan.

Tickets & Entry

You can usually enter the church interior without paying, as it remains a place of worship. The paid element is typically the Penitents’ Bridge viewpoint between the towers.
Most visitors buy tickets on the spot, but queues can form at peak times in summer. If you are short on time, go earlier in the day to reduce waiting.
Hours can shift around services, special events, and seasonal patterns, particularly for the viewpoint access. If you are planning your day tightly, check for updates before you go.

Visiting Experience

If you are rushing, do a quick interior loop and then decide whether the viewpoint climb fits your energy level. Many travellers find the view is worth it, but only if you have time to enjoy it without sprinting back down.
Yes, because it is central and gives you both a major historic interior and a standout skyline moment. It’s an efficient way to add depth to a one-day Old Town itinerary.
Pair it with Rynek, the Town Hall, and St. Elizabeth’s Church for a compact Old Town circuit. If you want a calmer second act, continue toward Ostrów Tumski for riverside atmosphere.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many tours pass it because it sits close to Rynek and is visually distinctive. The exterior is commonly included, while the interior and viewpoint are often left as optional add-ons.
Independent visiting works well if you mainly want atmosphere and the viewpoint experience. A guide adds value if you want deeper context on the Reformation period and the wartime destruction and rebuilding.
Start at Rynek, visit the cathedral, then walk toward St. Elizabeth’s Church and back through Old Town lanes for cafés. It’s a compact loop that feels varied without needing transport.

Photography

Yes, especially for exterior details and skyline shots from the viewpoint. Inside, be respectful of worshippers and look for any posted guidance before taking photos.
Late afternoon often gives the most flattering light over rooftops and a warmer tone on the Old Town. Early morning is best if you want fewer people and cleaner compositions.
Rules can vary inside religious spaces, and some areas may discourage flash or photography during services. When in doubt, keep it discreet and prioritise the experience over the shot.
From the bridge, frame Rynek’s rooflines and towers to capture the “Old Town skyline” feel. From street level, step back into nearby lanes so you can fit both towers into the shot without distortion.

Accessibility & Facilities

The viewpoint climb involves many stairs and narrow stairwells, so it is not ideal for limited mobility or anyone uncomfortable in tight spaces. The church interior is the more realistic option for an accessible visit.
Facilities inside the church are limited, so plan to use cafés and public venues nearby in the Old Town. This is an easy area for breaks because everything is close.
Yes, the Old Town has plenty of cafés, and Rynek offers easy seated stops before and after your visit. If you want something quieter, head toward the park areas and riverside routes not far away.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Rynek and the surrounding side streets offer the widest choice, from quick bites to longer sit-down meals. For a quieter break, look for spots slightly off the square where you still get Old Town atmosphere without peak crowds.
The Old Town area is best for casual, flexible eating rather than a single “must” market next door. It’s an ideal place to graze through the day with small stops between sights.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s a central Old Town area with plenty of foot traffic and activity. Keep normal city awareness, especially late at night when the bar crowd thins out.
Early is best for a calmer feel and fewer people around the entrances. Later is best if you want the Old Town energy and warmer light on the towers.

Nearby Attractions to the St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Wrocław!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) April - October; Daily: 10:00-20:00.

(Winter) November - March; Daily: 10:00-18:00.

Price:

Cathedral entry is free; Penitents’ Bridge (Mostek Pokutnic) viewpoint tickets are typically 15 zł (regular) and 10 zł (reduced).

Address: Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene, Szewska, Wrocław, Poland
Wrocław: 0 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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