Field Cathedral of the Polish Army

Cathedral in Warsaw

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Cezary Piwowarski

The Field Cathedral of the Polish Army (Katedra Polowa Wojska Polskiego), located on Długa Street in Warsaw’s New Town, serves as the main place of worship for the Polish military. Originally built in the late 17th century for the Piarist order, the church has long been intertwined with the nation’s history, standing as both a place of prayer and remembrance. With its restrained Baroque façade and richly decorated interior, the cathedral offers a quiet but deeply moving space in contrast to the surrounding bustle of the city.

The church was extensively damaged during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, like much of the city, but was rebuilt in the years following the war. It was officially designated the Field Cathedral in 1960 and now functions under the jurisdiction of the Military Ordinariate of Poland. It hosts national military ceremonies and religious services marking key anniversaries, making it a living part of Poland’s patriotic and spiritual life.

One of the most striking features of the cathedral is the Katyń Chapel, located inside the church. This moving memorial commemorates the more than 20,000 Polish officers murdered by the Soviet NKVD in 1940 at Katyń, Kharkiv, and other sites. The names of the victims are inscribed on plaques, and a symbolic grave occupies a central place within the chapel. It serves as a place of mourning, reflection, and national memory—particularly important in a country where the truth about such atrocities was long suppressed.

Visitors to the Field Cathedral not only appreciate its architectural elegance and historical depth, but also find it a meaningful stop in understanding Warsaw’s turbulent past. It offers a chance to reflect on the intersection of faith, service, and sacrifice. As part of a walking tour, the cathedral offers a solemn yet powerful pause—connecting Poland’s military struggles with its spiritual endurance.

The Field Cathedral of the Polish Army appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Warsaw!

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