Kielce – Kielce Cathedral

The first excitement about this cathedral (of which the full name is Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) was getting into it. The entry door was obvious, but on entering there were a group of people and no entirely obvious inner door as there were numerous options to choose from. Fortunately, logically the door towards the side aisle seemed to be where I would put an entrance door and I picked correctly, thereby not entering some private priestly room.

The first church on this site was built in the early twelfth century, but then destroyed by the Tatars. It was heavily reconstructed in 1719, which included the demolition of two medieval towers, with the result of those changes broadly reflecting what remains here today. It became a cathedral in 1805, was relegated back down in 1818 and then re-designated as a cathedral in 1883.

The interior of this cathedral is glorious, full of colour, vibrancy and yet still calm.

The colourful and beautiful roof.

The side aisle.

The cathedral’s nativity scene.

One of the stained glass windows.

It’s not that common to see triptychs in cathedrals and churches any more, they’re usually now in museums and galleries. However, it’s a decorative addition which fits well.

I didn’t take any more photos as there were many people praying quietly, and it would likely be irritating for them if I walked around them or near to them. I like that so many people are using the cathedral for its purpose of religion though, there’s nothing touristy about this building. Very lovely, although the lack of tourism also meant that there was a lack of obvious information about the cathedral’s history.