Basilica of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
per person
The Basilica of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Praga North district of Warsaw is an impressive neoclassical church dating back to 1923. Due to its relatively far distance from the tourist center, it is rarely visited.
Short description
T he Basilica under the patronage of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was built from 1907 to 1923. The lengthy construction period was interrupted by the outbreak of World War I.
The church survived World War II almost unscathed. The Nazi destruction that followed the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 did not occur on the right bank of the Vistula River because that part of the city was already occupied (or, in Russian terminology, “liberated”) by the Soviet Army.
The 24 columns in the nave were originally made for the reconstruction of the church of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, which was destroyed by fire. The donor purchased them for the prayer house in Warsaw.
Pope Pius XI is said to have remarked that it is “the most beautiful church in Poland.” He was the Papal Nuncio in Poland during the construction period and was always very interested in the project. Eventually, as Pope, he conferred the title of a minor basilica upon the church.
Since 1931, the church has been administered by the Salesians of Don Bosco.
Patronage
Constructed
Architects
Condition after World War II
In the touristic area?
Contact (church administration)
Address
How to get?
Church tour
In English: Although this church is not included, perhaps you might be interested in our special church tour with a city guide! For all details and booking options, please click on the following link.
Church tour
EUR 100Interior visit
In Warsaw, there is no admission fee for entering places of worship. However, museums or crypts located in the basement may have an entrance fee. Unfortunately, the crypts in this church are not open to the public.
Website of the church
The church is located in the Praga-North district in the historic Praga area, for which we have created a separate overview.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, the church is not wheelchair accessible. To enter the place of worship, one has to climb several stairs, as there is no ramp available.
Main image © Adrian Grycuk
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