Kościół pw. Ścięcia Świętego Jana Chrzciciela is the Minor Basilica of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, a historic church at Plac Kościelny 5 in Chojnice. Built in the Vistula Gothic style, it offers a chance to see an important part of the town’s history while exploring the centre.
- Location: Plac Kościelny 5, 89-600 Chojnice.
- From the hotel: about a one-minute walk from Hotel Ratuszowy, a hotel close to Chojnice’s historic church.
- Architecture: a brick church on a granite-boulder foundation, with a quadrangular tower on the west side.
- Mass: the parish listing gives separate schedules for Sundays, weekdays and suppressed holy days.
The church’s central location
The basilica stands at Plac Kościelny in central Chojnice, making it easy to include in a town-centre walk. Chojnice’s municipal site dates its construction to between 1340 and 1360 and identifies its style as Vistula Gothic.
The church has been destroyed several times, robbed and affected by fires. Pope John Paul II elevated it to the rank of minor basilica on March 11, 1993. If you are planning a longer route through the centre, the walking guide to Chojnice’s historic centre provides another way to structure your visit.
What to notice from the outside
Look for the church’s brick walls and quadrangular tower on the west side. Its foundation is made of granite boulders, distinguishing the base from the brickwork above. Repeated destruction and rebuilding have also changed the building from its original appearance.
One surviving feature from the former interior decoration is the tombstone of Jan Doręgowski, dated 1625, set into the south nave wall. It provides a specific detail to look for if you enter the church.
Service times and visitor access
Mass times vary by day, and the parish listing gives multiple services on Sundays and holy days.
- Sundays and holy days: 07:30, 09:00, 10:00, 10:30, 11:15, 12:00, 16:00 and 19:00.
- Weekdays: 07:00, 08:00, 08:30, 18:00 and 18:00.
- Suppressed holy days: 07:00, 08:00, 10:00 and 18:00.
These are service times, not general visiting hours. For current access information, check the parish’s official site before you go. The parish can also be contacted by phone at +48 52 397 50 08 or by email at pchojnicejan@diecezja-pelplin.pl.
Nearby stops in central Chojnice
Pair the basilica with a visit to Muzeum Historyczno-Etnograficzne w Chojnicach. The museum visitor guide covers that stop in more detail.
Ławeczka Juliana Rydzkowskiego is another named landmark in town. These stops can fit into a walk through central Chojnice.
FAQs
What is the church’s official name?
Its full name is the Minor Basilica of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, or Bazylika Mniejsza pw. Ścięcia św. Jana Chrzciciela.
When was the church built?
Chojnice’s municipal site says construction took place between 1340 and 1360 in the Vistula Gothic style.
What historical feature can you look for inside?
The tombstone of Jan Doręgowski, dated 1625, is set into the south nave wall.