Corpus Christi Church (Wroclaw)

 Roman Catholic church, 15th century construction

The Church is situated in the Old Town, southwards from the Main Market Square, in one of the main arteries of the city — in Świdnicka Street. Originally it was located outside the town walls. It was built by the Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem which appeared in Dolny Śląsk province in the 12th century. About 1318 they established in Wrocław a hospital with a chapel and a commandery opposite. Since 1390 these places were linked across the street by a brick four-span gallery with a roof. It survived until 1826. In 1540 the monks gave the church in deposit to the town. It served then as a granary, storehouse and a fever hospital. The monks repurchased their property in 1690; they rebuilt it and gave the place a Baroque look. At the beginning of the 19th century the Prussian authorities ordered the secularization of all monasteries of Wrocław. The church of the monks of Saint John of Jerusalem became a Catholic parish church. In 1875-1920 it was in the hands of a Old Catholic parish. The temple had a strategic location due to the town walls and the main fortifications with Świdnicka Gate in its neighbourhood. As a result it was often devastated in wars. The most severe damage it suffered during the siege of Wrocław Fortress in 1945. The roofs, most vaults, tracery and fittings were demolished. The church was rebuilt in 1955-1962 and 1967-1970. It underwent a substantial renovation in 1995-1996.