At the cross-section of Gnilna and Łagiewniki Streets in the Old Town, hidden in the shadow of the ‘Organika’ skyscraper, in the back of the ‘Madison’ shopping centre, there is an interesting historic church, one of the Gothic temples of Gdańsk. It is the Church of St Bartholomew, built in the second half of the fifteenth century. The origin of this temple, however, is over 100 years older than the date of its final construction. Originally, the church was located in the so-called ‘Young City’ district, where it was a parish church. It was a Teutonic quarter, which was located in the area of the present Gdańsk Shipyard. The Young City was founded by the Teutonic authorities as a competition for the Main Town. In accordance with the principle of ‘divide et impera’, or ‘divide and conquer’, it was easier for the authorities to control smaller and balanced centres, which weakened by competition, became less independent and therefore less dangerous in the face of the Teutonic reign. However, the Teutonic Knights miscalculated, as the Main Town had maintained its dominance, and its townspeople finally managed to oust them at the beginning of the Thirteen Years’ War. After this event the Teutonic castle was demolished, and with it the competitive Young City was pulled down forever. Pulled down, but not completely annihilated. Its inhabitants were resettled to the area of the Old Town. The young urban parish with the church of St Bartholomew, who was rebuilt in its current location, was also resettled here. When heading for a nearby shopping mall in Gdańsk, be sure to take a moment to visit St Bartholomew’s Church.
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