St. Alexander’s Church 🇵🇱

Located on Triple Cross Square near the south end of New World Street and the Royal Route, St. Alexander's Church is one of Warsaw's most recognizable landmarks. When you visit this Roman Catholic church, you are stepping into a site deeply tied to Polish history. Established by Varsovians to commemorate Tsar Alexander I of Russia, the church was originally designed between 1818 and 1825 in a Neoclassical style inspired by Rome's Pantheon.

Renowned Polish architect Chrystian Piotr Aigner created its distinct circular plan topped by a dome. Although it was later expanded into a grander Neo-Renaissance structure in the late 19th century, World War II bombing during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising nearly destroyed it. Following the war, builders reconstructed the landmark between 1949 and 1952, returning it to its simpler, original Neoclassical roots. Inside, you can admire the main altar adorned with Franciszek Smuglewicz's oil painting, The Crucifixion of Jesus.

Do not miss the 17th-century white marble statue of dead Christ to the left of the altar, sculpted in Italy and brought to the church in 1826. Over the years, the site hosted notable events, including writer Bolesław Prus's 1912 funeral.

What to see at St. Alexander's Church

• Neoclassical design on a circular plan inspired by the Pantheon in Rome
• Main altar featuring Franciszek Smuglewicz's oil painting of The Crucifixion of Jesus
• 17th-century white marble statue of dead Christ situated to the left of the altar
• Reconstructed postwar landmark with a rich history on Triple Cross Square

Visiting tips

Be sure to look to the left of the main altar to view the historic 17th-century white marble statue of dead Christ brought from Rome.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Alexander's Church is easy to reach on Warsaw’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Palace of Culture and Science and National Museum in Warsaw. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Warsaw travel guide.