Poznań Fara

The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Poznań Fara, also informally known as the Poznan Fara, is a Catholic minor basilica located in Poznań Old Town district of Poland. The famed shrine is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is one of the city's most recognizable historical landmarks, the most important Christian temple alongside the Poznań Cathedral and the finest example of Baroque architecture preserved within the country. Its full name is the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Saints Mary Magdalene and Stanislaus of Szczepanów. It is currently part of the Latin Church Archdiocese of Poznań. Built between 1651 and 1701, the structure was engineered by Polish and Italian masters in the Baroque style, who also incorporated Roman architectural aspects such as the monumental Corinthian columns in the interior. In the 18th century, the artisan Pompeo Ferrari designed the main altar standing at 17 meters in height and the main entrance from the Old Town. In 1876, an organ constructed by Friedrich Ladegast was installed inside the Church. The Fara, like most of the city, was spared from destruction during the Second World War.