The
Christianisation of Poland (Polish:
chrystianizacja Polski) refers to the introduction and subsequent spread of
Christianity in Poland. The impetus to the process was the
Baptism of Poland , the personal
baptism of
Mieszko I, the first ruler of the Polish state, and much of his court. The ceremony took place on the
Holy Saturday of 14 April 966, although the exact location is still disputed by historians, with the cities of
Poznan and
Gniezno being the most likely sites. Mieszko's wife,
Dobrawa of Bohemia is often credited as a major influence on Mieszko's decision to accept Christianity.