The Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas on Wawel is the main Catholic shrine in Krakow and the burial place of many Polish kings and famous politicians.

History of the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas

On the site of the modern Krakow church in 1020, about 60 years after the beginning of the Christianization of Poland, the church of St. Wenceslas was built. A little later, in 1038, King Boleslav II the Bold erected a temple in honor of St. Stanislav here. Unfortunately, both of these churches in Krakow did not last long, and after the fire of 1305, only the crypt of St. Leonard survived. The revival of the religious building began through the efforts of the Krakow Bishop of Nanker, who ordered the construction first of the Gothic chapel of St. Margaret, and then the basilica, which was consecrated in 1364.

For the next 250 years, while Krakow was considered the capital of Poland, the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas on Wawel served as a royal temple and a place where members of the royal family were buried. In particular, here in 1399 one of the most revered Polish queens, St. Jadwiga, found her last resting place, and a sarcophagus with the body of St. Stanislav Shchepanovsky was also installed. At about the same time, the interiors began to be redone, so that they became more in line with the Baroque style that was fashionable during this period. However, all this splendor was destroyed during the Swedish invasion, and the building itself was completely destroyed.

After the "Swedish Flood", the Krakow Cathedral was rebuilt in 1715, when it received its modern look. A little later, two more domed mausoleums were added to it.

As for the history of the Krakow Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas in the 20th century, it was looted during the Second World War, and during the communist period it was closed for ideological reasons.

In 2010, Polish President L. Kaczynski and his wife, who tragically died in a plane crash, were buried in the church.

Interior of the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas

Today, the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas is a three-aisled brick and white limestone basilica surrounded by Gothic chapels. The temple has three towers, on one of which the famous bell "Sigmund" is installed.

As for the facade of the cathedral in Krakow, it has been preserved in its original form mainly in the upper part, where you can see a copy of the statue of St. Stanislaus, made in the 19th century, and bas-reliefs depicting St. Margaret and the Archangel Michael. Above the main entrance is a 17th-century baroque balcony with the initials of Casimir the Great.

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The Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas in the city of Krakow on Wawel Hill is the cathedral church of the Krakow Archdiocese of the Catholic Church of Poland.

Wawel (Polish Wawel) is a hill and an architectural complex in Krakow, on the left bank of the Vistula. On the Wawel Hill there is a complex of architectural monuments, of which the most important are the Royal Castle and Cathedral Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas. Wawel is a symbol of Poland and a place of special significance for the Polish people. Excavations have shown that already in the 11th century there was a fortified settlement of the Vislan tribe on the site of Wawel. Stone fortifications began to be erected by Wenceslas II in 1290-1300, and in the 14th century the hill was rebuilt by Casimir III the Great in the Gothic style. Around 1340 the walls of the castle and the city were connected. After a fire in 1499, Alexander Jagiellon began the reconstruction of Wawel, which peaked during the reign of Sigismund I the Old. However, a new fire in 1595 led to the partial destruction of the castle. In 1609, Sigismund III Vasa left the castle, after which a period of decline began. Despite this, the castle remains the coronation castle for the Polish kings. The Polish monarchs are buried in the Cathedral, later the greatest Polish poets and prominent political figures are buried. In 1655-1657. Wawel was plundered and in 1702 burned down by the Swedes as a result of the Great Northern War. In 1724-1728, an attempt was made to reconstruct the complex, but after Poland lost its independence, Wawel was turned into a barracks for the Austrian troops and fell into disrepair, the original interiors were not preserved. In 1905, the Poles bought their Wawel from the Austrian Empire, it was returned to Krakow. At the same time, restoration work began, which continues to this day.

Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas

On the site of the current temple, there were previously two other buildings: the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas (built in 1020 and destroyed by the Czech prince Bretislav in 1038) and the three-aisled church of the bishop and holy great martyr Stanislav Shchepanovsky, consecrated in 1142. This building also fell victim to a fire in 1305, leaving only the crypt of St. Leonard. A few years later Bishop Nanker began to build a third, already Gothic church.

Since Krakow remained the capital of Poland until 1609, the cathedral served as a court temple at the same time, and the kings of Poland were buried in underground tombs. It was also here that Polish rulers were crowned. Wawel Cathedral was rebuilt several times in the following centuries. Chapels were built around the building, among them the Chapel of King Sigismund, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, the work of the Italian architect Bartolomeo Berezzi (1533). The Zygmunt Bell Tower, built in the 14th century as part of the Wawel Hill fortifications, houses the Zygmund Bell, the most famous of Poland's bells and the country's national symbol. In 1399, the queen of Poland, St. Jadwiga, was buried in the archcathedral, and in the 17th century, the mausoleum of St. Stanislav Shchepanovsky was built in the center of the cathedral.

During the "Swedish flood" in 1655-1657, many works of art were destroyed in the cathedral, and the building itself was destroyed by the Swedes in 1702. In the 18th century, the cathedral was rebuilt in the Baroque style, following the fashion of the time. In the 19th century, national heroes of Poland (Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Jozef Poniatowski, Adam Mickiewicz) were buried in the cathedral, which made it an even more popular place for Poles.

During the reconstruction of 1895-1910. The cathedral acquired its modern appearance. During World War II, the cathedral was looted by the Germans and later closed.

Throughout its history, the cathedral has occupied a special place in the history of the country and has invariably fueled the national identity of the Poles. Nothing has changed today: the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas is rightfully considered the most revered in Poland.

The church is the cathedral church of the Krakow Archdiocese of the Catholic Church of Poland.

Story

On the site of the current temple, there were previously two other buildings: the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas (built in 1020 and destroyed by the Czech prince Bretislav in 1038) and the three-aisled church of the bishop and holy great martyr Stanislav Shchepanovsky, consecrated in 1142. This building also fell victim to a fire in 1305, leaving only the Crypt of Saint Leonard.

A few years later Bishop Nanker began to build a third, already Gothic church. Since Krakow remained the capital of Poland until 1609, the cathedral served as a court temple at the same time, and the kings of Poland were buried in underground tombs.

Wawel Cathedral was rebuilt several times in the following centuries. Chapels were built around the building, among them the chapel of King Sigismund (Zygmunt), a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, the work of the Italian architect Bartolomeo Berecchi (1533).

The Zygmunt Bell Tower, built in the 14th century as part of the fortifications of Wawel Hill, houses the Zygmund Bell, the most famous of Poland's bells and the country's national symbol.

On March 28, 1931, the church was included in the register of cultural monuments of the Małopolska Voivodeship.

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Belfry of Zygmunt Cathedral Treasury Czartoryski Chapel Maciejowski Chapel Lipsky Chapel Skotnitsky Chapel Zebrzydowski Chapel Sacristy Chapel of Gamrat Chapel of the Virgin Mary Chapel of Tomitsky Załuski Chapel Chapel of King Jan Olbracht Zadzika Chapel Chapel of Konarski Chapel of King Sigismund I Chapel of the Kings Vase Chapel of the Saffrons Potocki Chapel Chapel of the Holy Cross Trinity Chapel Mausoleum of St. Stanislaus main altar

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Notes

Links

• Michal Rosek, Krakowska katedra on Wawelu. Wydawnictwo św. Stanisława BM Archidiecezji Krakowskiej, Krakow 1989

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An excerpt characterizing the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas

– In order not to allow a person to think, Isidora. To make obedient and insignificant slaves out of people, who, at their discretion, were “forgiven” or punished by the “most holy”. For if a person would know the truth about his past, he would be a person PROUD of himself and his Ancestors and would never put on a slave collar. Without the TRUTH, from the free and strong people became "God's servants", and no longer tried to remember who they really are. Such is the present, Isidora... And, to be honest, it does not leave too bright hopes for change.
The north was very quiet and sad. Apparently, observing human weakness and cruelty for so many centuries, and seeing how the strongest perish, his heart was poisoned with bitterness and disbelief in the imminent victory of Knowledge and Light ... And I so wanted to shout to him that I still believe that people will wake up soon !.. Despite the anger and pain, despite the betrayal and weakness, I believe that the Earth will finally not withstand what is being done to her children. And he would wake up... But I understood that I would not be able to convince him, since I myself would soon have to die, fighting for the same awakening.
But I did not regret... My life was just a grain of sand in an endless sea of ​​suffering. And I had only to fight to the end, no matter how terrible it was. Since even drops of water, falling constantly, are able to hollow out the strongest stone ever. So is EVIL: if people crushed it even by a grain, it would someday collapse, even if not in this lifetime. But they would have returned to their Earth again and would have seen - after all, THEY helped her to survive! .. It was THEY who helped her become Light and Faithful. I know that the North would say that a person still does not know how to live for the future ... And I know - so far this has been true. But it was precisely this, in my understanding, that stopped many from making their own decisions. Because people are too accustomed to think and act “like everyone else”, without standing out or interfering, just to live in peace.
“I'm sorry I made you feel so much pain, my friend. The voice of the North interrupted my thoughts. “But I think it will help you meet your destiny more easily.” Helps you survive...
I didn't want to think about it... Just a little more!.. After all, I still had enough time left for my sad fate. Therefore, in order to change the sore subject, I again began to ask questions.
- Tell me, Sever, why did I see the sign of the royal “lily” on Magdalena and Radomir, and on many Magi? Does this mean that they were all Franks? Can you explain to me?
- Let's start with Isidora, that this is a misunderstanding of the sign itself, - Sever answered with a smile. “It wasn't a lily when they brought it to Frankia Meravingli.

Three-leafed - the battle sign of the Slavic-Aryans

– ?!.
“Didn’t you know that it was they who brought the sign of the “Three-leaf” to Europe at that time? ..” Sever was sincerely surprised.
- No, I've never heard of it. And you surprised me again!
- The three-leafed once, a long time ago, was the battle sign of the Slavic-Aryans, Isidora. It was magic herb, which miraculously helped in battle - she gave the soldiers incredible strength, she healed wounds and made it easier for those leaving for another life. This wonderful grass grew far in the North, and only magicians and sorcerers could extract it. It has always been given to soldiers who went to defend their homeland. Going to battle, each warrior uttered the usual spell: “For Honor! For Conscience! For Vera! While also making a magical movement, he touched the left and right shoulder with two fingers and the last one touched the middle of the forehead. This is what the Three Leaf truly meant.

This cathedral is a cathedral church belonging to the Krakow Archdiocese, concurrently the burial place of Polish kings, leaders and political leaders, as well as the coronation of monarchs.

Story

In the Middle Ages, on the site of the current Gothic church, there were two Roman pulpits. The first was dedicated to St. Wenceslas. This basilica was built around the year 1000. The second one was opened in 1142 and had the form of a three-nave tower with a gate, a choir and crypts. In the XIII century, a chapel of St. Nicholas was added to it, and the remains of the martyr St. Stanislav were also brought here. In 1305, the cathedral burned down, leaving only the crypt of St. Leonard. After the fire, the construction of a new cathedral began.

The presbytery of the cathedral was completed in 1346, and the rest of the adjacent churches - in 1364. In the very center of the building are the altar and relics of St. Stanislaus. Both entrances to the church lead directly to them. Over the following centuries, the cathedral was repeatedly changed. Kings and bishops continually erected new chapels, mausoleums, and also complemented the interior with works of art.

In the 17th century, the cathedral acquired elements of the Baroque style. True, during the Swedish invasion, many priceless pieces of art and decor were destroyed. The same thing happened at the beginning of the 18th century during the Third Northern War. In the late 1890s, the cathedral was carefully restored at the expense of social contributions. But during the Second World War, he again suffered terribly from the Germans.

architectural features

The building is built of brick and white limestone. Around the main building in the Gothic style there is a "round dance" of chapels from different historical periods. The cathedral is separated from the outer courtyard by a wall with three baroque gates built in 1619. For the most part, the facade has retained its original appearance, especially from above. Above the entrance is a baroque canopy. The doors are also old, upholstered in tin.

Animal bones are embedded on the stairs and on the chapel of the Holy Trinity, and on the chapels of Margaret and the Archangel Michael there are bas-reliefs depicting a fight with a dragon. In the northern part, the cathedral adjoins the treasury, the library, the archive and the chapter house (a meeting room for the clergy).

From the southern facade there is another, medieval, entrance to the building. From the west there are many chapels, of which Sigismund's chapel and its copy - Vashash stand out with its gilded top. At the base of the Silver Bells tower is a covered passage to the royal tombs. The granite surfaces of the crypts are decorated with coats of arms of the Polish regions.

On the stone built above the entrance door, Jesus Christ is depicted surrounded by angels. Remains of polychromy (multi-color painting) from 1616 have been preserved on the walls, below is an old tapestry-landscape. The main altar was built during the time of Peter Gembitsky, it was in front of him that the coronations of monarchs took place at one time. The altar is made in the Baroque style, in its center is placed the painting "Crucifixion". Behind the altar are fragments of polychrome from the second half of the 14th century. Not far from the stairs leading to the altar, you can see the brown tombstone of Cardinal Friedrich, as well as the tombstone of the creator of the main altar, Bishop Piotr Gembicki.

Location and opening hours

The cathedral is located on Wawel Mountain. Entrance for tourists is open at the following times: in the summer 9-17 on weekdays, 12:30-17 on Sunday; in winter 9-16 on weekdays, 12:30-16 on Sunday. Entrance to the cathedral itself is free, but if you decide to visit the museum or the Sigmund Bell Tower, the ticket will cost 12 zlotys (195 rubles), and for students and schoolchildren - 7 zlotys (114 rubles).

Official website of the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas

Tel. +48 12 429 95 16

As I said in an article about the sights of Krakow: the “royal road” passes through the entire Old Town. It will lead you to the Wawel Hill, on which the royal castle and the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas rise.

Wawel Hill is a very significant place for Poland. I will talk briefly about his role in the history of the country. I have prepared for you, one might say, unique pictures. The fact is that it is forbidden to take pictures in the royal castle and the cathedral, but what can you do for your readers. I think I didn’t commit a big crime, because not everyone has the opportunity to see all the beauty that is hidden in the Wawel Castle.

Wawel is a 228 m high hill on the very bank of the Vistula. In the 11th century, a fortification was built on the hill around which the city of Krakow grew. was the main residence of the Polish kings. Many historical events have fallen to the lot of the castle. After the fire, he was in the hands of the Austrians, and only in 1905 the castle was bought by the Poles, and restoration work began.

I found a photo on the Internet to show what the complex looks like from above.

Wawel Castle for Poland is comparable in importance to the Kremlin for Moscow. Back in the 16th century, thanks to King Sigismund I, the best Italian and Hungarian craftsmen built a magnificent royal castle on Wawel Hill, which became an excellent example of a state residence in Central and Eastern Europe.

The entire complex on Wawel Hill is surrounded by a high red brick wall. Please note that nameplates are mounted on the wall at the main entrance. On each of them is written the name, year and the amount of donations made for the restoration of the castle.

Even in the 13th century, when the capital of Poland was moved to Warsaw, Wawel Castle and its cathedral remained the site of the coronation. Here is the tomb of the Polish kings. Continuing our tour, we go to the cathedral.

A monument to Pope John Paul II rises in the inner courtyard of the Wawel Castle. After serving at the Krakow Theological Seminary, Karol Jozef Wojtyla became a professor of ethics and moral theology at the Krakow Theological Seminary.

The Cathedral on the territory of the Wawel complex is the national shrine of Poland. It is built of red brick and white limestone. The cathedral is surrounded by three towers: the Sigismund Tower, the Chapel Tower and the Silver Bells Tower. In the tower of the same name is the largest bell in Poland - Sigismund or Zygmunt.

At the central place of the cathedral is the altar of the Fatherland. Around it are numerous chapels and the mausoleum of St. Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland. Next to the altar are the symbolic tombs of Polish kings, made of red marble. The inside of the cathedral is richly decorated with gilding and black marble.

Tomb of Polish kings

Polish kings were buried in the tomb under the altar for hundreds of years. After the fall of the monarchy, national heroes and patriots began to be buried in the tomb of the cathedral.

I can’t say that I am a fan of such places, but the tomb of the Polish monarchy is worth seeing. The tomb of the Polish kings is underground and quite large in size. Narrow corridors, like labyrinths, lead in different directions to small halls. In each room there are tablets with the biography of those who found their refuge under the ground of the Wawel Cathedral.

In total, 17 kings are buried in the tomb of Wawel. The rest are members of the royal family, political leaders and national heroes. Among them are the Polish general Iosif Poniatowski, General Tadeusz Kosciuszko, the famous politician and poet Adam Mickiewicz.

At the exit from the royal tomb of the cathedral, there is a small hall where the Kaczynskis are buried. Lech Kaczynski - President of Poland, who died with his wife Maria in a plane crash near Smolensk in 2010. The presidential couple found their last refuge under the Silver Bells Tower.

I invite you, dear readers, to visit another virtual tour of the Wawel Castle on the Roads of the World website. You will see nice pictures autumn Wawel and get to know others Interesting Facts from the history of this Polish landmark.

The photo shows a view of the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and Wenceslas and a model of the entire complex on Wawel Hill with Braille.

Information for tourists! If you want to visit one of the many exhibitions on the territory of the Wawel complex, go down to the tomb of the kings or visit the royal chambers, keep in mind that you need to buy a separate ticket for each viewing. The ticket allows you to enter the cathedral, the tomb and climb the bell tower.

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It is best to take a free guide at the box office, then you will understand what and where is located. And if during an independent tour of Krakow you want to see the Wawel Castle, just ask any Pole where Wawel is located or where Pan Lech Kaczynski is buried.

Thank you for attention!