- Corpus Christi Basilica
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Bożego Ciała (Corpus Christi) exterior
Bożego Ciała, interiorThe Basilica Bożego Ciała (also known as the Corpus Christi Church), located in Kraków district of Kazimierz, Poland; is a Gothic Church founded by Kazimierz the Great in 1335. The basilica was erected in stages beginning in 1340 until about the mid-15th century, and was intended as a monastery, which explains the large size plot on which it stands and the presence of a cemetery next to it. In 1404 King Władysław Jagiełło had given it to the Canons Regular of the Lateran congregation brought in from Kłodzko.[1]
The interior of the church is a mixture of Polish Gothic and impressive Polish Baroque architecture; with stuctural features such as the marvelous Baroque high altar, a boat-shaped pulpit (1750), and its organs. The church was robbed clean and the interior utterly devastated by soldiers of the 1655 Swedish invasion (the Deluge),[2] which explains the prevalence of Baroque in its current decoration. The church is often said to be one of the most beautiful Baroque stalls in Central Europe.[3] Bartolommeo Berrecci, the famous Renaissance artist who designed the Sigismund's Chapel at Wawel, is buried there.
See also
References
- ^ Kraków Travel: Kościół Bożego Ciała with map, and photographs. Krakowskie Biuro Festiwalowe. Retrieved October 26, 2011. (Polish)
- ^ The Basilica of Corpus Christi (Kosciol Bozego Ciala) with photographs, including opening hours, at virtualtourist.com
- ^ Corpus Christi Church (Kościół Bożego Ciała) including location map by Inyourpocket.com
External links
Media related to Church of Corpus Christi in Kraków at Wikimedia Commons- Corpus Christi Basilica travel guide from Wikitravel
- Kraków Tourism information about Krakow
- Protect Kraków Heritage Campaign
- krakowmiasto.pl (Polish)
- Map: Kraków Heritage Under Threat
Coordinates: 50°02′58″N 19°56′40″E / 50.04944°N 19.94444°E
Categories:- Roman Catholic churches in Kraków
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