Page 138 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

136  KR AK OW AREA B Y AREA

3 Church of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus
This monumental church was built between 1909 and 1921
to designs by the architect Franciszek Mączyński. He applied a
number of historic styles which he modified and combined in new
ways. What he created is one of the most interesting ecclesiastical
buildings of the first quarter of the 20th century in Poland. Leading
artists worked on the interior. Karol Hukan carved sculptures for
the altars, while Jan Bukowski painted murals of striking beauty
and designed unusual confessionals. The mosaic above the high
altar is by Piotr Stachiewicz, and the south portal facing Kopernika
Street was designed by Xawery Dunikowski. A small statue of
Mączyński on the exterior of the east wall is also by Dunikowski.

. South Portal
The main entrance to the church
is through this monumental portal.
Note the exquisite ornaments and
figures which are both regarded as
outstanding examples of Polish
sculpture of the early 20th century.

Mosaic in the Porch
Made of mosaic pieces in
vivid colours and set against a
shiny background, the figures of
Mary and Child have an almost Entrance
unreal, mystical appearance.

Murals decorating the Nave Vaulting
These murals contribute to the rich and
monumental character of the interior. They
were painted by Jan Bukowski, who also
executed decoration in other churches in
Krakow, including St Mary’s and the Church
of the Bernardine Nuns, as well as the
Loretto Chapel by the Capuchin Church.