Page 50 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

48  INTRODUCING KR AK OW

Exploring Krakow’s Churches
Krakow’s churches represent many different styles, from
the Romanesque and Gothic through Baroque and later
eclecticism to the modern. Fortunately the majority of
churches were saved from wartime destruction and have
not been damaged. Today their splendid interiors impress
visitors to the city. Visitors should note that Krakow’s
churches are not only tourist attractions but also places of
pilgrimage and worship. The relics of a number of saints
and blessed, as well as many pious figures who enjoy a
local cult, are laid to rest in churches throughout the city.

reconstructed Rotunda of the
Virgin Mary (see p65), originally
from the late 10th century, can
be visited. Built around 1079, Gothic vault in the nave of the Corpus
St Andrew’s is exceptional Christi Church
among the Romanesque
churches. The Church of the around 1300, is worth
Holy Redeemer dates from visiting for its palm vaulting
around the same period. The supported by a single pillar.
Crypt of St Leonard beneath Wawel Cathedral is certainly
Wawel Cathedral is a remnant a major attraction. This three-
of the second cathedral built aisled basilica with a transept
between 1090 and 1142. The and ambulatory, surrounded
remnants of the Church of by chapels, was constructed
St Gereon and the Chapel of between 1320 and 1364.
St Mary of Egypt are also The Monastery, Church of St
at Wawel. Catherine and the Corpus
Christi were both founded
by Kazimierz the Great,
Gothic
while the Dominican
St Andrew’s Church Slender silhouettes of Gothic Church was rebuilt during
churches enhance the his reign. All three churches
city. Some buildings were, share the same structural
Pre-Romanesque however, demolished in and stylistic characteristics
and Romanesque the 19th century during and were probably constructed
The earliest stone churches the programme of “tidying by the same stonemasons,
in Krakow date from the second up” the old architecture. The who moved from one site
half of the 10th century. They Franciscan Church is the to another. St Mary’s, the
were built on the site of today’s oldest to have survived. Its city’s main civic church, is
St Adalbert’s Church and at irregular plan of a Greek also Gothic. It was under
Wawel, where the remnants cross with an asymmetric construction from the end
of a number of rotundas nave is unusual. The Church of the 13th century until
have been found. Today the of the Holy Cross, begun the late 15th century.

Towers, Domes and Spires
in Krakow
The outlines of many church domes
and spires dominate the skyline of old
Krakow. They also bear witness to the
historic and artistic changes that
the city has undergone. The Gothic
spires of St Mary’s and Corpus Christi
are among the tallest and most
picturesque. Baroque styles are
more common and include the Towers of
Church of Saints Peter and Paul, St the Church Slender Gothic spire of Baroque dome of
Anne’s and the Cathedral Clock Tower. of St Andrew St Mary’s Church St Anne’s Church