There are a number of beautiful churches, cathedrals and basilicas in Krakow Poland and it is well worth the time to try to get to all of them. Fortunately, there are several right in the historic center and within walking distance of the main square. One of those is The Church of Saints Peter and Paul and it has a beautiful neighbor, St. Andrew’s Apostle Church right next door.
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is located on the picturesque winding street Ulica Grodzka, which leads from the market square Rynek Glowny to Wawel Castle.
The church is a lovely example of the Baroque style in Poland. It was funded by King Sigismund III Vasa and built for the Jesuit order between 1597–1619. Several architects worked on the church during its construction. The plan as a cruciform basilica was originally drafted by Italian architect Giovanni de Rossi. His design was initially carried out by Józef Britius and later modified by Giovanni Maria Bernardoni
The present day façade constructed from dolomite, the dome, and the Baroque interior were designed by Giovanni Battista Trevano, who completed them in the years 1605–1619.
The church is a lovely example of the Baroque style in Poland. It was funded by King Sigismund III Vasa and built for the Jesuit order between 1597–1619. Several architects worked on the church during its construction. The plan as a cruciform basilica was originally drafted by Italian architect Giovanni de Rossi. His design was initially carried out by Józef Britius and later modified by Giovanni Maria Bernardoni
The present day façade constructed from dolomite, the dome, and the Baroque interior were designed by Giovanni Battista Trevano, who completed them in the years 1605–1619.
Statues of the Jesuit saints; Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Aloysius Gonzaga and Stanislaw Kostka fill the façade niches. The emblem of the order of Jesuits with saints Sigismund of Burgundy and Ladislaus I of Hungary, presides above the entrance portal.
The enclosing railings with the twelve limestone figures of the Apostles were originally installed in 1715-22. Today, in place of the original 18th century statues, which were damaged by acid rain, are contemporary copies made by Kazimierz Jęczmyk.
The enclosing railings with the twelve limestone figures of the Apostles were originally installed in 1715-22. Today, in place of the original 18th century statues, which were damaged by acid rain, are contemporary copies made by Kazimierz Jęczmyk.
The stucco decorations of the interior, mainly on the apse and overhead vaults, were created by Giovanni Battista Falconi of Milan, who spent most of his adult life working in Poland. He also created the scenes from the life and martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul, fabulous Putti and the statues of the patrons of Poland, Saint Wojciech and Saint Stanislawa.
The high altar was designed by Kacper Bazanka in 1735 featuring Józef Brodowski’s painting "Presentation of Keys to St. Peter" (c.1820).
On the sides of the altar, there are sculpted throne compositions supported by statues of the Doctors of the Church and crowned with paintings by Szymon Czechowicz symbolizing the Western and Eastern Church.
The high altar was designed by Kacper Bazanka in 1735 featuring Józef Brodowski’s painting "Presentation of Keys to St. Peter" (c.1820).
On the sides of the altar, there are sculpted throne compositions supported by statues of the Doctors of the Church and crowned with paintings by Szymon Czechowicz symbolizing the Western and Eastern Church.
The crypt housed the striking 17th century sarcophagus of Bishop Andrzej Trzebicki and a rare Black Madonna Icon.
Right next door, is the beautiful Romanesque church of St. Andrew’s Apostle Church. The historic church was built between 1079 and 1098 by a medieval Polish statesman named Palatine Sieciech and is a rare surviving example of the European fortress church used for defensive purposes. It was the only church in Krakow to withstand the Mongol attack of 1241.
The two octagonal looking towers, with the doubled arcade windows are perfect examples and characteristic of Romanesque architecture. The Baroque domes topping the towers were added in 1639.
The two octagonal looking towers, with the doubled arcade windows are perfect examples and characteristic of Romanesque architecture. The Baroque domes topping the towers were added in 1639.
From 1320 the church has been used by the Religious Order of Poor Clares. For this reason, we only had a quick peek inside as it was in use for devotions during our visit. Even though we only had a few moments inside, the beauty of the Baroque interior was memorable.
The baroque decoration of the interior, with its rich exuberant stucco decoration is by Italian painter and architect Baldassare "Baltazar" Fontana (c. 1700) and the high altar is attributed to Francesco Placidi.
The baroque decoration of the interior, with its rich exuberant stucco decoration is by Italian painter and architect Baldassare "Baltazar" Fontana (c. 1700) and the high altar is attributed to Francesco Placidi.
The most beautiful and amazing piece of décor in the church is the silver pulpit in the shape of a fantastical boat. Equally impressive is the musical choir with 18th-century organ in the chancel, decorated in the Rococo manner.
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is one of the loveliest of Poland’s Baroque churches, and St. Andrew’s Apostle Church right next door is like a tiny jewel box, so be sure to stop by for a visit to both when you are in Krakow!
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