Krakow - The Magical City
As the old capital of Poland, Krakow has a special place in the national consciousness. For the casual tourist this may not be vitally important or discernable, but this special role as the "spiritual" capital of Poland imbues Krakow with an added ambiance. The city is a vibrant university town that boasts the largest Medieval market square in Europe, plus exquisitely preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural monuments of the highest order. If you get bored of traditional sightseeing, the glorious architecture creates a great backdrop for just sipping a coffee or glass of beer in the outdoor cafes that line practically every street from April-Oct. And at night there are hundreds of bars to suit all tastes, many of them housed in atmospheric cellars. Browse, read and check things out!
Kościół Bożego Ciała
landmarks
churches
Contact details
Kazimierz ul. Bożego Ciała 26
+48124306290
www.kanonicy.pl
Description
Corpus Christi church
The Corpus Christi church is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Krakow. To enter the churchyard one must pass through a gate in the old cemetery walls. All churchyard cemeteries in the city were closed at the end of the 18th century by the Austrian government, but here the cemetery walls have been preserved. In the base of the one tower (originally a second tower was planned like at St Mary's) there is a chapel with sculpted figures of Christ and the Apostles in the garden of Gethsemane: this was probably where masses for the dead were said in the cemetery. Upon entering the church one is struck by the severe brick and limestone interior construction which is crowded with Baroque altars in front of nearly every column. The massive Baroque main altar and carved wooden stalls in the chancel are masterworks of woodcarving, and the pulpit shaped like a boat with two mermaids is a curious site. The church is generally entered from the north side, but if you walk over to the front entrance you'll notice next to the doors on either side two small rooms with tiny windows: sinners were held in these cells as a form of punishment and public humiliation.
Dennis McEvoy
