Skalka

Kraków, Poland

Church of St Michael the Archangel and St Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr and Pauline Fathers Monastery, Skałka, which means 'a small rock' in Polish, is a small outcrop in Kraków where the Bishop of Kraków saint Stanislaus of Szczepanów was slain by order of Polish king Bolesław II the Bold in 1079. This action resulted in the king's exile and the eventual canonization of the slain bishop.

Originally, a Romanesque church was built there. King Casimir III raised a new gothic church in its place and since 1472 this shrine has been in the possession of a monastic community of Pauline Fathers. In 1733-1751 the church received a baroque decor. It is one of the most famous Polish sanctuaries.

The crypt underneath the church serves as a 'national Panthéon', a burial place for some of the most distinguished Poles, particularly those who lived in Kraków.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Poland

Address

Skałeczna 15, Kraków, Poland

See all sites in Kraków

Details

Founded: 14th century
Category: Religious sites in Poland

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
www.krakow-info.com

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Michael Jones (7 months ago)
The Church is free, you pay a small donation to visit the Cript which is beautiful just like the Church. Fascinating history for the church, such lovely and peaceful grounds. Well worth a visit.

Sathish Jothikumar (8 months ago)
One of the most beautiful and ornate Gothic cathedrals in this part of Europe. Easy to spend a long time in contemplative meditation admiring the details. The bell tower was not open at this time for reconstruction.

Mustafa Arikan (8 months ago)
I mean it looks very big but is small. There are two floors. One crypt and one church. Both of the. Are very peaceful. The garden is also very nice. No entry fee.

Ann Lynn (10 months ago)
Peaceful and beautiful church with wealth of history. My husband and I attended the Sunday mass at 12:30 pm. To pray and be able to reflect here is a blessing for us while visiting Krakow.

Floyd Cooper (10 months ago)
Sumptuous church with resplendent interior and a mineral water spring in the yard.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

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