Костел святих Катаржини Олександрійської і Малгожати Church of Saints Katarzyna of Alexandria and Malgozhata

Rating 8110

There are several versions of the origin of the church, but the most popular is as follows: a special envoy was sent to King Casimir III, a great admirer of women - the Vicar of Krakow. From tried to understand the ruler, but he did not listen to him and ordered to drown. A few years later, the monarch repented and appealed to the Pope to forgive his sins. He ordered the king to build several temples in the state, among which was the church of Saints Catherine (Catherine) and Malgozhata (Margarita). Construction began in 1342 and lasted until 1378. In 1443, as a result of an earthquake, the ceiling of the nave collapsed, which was restored in 1505. In 1534 the church survived floods, in 1556 and 1786 - fires. In 1827, the Krakow authorities tried to demolish the old church, but the public did not allow it. Then the temple was reconstructed and supplemented with new elements. The second phase of restoration work was carried out in the 1970s.
The church is a striking example of the Gothic style. The rectangular building is made of red brick and topped with a steep gabled roof of red tiles. At its top is a metal cross. The facade is decorated with tall lancet windows, the north side is decorated with narrow snow-white towers.

The interiors of the three-nave basilica are no less beautiful. High vaulted ceiling, arched ceilings supporting rows of stone columns, luxurious iconostasis and sculptures of striking beauty. In front of the altar is the wooden crucifix of Jesus Christ. The chapel of St. Monica adjoins the western side of the church. It was built between 1402 and 1422. In front of the entrance there is an icon of the Mother of God, dated 1647, on the north side there is a baroque altar dedicated to the Mother of God. It was made in 1861 by local craftsman Leopold Novotny. The temple has often been a source of inspiration for artists who have repeatedly painted it.