Saints Peter and Paul Church

In the heart of Kraków's Old Town, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture stands proudly – the Saints Peter and Paul Church, known locally as Kościół Świętych Apostołów Piotra i Pawła. This stunning edifice, located on Grodzka Street, invites visitors to step back in time and explore the rich tapestry of history and art that it embodies.

A Journey Through History

The Saints Peter and Paul Church holds the distinction of being the first Baroque church in Kraków, a testament to the city's architectural evolution. Commissioned by King Sigismund III Vasa for the Jesuits, its construction began in 1597, with the initial designs attributed to Giovanni de Rossis. Over time, the project saw contributions from various architects, including Józef Britius and Giovanni Maria Bernardoni, before Giovanni Trevano gave it its final form between 1610 and 1619.

The church was consecrated on July 8, 1635, marking its official entry into Kraków's religious and cultural life. Following the suppression of the Jesuit order in 1773, the church transitioned through various roles, including serving as an Orthodox church from 1809 to 1815. Since 1830, it has been the parish church for the All Saints Parish, a role it continues to fulfill today.

Architectural Marvel

The Saints Peter and Paul Church is not just a place of worship; it's an architectural marvel. Its design features a wide, single-nave body flanked by side chapels, a transept crowned with a dome, and a rectangular presbytery ending in a semicircular apse. The church's façade, crafted from dolomite, echoes the grandeur of Roman churches like Santa Susanna and Il Gesù. Statues of Jesuit saints grace its niches, while the coat of arms of its royal founder, King Sigismund III, adorns the façade, a symbol of its noble patronage.

Surrounding the church is a fence adorned with sculptures of the apostles, originally designed by Kacper Bażanka in 1722. The current statues, crafted by Kazimierz Jęczmyk, are modern replicas, preserving the artistic heritage from the ravages of time and pollution.

An Interior of Splendor

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking interior adorned with stucco decorations crafted by multiple workshops. The apse of the presbytery features scenes from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul, and statues of Polish patrons, Saint Adalbert and Saint Stanislaus, sculpted by Jan before 1619. The dome's ceiling is a masterpiece of stucco artistry, offering a glimpse into the skill and creativity of its creators.

The side aisles, with their more relaxed decorative motifs, showcase putti figures intertwined with ornamental compositions and polychrome-decorated cartouches. The chapels' stucco work, including contributions from Giovanni Battista Falconi's workshop, adds to the church's ornate charm. The main altar, a late Baroque masterpiece from 1735, features sculptures by Antoni Frączkiewicz and a painting by Józef Brodowski, depicting the handing of the keys to Saint Peter.

Historical Treasures

The church's presbytery houses the tomb of Bishop Andrzej Trzebicki from the late 17th century and a painting of All Saints by Szymon Czechowicz. The main nave features early Baroque elements like the pulpit and monuments to figures such as Piotr Skarga and Pope Pius IX, while the transept holds altars and memorials, including the intriguing monument of the Bartsch family from 1827.

The side aisles, with chapels dedicated to various saints, offer a serene space for reflection. The Chapel of the Last Supper, featuring the Brzechff family tomb, exemplifies the church's blend of art and spirituality.

The Foucault Pendulum

Adding a scientific twist to its spiritual ambiance, the church hosts Poland's longest Foucault pendulum, measuring 46.5 meters. Every Thursday, visitors can witness demonstrations that illustrate the Earth's rotation, blending faith with science in a unique manner.

A Place of Rest and Remembrance

Beneath the church lies a crypt where notable figures like Piotr Skarga and Bishop Andrzej Trzebicki rest. Since 2010, efforts have been underway to establish a National Pantheon, with luminaries such as Sławomir Mrożek and Krzysztof Penderecki finding their final resting place here.

The Saints Peter and Paul Church is more than an architectural gem; it's a living chronicle of Kraków's history and culture. Its walls resonate with stories of faith, art, and science, offering visitors a multifaceted experience that transcends time. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a curious traveler, this church promises to captivate your imagination and enrich your journey through the heart of Kraków.