Celestat

Celestat, known as the training ground of the Krakow Sharpshooters' Brotherhood, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Originally, the brotherhood operated near St. Nicholas' Gate and later at the palace in Łobzów, until in 1837 it acquired land in Wesoła, where a Neo-Gothic palace designed by Tomasz Majewski and Francesco Maria Lanci was quickly built. The grand opening took place on October 15, 1837, making this building the first in Krakow in the English Neo-Gothic style. Celestat quickly became the center of the brotherhood's life, where the elections of the Shooting King, shooting practices, and public events such as concerts were organized. In 1851, Emperor Francis Joseph I visited the palace and presented a valuable gift—a tea set—and the building itself became a meeting place for famous personalities. A reconstruction in 1874–75 by Adam Nowicki introduced a new Shooting Hall, adapted for organizing balls and receptions. Over the years, Celestat accumulated memorabilia, and the tradition of portraying the Shooting Kings has survived to this day. After World War I and the destruction of World War II, the building fell into military hands and for a long time lost its original functions. In 1951, Celestat was taken from the brotherhood, and in 1997, an exhibition dedicated to the history of the brotherhood was opened there. The museum offers a permanent exhibition in four halls, displaying militaria, valuable memorabilia, and unique items, including a silver rooster, a legendary gift from Sigismund II Augustus. The entire complex, including the garden and the palace, is listed in the register of monuments, and on the grounds of Celestat, there are sculptures of famous figures, including a monument to John Paul II. Celestat is not only an important architectural object but also a cultural and historical site that attracts history enthusiasts and tourists.