Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kraków

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Camaldolese hermitage are located in Kraków on Srebrna Góra (Silver Mountain), in the southwestern part of Las Wolski (Wolski Forest). The Camaldolese order, brought here by Mikołaj Wolski (also known as Mikołaj Włoski) in 1603, lives according to strict monastic rules based on the Rule of Saint Benedict. The church and monastery, built between 1609 and 1630, impress with their architecture inspired by Italian designs, featuring rich stuccowork by Giovanni Battista Falconi and paintings by Tommaso Dolabella. In the church crypt, capsules containing the mummified remains of monks can be found, underscoring their ascetic way of life. The Camaldolese monks gather only for Mass and selected meals. The history of this place is full of anecdotes; for example, Mikołaj Wolski acquired the land for the monastery partly by coercing a donation from Castellan Lubomirski, which led to the name Srebrna Góra. The monastery was a frequent destination for Polish kings, including John III Sobieski, and was also visited by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Monastic rules restrict access to the monastery, which is primarily open to men, while women may visit only on select days of the year. The entire complex is surrounded by forest, further enhancing its atmosphere of contemplation and prayer.