St. Adalbert's Church in Krakow

St. Adalbert's Church in Krakow, located in the Main Market Square, is a Roman Catholic rectoral church with a rich history dating back to the early 11th century. Its history is linked to the tradition that St. Adalbert preached sermons here, which led to the establishment of a wooden temple. Archaeological discoveries have revealed the remains of a stone church from the turn of the 10th and 11th centuries, and the current structure was built in the Romanesque style in the second half of the 11th or early 12th century. In 1404, the church became a university prebend thanks to Bishop Piotr Wysz Radoliński, and in 1453, Jan Kapistran preached sermons here. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it underwent baroquization, during which the height of the walls was increased, a dome and a new entrance were added. The reconstruction was overseen by Prof. Walenty Fontana and Fr. Sebastian Mirosz. The church's architecture is single-naved, with an elliptical dome and a rectangular presbytery. The interior is decorated with Baroque furnishings from the 18th century, and the main altar features a 17th-century copy of the image of Maria Maggiore. In the church, one can admire a late Baroque portal and a beautiful 15th-century crucifix. Particular attention is drawn to the Chapel of Blessed Wincenty Kadłubek, which has a barrel vault with lunettes. The history of the Main Market Square is exhibited in the church's crypt, adding to its cultural value. Interesting stories also circulate around the building, and the tomb epitaph of Walenty Fontana attracts art lovers. Thus, St. Adalbert's Church is not only a witness to Krakow's rich history but also an example of valuable architecture that combines elements from different eras.