The Canons' House in Tarnów

The Canons' House in Tarnów, also known as Canonry I, is a historic building located at Cathedral Square, with its current form dating back to the 18th century. The history of the site traces back to the 15th century, when it was occupied by wooden prebendal buildings. In 1609, Prince Janusz Ostrogski endowed a college of canons, leading to the renaming of the building. The structure underwent numerous reconstructions, including fires and crises, and in the 18th century, it was merged with neighboring buildings. After Tarnów was taken over by Austria, it was acquired by the Religious Fund in 1786. During the 19th century, the building served various functions, including as the seat of a girls' school. In 1938, the diocesan curia purchased the house, and after World War II, it functioned as accommodation for priests and church institutions. The architecture of the townhouse is predominantly 18th-century in style, with an elongated quadrilateral layout and two stories. The front facade stands out with its symmetrical arrangement of windows and a central sandstone portal featuring a statue of the Sorrowful Christ. The interiors, including cellars with brick vaults, have seen limited changes due to modern renovations. The building was entered into the register of monuments in 2017. An interesting fact is that the western part houses exhibition halls of the Tarnów Diocesan Museum, while the eastern part is home to the cathedral choir Pueri Cantores Tarnovienses. The Canons' House, as part of Tarnów's rich history, plays a significant role in the cultural heritage of the region, blending church traditions with educational and cultural activities.