St. Florian's Church, Kraków, Poland

The Collegiate Church of St. Florian was built between 1185 and 1216. It was burnt down many times in the 12th, 16th and 17th centuries. Notably, during the Swedish siege of Kraków, General Stefan Czarniecki ordered the city's suburbs burned down. However, during the city-wide fire which consumed a considerable part of Kraków in 1528, the church – containing St. Florian's relics – survived. Since then St. Florian, usually portrayed as a Roman legion officer carrying water, has been revered in Poland as patron saint of firefighters and chimneysweeps. The church's present appearance is the result of a Baroque renovation after the Polish-Swedish wars.

Since the 16th century the Church has been the University Collegiate. The coronation route began there, with the rector of the university senate welcoming new kings. The Church was also the starting point for royal funeral processions to Wawel Cathedral.

In 1667 the remains of Queen Ludwika Maria Gonzaga, wife of King Jan II Kazimierz, were placed there temporarily, and in 1818 the remains of Tadeusz Kościuszko were placed there. From 17 September 1949 to September 1951, Father Karol Wojtyła, who later became Pope John Paul II, worked there as a vicar. As Pope, in 1999 he elevated the Church to a minor basilica.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Poland

User Reviews

Lionel Pinto (9 months ago)
An incredibly beautiful church. Close to Krakow railway station and city centre. Decorations are in Golden colour. Loved the choir too. People come to pray during the weekdays too. Surprisingly I saw that Poland, especially Krakow is a religious place. Middle aged and old age people visit the church. This is very different from say prague or Budapest

Scouser1965 (2 years ago)
Another extremely beautiful church in Krakow that is definitely worth the visit. A much lighter interior than most other local churches with white plastered walls but still as majestic.

Rami Paramo (2 years ago)
Very Affordable Place to buy Groceries in Krakow ??

Jiboo piu (3 years ago)
Like every other Church beautiful!

Terence yeo (3 years ago)
Beautiful baroque style church and the mass here was beautiful with the organ and singing.

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