Krakow
Mummies in the Crypts of a Franciscan Monastery
Bodies get mummified by themselves in
the crypts of a picturesque Baroque complex of
the Reformed-Franciscan monastery and the
adjoining church of St.
Casimir’s in Krakow’s central Old Town historical
district. The scenic complex was built at the Reformacka
Street between 1662 and 1673, and from 1667 till
1841 some 300 friars and 730 laymen of every
status found their last home here. The former
were laid to rest without coffin on the bare
floor, their legs covered with sand and a block
of wood under their heads.
Most visitors seem
surprised how little the features of some mummies
changed over centuries. Probably a peculiar
microclimate of the crypts explains that strange
phenomenon. The other Krakow place with the same
properties are four-storied crypts of the
17th-century Cameldolite Bielany monastery atop Srebrna Gora.
The
Franciscan crypts at Krakow's now quiet Reformacka Street are
traditionally open to the public on the All Souls Day,
November 1, and on November 2.
Krakow's church of St.
Casimir’s and the
adjoining Reformed-Franciscan monastery in the mid 19th
century.
Wawel Royal Castle
Home to three dynasties of Poland's
monarchs. Its stately halls and exquisite
chambers are filled with priceless art, best
period furniture and rare ancient objects. The
collection of the 16th-century monumental Flemish
tapestries is
matchless.
Wawel Cathedral
Poland's impressive national shrine
shelters plenty of superb church art. Its giant bell of 1520
ranks with the world's largest. Most Polish kings
and their family members are buried in the
cathedral, its chapels and crypts.
Grand Square
Krakow’s central Grand Square (Rynek
Glowny), the largest plaza of medieval Europe and
one of the world’s finest with its spectacular
landmarks, has remained the hub of the city since
the 13th century.
Basilica of the
Virgin Mary's
The immense Gothic church, Krakow's
principal temple since the 13th century, shelters
the world's greatest
Gothic sculpture among its many excellent
works of art
Cloth Hall
The world's oldest shopping mall has
been in business for 700 years. The present
Renaissance edifice dates from 1555.
Town Hall Tower
Krakow's leaning tower was built by the
end of the 13th century.
City Walls
700-year-old main city gate with
adjoining mighty walls and towers.
Great Barbican
Awesome 500-year-old unmatched
masterpiece of medieval military engineering
Planty Garden Ring
Park of 30 varied gardens among old
trees round Krakow's Old Town historical district
Collegium Maius
15th-century impressive Grand College of
the Krakow university where Copernicus once
studied.
Kanonicza Street
The most beautiful of Europe's ancient
streets,arguably.
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