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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