St. Andrew's Church
Poland
This Romanesque structure holds great significance as one of the oldest edifices in Kraków and stands as one of the best-preserved Romanesque buildings in Poland. During the devastating Mongol attack of 1241, it was the only church in Kraków that remained intact. Its façade features small defensive windows along the lower section, serving as openings through which the church's occupants could defend themselves during military assaults.
Starting from 1320, the Church of St. Andrew was utilized by the Religious Order of Poor Clares. Throughout its history, the building has undergone several renovations. The current interior design showcases Baroque elements, including decorations created by Baltazar Fontana, paintings by Karol Dankwart, and gilded altars. In 1639, Baroque domes were added to the octagonal towers, further enhancing the architectural splendor of the church.
History
The church in Kraków, Poland, stands as an exceptional testament to early Romanesque architecture and is remarkably well-preserved. Constructed towards the end of the 11th century, the imposing building served important defensive purposes. Its distinct features include two octagonal towers adorned with doubled arcade windows, which exemplify the characteristic style of Romanesque architecture. These towers rise high above the main body of the church. The apse, adorned with a modest arcade freeze and various intricate details such as stairs and window frames, maintains the same architectural character.
Over time, the structure underwent expansion, extension, and strengthening until the mid-12th century. In 1241, during the Tatar-Mongol raid, the church stood strong and provided refuge for the majority of the city's residents and inhabitants. It was appropriately referred to as "the lower castle" to distinguish it from the nearby "upper castle" situated atop Wawel Hill. Additionally, it was sometimes regarded as Kraków's second church, following the Wawel Cathedral. In 1320, the church was entrusted to the Order of Poor Clares, who built their convent south of the church. The Gothic oratorio, now serving as the sacristy, was also constructed during that period using brick.
The interior of the church underwent a Baroque refurbishment after 1700, featuring elaborate stucco decorations by the Italian painter and architect Baldassare "Baltazar" Fontana. The construction of the high altar, attributed to Francesco Placidi, began in the subsequent years. Noteworthy elements within the church include a boat-shaped pulpit and a musical choir adorned in rococo style, housing an 18th-century organ in the chancel. The addition of Baroque steeples in 1639 creates a striking contrast with the church's Romanesque form, adding a touch of grandeur.