St. Andrew's Church
Krakow,
Poland
The Church of St. Andrew, also known as Kościół św. Andrzeja in Polish, is located in the Old Town district of Kraków, Poland. Situated on Grodzka Street, this historic Romanesque church was constructed between 1079 and 1098 by Palatine Sieciech, a medieval Polish statesman. It stands as a rare and notable example of a European fortress church designed for defensive purposes.
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.