Skalka Sanctuary Tours
The Skalka Sanctuary and St Stanislaw's Church are a Roman Catholic Church and monastery on the banks of the Vistula River in Krakow. The original Romanesque church which stood on this site was the place of one of Poland's crucial historic events - the murder of Stanislav, bishop of Krakow by the king, Boleslav. There are differing reasons why this happened but regardless, the people were not happy and Stanislav was eventually made a saint by Pope Innocent IV in 1253 - he has been called the saint of moral order. He was the first n ative Polish saint and remains patron saint of Poland. His relics are now in Wawel Cathedral.
The current Gothic church which stands on the site dates from the 14th century, with a Baroque update from the mid-18th century. Beginning in the 19th century, the church became a place for burial for well-known artists and writers, including Nobel Prize winning poet Czeslaw Milosz. Each year on May 8th, the Bishop of Krakow carries the bones of St Stanislav from Wawel Cathedral to St Stanislav's church.
The church or sanctuary is a short walk down the Vistula River from Wawel Cathedral, in the Kazimierz district of Krakow. Begin at the base of Wawel Hill and walk south along the river bank, just past the Grundwald Bridge you'll see the Pauline Church of SS Michael & Stanislaus, also known as Skalka, It is still an active church.
Tours & Activities (1)
Jewish District Private Walking Tour in Kazimierz
- Enhance your experience of Krakow’s charming Jewish district on a private 3-hour walking tour of Kazimierz from Krakow. As you listen to informative commentary, you’ll visit prominent landmarks like Skalka Church, Tempel Synagogue and St Catherine’s Church. Delve into the rich history of Kazimierz and relish the artistic energy brought about by the bars and galleries that pepper the streets of the Jewish Quarter. Receive undivided attention from your guide on this private tour.
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