Holy Cross Church in Kraków

The Holy Cross Church stands on Holy Spirit Square in the Old Town, right next to the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre. It is a Gothic parish church listed in the heritage register, known for its vault resting on a single pillar.

Origins of the church

The first, wooden church was said to have been founded at the end of the 12th century by Bishop Pełka. In 1244 Bishop Jan Prandota settled the Order of the Holy Spirit beside it, and the order ran a hospital here. The present masonry building dates from the 14th century: the stone chancel from around 1300, while the brick nave was completed in 1420.

Architecture

The nave is square in plan, and its palm vault is supported by a single pillar in the middle, which according to the description symbolises the tree of life. The chancel is narrower and lower than the nave. On the west side rises a square tower, flanked by two chapels.

Interior

In the Chapel of St Sophia a Renaissance confessional from the 16th century has survived, counted among the oldest in Kraków. The church also has an organ with a Baroque case, a high altar from the early 18th century, 19th-century reconstructions of the Renaissance polychromes and a bronze font from 1423.

In 1962 Bishop Karol Wojtyła delivered a retreat for artists here, titled “The Gospel and Art”.

Practical information

• Address: plac Świętego Ducha, Kraków. Nearby are the St Florian's Gate and the Planty Park.
• The parish website gives daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 8.00 to 18.00. Check visiting hours outside services at krzyzkrakow.pl.
• This is an active church, so visiting may be restricted during services.