Palace of Bishop Florian of Mokrsko

The Palace of Bishop Florian of Mokrsko is a historic townhouse of palace character at ulica Kanonicza 18 in Kraków's Old Town. It takes its name from Florian of Mokrsko, Bishop of Kraków in 1367-1380, and today it houses the John Paul II Centre “Do Not Be Afraid”.

Owners and rebuilding

The building dates from the 14th century. Around 1540 it passed into the hands of Jan Andrzej Valentino, physician to Queen Bona and Sigismund I. After a fire in 1544 the house was renovated by Stanisław Hozjusz. In 1560-1563 Canon Marcin Izdbieński carried out a thorough rebuilding, probably with the participation of Jan Michałowicz of Urzędów, to whom the portal is attributed. Further changes came in the first half of the 18th century and in the 19th century.

Courtyard and details

The courtyard is decorated with sgraffito: three virtues, a scene with St Stanislaus and Piotrowin, and a gallery of royal portraits. The inscriptions above the windows come from works by Solon, Cicero and Ovid. The building has been in the heritage register since 1965.

Kanonicza

The street leads to Wawel: the Church of Saints Peter and Paul stands a hundred metres further on, and Wawel Royal Castle two hundred.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Kanonicza 18, Kraków.
• The building is the seat of the John Paul II Centre; check with the administrator before your visit whether and when you can enter the courtyard or the interiors.