Franciscan Monastery in Biecz

The Franciscan monastery in Biecz at ul. Kazimierza Wielkiego 2 was built on the site of a former castle. Together with St Anne's Church it forms a complex in which Baroque interiors, a library and the crypt of a poet have survived.

From castle to monastery

The Biecz starost Jan Wielopolski moved his seat to the Gród, and the Reformed friars, who were threatened by floods of the Ropa river, were given the castle buildings. They were converted into a church and monastery, as recalled by the large doors with Jagiellonian eagles from the 16th century. The friars moved here in 1642 and live here to this day. The 17th-century walls have several dozen loopholes, and to the south runs an earth rampart from the time of the Swedish Deluge.

Interior of St Anne's Church

The single-nave Baroque church is modest, in accordance with the Franciscan rule. In the high altar there is stained glass of St Francis and St Anthony designed by Stefan Matejko in 1908. In the porch is a crypt with the grave of the poet Wacław Potocki, and in the choir loft an organ by Rieger from 1903. In a side altar stands a 16th-century sculpture known as the Biecz Madonna.

Courtyard and library

In the courtyard are 14 chapels of the Passion, and on the upper floor of the monastery a library with 15th-century incunabula and more than two thousand books. It is a few minutes' walk to the Market Square in Biecz.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Kazimierza Wielkiego 2, Biecz.
• This is a working monastery, so arrange the entry hours and a visit to the library with the friars.