St Mark's Church

The construction of the Church, funded by Prince Boleslaus the Chaste (Bolesław Wstydliwy) lasted a long time, even though it had already begun in the 1260s with the completion of the chancel. The three-aisled Gothic structure built of brick with stone elements was not completed until the early 15th century. The panelled gables devoid of any pinnacles or crow-steps, whose style was quite out of date at that time, were added a century later. The low, brick bell tower together with the porch to the side of the chancel were added in 1617.

Repeatedly destroyed by fires, the church underwent various transformations during restoration works. The interior was thoroughly rebuilt in the 17th century, and received a baroque air with galleries and barrel vaulting with lunettes all decorated with the stucco frame decoration popular at the time. The Gothic cross-ribbed ceilings were only preserved in Our Lady’s Chapel.

The most notable features among the furnishing are the early baroque high altar with its 15th century crucifix, the rococo pulpit, and the mannerist tomb of the Blessed Michał Giedroyć made of marble.

Outside the church, in Sławkowska Street, there is a group of sculptures with the figures of Our Lady Dolorosa and St John the Baptist standing at the foot of a 16th-century cross. The set displayed here is a copy, with the original being on display in the northern aisle inside the church.

Until 1807, the church and the nearby monastery were in the hands of the monks known as “marki” or “rogacze” (lit. corner heads) from the unusual shape of their hats. For this reason, the nearby section of ul. Św. Marka was long known as “Rogacka”. After the order had died out, retired priests were brought to the former monastery.