The Royal Castle in Krakow – the pearl of renessaince – Krakow, Wawel Castle
Fact of the Polish figure „Jagiellonian University”
Part of the „Transfer of the culture” topic
For several centuries Kraków was not only the capital of Poland, but also sovereign’s residence. In the early 16th century king Aleksander decided on the construction of the new palace in the place of Gothic residence. After his death, the work was continued by his brother Sigismund I. The construction of the palace was commissioned to Francesco of Florence. Later, his work was continued by the famous Italian architect Bartolommeo Berrecci. The construction of a new building with a large courtyard with arcade galleries was completed in 1540. Importantly, the courtyard is considered to be a fine example of Renaissance art. Unfortunately, the galleries were bricked over in the early 19th century, because the palace served as a garrison for the Austrian army until 1911. Before World War II attempts were made to restore the palace, but they were completed after the war.
References:
Kozakiewiczowa H., Kozakiewicz S., The Renaissance in Poland, Warsaw 1976.
Rożek M., Cracow. A Treasury of Polish Culture and Art, Cracow 1988.
The History of the Royal Palace, Official Website of Wawel Royal Castle, https://wawel.krakow.pl/en/the-history-of-the-royal-palace, 12 August 2024.
