The Bishop Erazm Ciołek Palace

ul. Kanonicza 17

The fascinating sculpture of Madonna from Krużlowa from the early 15th century is but one of the fine examples of art of bygone Poland that can be admired in the beautiful mansion (often referred to as a palace) at the foot of the Hill.

Situated in the vicinity of Wawel Castle, the Gothic-Renaissance mansion was built early in the 16th century from the funds of a diplomat and patron of arts, Bishop Erazm Ciołek. It boasts two permanent exhibitions presenting the art of bygone Poland from the 12th to the 18th centuries, and also the art of the Orthodox Church from the territory of the bygone Commonwealth of Poland–Lithuania. One of the most important exhibits is Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, a depiction hewn from stone by Wit Stwosz (Veit Stoss), the artist of the magnificent high altar at St Mary’s Church, transferred from the cemetery that once surrounded the church. One of the most captivating pieces of this exhibition, which brings together a great deal of works of sacred art from the churches, monasteries, and convents in Małopolska, is the sculpture of Our Lady with Infant Jesus from Krużlowa. dating back to the early 15th century. One room is devoted to ancient Polish funerary customs and traditions: unique portraits fixed to coffins, a griffin-shaped catafalque, mourning banners, and liturgical vestments are a fascinating testimony to Sarmatian rituals and customs. In turn, the collection of icons presented in the museum is one of the most ancient and precious collections of Orthodox paintings in Central and Eastern Europe. The warehouse in the vaults is where copies of precious architectural sculptures from all over Poland, notably Wawel Cathedral and Kraków’s Church of St Mary’s, are stored.

Tickets: normal PLN 18, concessions  PLN 14, family PLN 36, admission free on Tuesday