Kapliczka - dawna latarnia umarłych
Wayside Shrines
Wayside shrine, Dębniki district. Wayside shrines were often raised out of gratitude, to commemorate events, or to ask for a safe journey.
History
This pillar shrine, known as the Dębniki pillar, dates from the 17th century. It is counted among Kraków's lanterns of the dead. In pillars like this a light was placed in the openings at the top: small lamps, oil lamps or torches.
It originally stood on Twardowskiego Street in Dębniki, and today you will find it next to the Congress Centre on Konopnickiej Street. Most of the lanterns of the dead that survive in Kraków have been rebuilt or moved, and today they usually serve as wayside shrines. Their old openings have been walled up and the structures have been given figures of saints.
Did you know?
Twardowskiego Street, where the pillar first stood, has been named since 1912 after the legendary sorcerer Twardowski. According to legend, he had his workshop in a cave at Zakrzówek.