Kościół pw. Matki Boskiej Śnieżnej
Churches of Kraków
Church (Roman Catholic), Stare Miasto district. A listed monument (heritage register). Run by: Mniszki Zakonu Kaznodziejskiego (Dominikanki).
History
The church on Mikołajska Street, also known as the church "na Gródku", is the parish and convent church of the Dominican nuns. The church and convent were founded by Anna Lubomirska née Branicka as a votive offering for the victory at Chocim (Khotyn). The convent was built in 1627-1632, incorporating fragments of the city's medieval defensive walls, including the former Butchers' Gate, also known as the Gródek Gate. In 1632 the foundation stone of the church was laid, and it was consecrated two years later.
The church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows, whose cult developed especially after the Polish army's victory at Chocim in 1621. The founder's son, Stanisław Lubomirski, had a share in this success. A portrait of Anna Lubomirska has survived above the entrance to the sacristy. During the Swedish Deluge the church burned down, but the damage was soon repaired. It was in danger again in 1768, during the struggle between the Bar Confederates and the Russian army for Kraków.
The church is early Baroque, with a single nave on a rectangular plan. The high altar dates from 1931. The painting of Our Lady of the Snows placed in it was made in the first half of the 17th century; according to tradition it was brought from Rome and blessed by Pope Urban VIII. Silver votive offerings, mostly from the 19th century, are gathered around the altar, while the side altars and the pulpit date from the 17th century. On the Planty side, on the convent wall next to the surviving fragments of the Butchers' Gate, you can see an image of Our Lady venerated by St Catherine and St Dominic. In Kraków it is called the "Swedish Madonna".
Did you know?
A legend is linked with the painting of Our Lady of the Snows: during a fire in 1638 a Madonna resembling the one in the painting is said to have appeared, sheltering the convent and church buildings with her cloak. According to tradition she was seen once more, during the Swedish Deluge, protecting Gródek from destruction.