Kościół pw. Świętej Teresy od Jezusa i Świętego Jana od Krzyża
Churches of Kraków
Church (Roman Catholic), Grzegórzki district. A listed monument (heritage register). Run by: Karmelitanki Bose.
History
The church of the Discalced Carmelite nuns, dedicated to St Teresa of Jesus and St John of the Cross, stands at Mikołaja Kopernika Street 44, in Kraków's Wesoła, in the Grzegórzki district. It was built in 1720-1730, founded by Chancellor Jan Szembek. It was consecrated in 1730 by the founder's brother, Krzysztof Jan Szembek, Bishop of Warmia. In the second half of the 18th century the Carmelite nuns moved here; they had previously lived in a convent by St Martin's Church.
The Baroque building is laid out on a Greek cross plan. The facade is modest, with pilasters and a portal, and in front of the entrance stands a marble column from 1668. The high altar holds a painting of St Teresa of Ávila, donated by the founder.
Did you know?
The church is linked with the story of a nun, Barbara Ubryk. According to accounts, her unusual behaviour, including laughing loudly in church and making confessions lasting many hours, is said to have ended with her being walled up in a cell, where she spent 21 years, from 1848 to 1869. When the matter came to light, it is said to have caused a scandal and riots directed against the clergy.