Gamrat Chapel

Welcome to the tour of the St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslaus Archcathedral Basilica in Krakow on Wawel Hill. One of the 19 public chapels within the basilica is the Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria, the Gamrat Chapel, and the Grochowski Chapel. This chapel is located between the sacristy and the Batorego Chapel, at the eastern arm of the ambulatory. It serves as a mausoleum for Bishop Piotr Gamrat and is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria from Egypt. The chapel was built in the mid-14th century and was later reconstructed by Queen Bona Sforza between 1545-1547, according to the design of Jan Maria Padovano. The costs associated with the reconstruction were covered by the Krakow Cathedral Chapter. The chapel was designed by Jan Maria Padovano, who also created the tombstone for Bishop Piotr Gamrat, which was a copy of the tombstone of Bishop Piotr Tomicki, as requested by the founder. In 1646-1649, the chapel was restored with funds from Canon Jerzy Grochowski. The marble was carved by Bartłomiej Stopano in his workshop. During this time, the current architectural division, stucco ceiling decoration, and portal were created. In 1661, the altar was consecrated by Bishop Mikołaj Oborski. A new painting was added to the altar in the 18th century. To enter the chapel, visitors pass through a Baroque portal made of Dębnik marble. The semi-circular, profiled arcade is flanked by Tuscan pilasters placed on pedestals. The pilasters support a broken cornice that transitions into a frame with a circular window opening. It is topped with a triangular pediment. The Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria, the Gamrat Chapel, and the Grochowski Chapel are a must-see for anyone visiting the St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslaus Archcathedral Basilica in Krakow on Wawel Hill. The chapel's rich history and stunning architecture make it a unique and unforgettable experience.

Location: Old Town

Architectural style: Renaissance

Source: Wikimedia