St Michael's Chapel, Wawel Castle, Pre-Romanesque chapel in Wawel Castle, Poland
St Michael's Chapel is a pre-Romanesque chapel within Wawel Castle in Kraków, featuring a pentagonal chancel on the eastern side and a vestry positioned to the north. The structure was built in stone and displays the architectural features typical of this early period.
The chapel is first mentioned in written records in 1148, and later chronicles describe its transformation from wooden construction to brick building. This change reflects the growing importance of the castle as a royal residence and religious center.
The chapel was a place for royal ceremonies and everyday worship, reflecting the close bond between Polish monarchy and religious life at Wawel. Visitors today can sense how this space once served as the spiritual heart of the castle.
Archaeological remains of the chapel are visible within the Wawel Castle complex during a regular visit to the castle. Access to these ruins is included as part of the standard castle tour without extra charges.
The Austrian military garrison occupying Wawel Castle demolished the chapel in 1803-1804 to make room for their drill exercises. This event marked a turning point in the building's history and left only archaeological traces for visitors to explore today.
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