Corpus Christi Basilica

Corpus Christi Basilica (Bazylika Bożego Ciała)

Built in the 15th century, this ornate Catholic church houses the remains of Bartolommeo Berrecci. Built in the 15th century, this ornate Catholic church houses the remains of Bartolommeo Berrecci. A Gothic masterpiece in the Kazimierz district with a richly decorated Baroque interior and a serene atmosphere.

The Corpus Christi Basilica, located in Kraków’s historic Kazimierz district, is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture with Baroque interior elements. Founded in 1335 by King Casimir III the Great, the basilica was constructed over several decades, reaching completion in the mid-15th century. Originally established as a monastery church, it was entrusted to the Canons Regular of the Lateran in 1404, who continue to oversee it today.

The basilica’s exterior features a massive brick and stone structure with soaring towers, while the interior boasts a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles. Notable features include a large gilded Baroque high altar, exquisite choir stalls considered among the most valuable examples of Gothic sculpture in Poland, and a mid-18th-century pulpit shaped like a boat. The church also houses the largest organs in Kraków, built between 1958 and 1963, incorporating elements from the 1770s.

As a significant spiritual and cultural center, the Corpus Christi Basilica hosts numerous religious services, ceremonies, and concerts of sacred music. It serves as a place of pilgrimage, especially during feasts related to the cult of the Holy Body, with Eucharistic processions attracting crowds of the faithful. The basilica is also a venue for cultural events, such as organ concerts and music festivals, underscoring its importance in Kraków’s religious and cultural life.