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Sigismund's Chapel (Kaplica Zygmuntowska)

On the right side of the entrance to the Wawel Cathedral stands one of the most fantastic of Krakow's landmarks, a real architectural pearl, considered to be the most outstanding example of Renaissance architecture north of the Alps – the Sigismund's chapel. Though seemingly the contest for the most beautiful chapel surrounding the Cathedral near the Wawel Castle in Krakow should be a tight one, the Sigismund's Chapel with its magnificent dome, shining like gold (though made of copper – but after it was built the dome of the Sigismund Chapel was indeed gold) and breathtaking interiors should not be missed.

The History of the Sigismund's Chapel

Polish King Sigismund the Old decided to build a mausoleum for him and his family, in a chapel adjoining the Wawel Cathedral in 1515, after the death of his first wife, Barbara. To do so, Sigismund sent for Bartolomeo Berecci, one of Florence's finest architects, who came up with a design for the chapel in 1517. Berecci, who brought with him some of Italy's most talented artists, built the Sigismund's Chapel and completed its interior between 1524 and 1531. The chapel is a burial place for the last kings of the Jagiellonian Dynasty, Sigismund the Old and his son, Sigismund Augustus. Throughout the years, the Sigismund's Chapel has undergone several renovations, the last one in 1953.

The Interior of the Sigismund's Chapel

Whichever part of Sigismund's Chapel you set your eyes upon, you will surely find a priceless masterpiece, whether it's the red marble statues of the saints – among them a particularly beautiful one of St. Sigismund - the altarpiece designed by Hans Durer and sculpted by some of Nuremberg's masters, the 16^th century door, or the interior decoration of floral arabesques and mythological scenes. Of course, the most important part are the tombs of the kings, Sigismund the Old and Sigismund Augustus, along with queen Anna Jagiellonka. Especially the first one of them, commemorating the funder of the Sigismund's Chapel, is remarkable, presenting the Polish king in a pose that makes one think the monarch is just about to rise from his sleep.