Church of St. Catherine, Krakow

The Church of Saint Catherine stands tall as one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Poland. Just a stone throw away from the Church on the Rock on Augustianska Street, the Church of Saint Catherine, has endured quite a bit of tribulations since its inception. The Church was founded by Casimir III the Great, the last King of Poland from the Piast Dynasty. Construction of the Church commenced in the mid-14th century. However, the building was not completed as per the original design.

Although, construction continued smoothly till 1443, the Church underwent serious damage due to an earthquake. No sooner than the work on restoration of the Church had begun the city fell prey to a devastating flood and then a fire in the year 1534 and 1556 respectively. Another earthquake struck in 1786 and seriously damaged the church and a decade hence, the Church was closed for good by the Austrian authorities. The building was weakened to such an extent that authorities decided to demolish the antique structure. However, efforts were made to restore the Church and save the historic building and since the mid-19th century, the Church of Saint Catherine is undergoing renovations which continue till this very day.

The church is filled with frescos, interiors- new Renaissance style with tinge of Baroque designs.