Saint Virgin Mary Parish Church in Kraśnik – new research results after I phase of studies 2008-2009

Halina Landecka

Abstract

The town of Kraśnik is one of the oldest of its kind in the Lublin region – archaeological researches confirmed that that in the XIII century in the same place existed a settlement with castle and a church. Municipal rights were granted to Krasnik in 1377, when town was ruled by Gorajski family. A brick church was founded by Teczynski family around 1448. Today this is reflected by the chancel build around the altar from Gothic bricks, to which in the next phases vestry and treasury has been constructed. In 1461 a n Canons Regular of the Lateran Order has been brought to Krasnik from Cracow. The Order extended the original structure and built a monastery. From stone blocks they erected main nave and church aisles and Gothic church was incorporated in the new form. Consecutive rebuilding continued in 1st half of XVI century (raising of church walls, new arches, Renaissance decorations, polychrome wall paintings, memorial chapels). After damages to the church caused by the wars with Sweden, it became a property of Zamoyski family, who rebuilt it in the Baroque style (new elevation copings, building of new chapel in which the foundation date remained – 1657). In the year of 1864 after the cessation of the Order, church has been taken under the control of Russian government. Damaged by fires it required renovations (front elevations, roof). In 1911 the last phase of modifications was recorded – extension to the clock tower. Church in Krasnik with its 600 years of history always attracted attention from architectural researchers and scientists. In 2007 renovation of front elevation commenced. Initial works on removing plaster revealed perfectly preserved stone blocks and details from the earliest phases of the construction (fragments of a Gothic arch, stone window framings, front walls). Conservatory and archaeological researches inside the church on the foundation, roof and elevation levels uncovered new architectural elements and therefore allowed to understand in more complete way the construction phases of the church. As the results of the research, a decision has been made to restore the Gothic form of the church (rarely found in Lublin region) and to expose the oldest brick front, stone contour with beautiful stepped facade, portal, high windows and architectural details from the II phase of construction. Research to reveal more about the history of church, monastery and the town itself continues along with reconstruction works.