GUCCI, Santi

The first castle, was built in the fifteenth century. Around 1569, it was pulled down by one of the subsequent owners who erected a Renaissance defensive court, now embedded in the west wing of the complex, which has survived to our times. The extension of the manor took place in the years 1591-1606 according to the design of Santi Gucci.

The oldest, medieval castle had the form of a stone residential and defence tower. The Renaissance fortified manor was built on a rectangular plan and had two or four alcove towers located in the corners. During the reconstruction started at the end of the 16th century, northern and eastern wings were added to the existing castle, closing the courtyard with a wall and an avant-corps from the south. The eastern wing was supplemented with corner towers for regularity, and the interior was surrounded by cloisters. The outer bailey was also reinforced with the now defunct curtain wall.

View the ground plan of the castle.

Krak�w Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) was once a major centre of international trade. During its golden age in the 15th century, the hall was the source of a variety of exotic imports from the east - spices, silk, leather and wax - while Krak�w itself exported textiles, lead, and salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine. However, its decline started with the move of the capital to Warsaw in the very end of the 16th century.

After the 1555 fire the Cloth Hall was rebuilt as a splendid Renaissance edifice with an ornate roof adorned with grotesque masks by the Italian sculptor and architect, Santi Gucci. Also the picturesque stairs and galleries on both ends of the building date from the 16th century.

The Cloth Hall was renovated in the end of the 19th century.

The castle was designed by the Italian architect and sculptor Santi Gucci. With its magnificent appearance the Castle is called the “Little Wawel” in reference to the Royal Wawel Castle in Krak�w.

The photo shows the garden side of the castle.

View the ground plan of the castle.

The castle was designed by the Italian architect and sculptor Santi Gucci. With its magnificent appearance the Castle is called the “Little Wawel” in reference to the Royal Wawel Castle in Krak�w.

The photo shows the view from the south.

View the ground plan of the castle.

Krak�w Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) was once a major centre of international trade. During its golden age in the 15th century, the hall was the source of a variety of exotic imports from the east - spices, silk, leather and wax - while Krak�w itself exported textiles, lead, and salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine. However, its decline started with the move of the capital to Warsaw in the very end of the 16th century.

After the 1555 fire the Cloth Hall was rebuilt as a splendid Renaissance edifice with an ornate roof adorned with grotesque masks by the Italian sculptor and architect, Santi Gucci. Also the picturesque stairs and galleries on both ends of the building date from the 16th century.

The Cloth Hall was renovated in the end of the 19th century.

Krak�w Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) was once a major centre of international trade. During its golden age in the 15th century, the hall was the source of a variety of exotic imports from the east - spices, silk, leather and wax - while Krak�w itself exported textiles, lead, and salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine. However, its decline started with the move of the capital to Warsaw in the very end of the 16th century.

After the 1555 fire the Cloth Hall was rebuilt as a splendid Renaissance edifice with an ornate roof adorned with grotesque masks by the Italian sculptor and architect, Santi Gucci. Also the picturesque stairs and galleries on both ends of the building date from the 16th century.

The Cloth Hall was renovated in the end of the 19th century.

The castle was designed by the Italian architect and sculptor Santi Gucci. With its magnificent appearance the Castle is called the “Little Wawel” in reference to the Royal Wawel Castle in Krak�w.

The photo shows the Mannerist arcaded courtyard.

View the ground plan of the castle.

Krak�w Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) was once a major centre of international trade. During its golden age in the 15th century, the hall was the source of a variety of exotic imports from the east - spices, silk, leather and wax - while Krak�w itself exported textiles, lead, and salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine. However, its decline started with the move of the capital to Warsaw in the very end of the 16th century.

After the 1555 fire the Cloth Hall was rebuilt as a splendid Renaissance edifice with an ornate roof adorned with grotesque masks by the Italian sculptor and architect, Santi Gucci. Also the picturesque stairs and galleries on both ends of the building date from the 16th century.

The Cloth Hall was renovated in the end of the 19th century.

Of the nineteen chapels surrounding the cathedral, the most famous is the Sigismund Chapel under its golden dome. It is the most exquisite work of the Renaissance in Poland (completed in 1533). Known as “the pearl of the renaissance north of the Alps”, it was built by Italian builders and architects directed by Bartolomeo Berrecci. It is distinguished by the lavishly ornamented interior following perfect symmetry. The tombstones are of the last kings from the Jagiellonian dynasty: Sigismund (Zygmunt) I the Old (founder of the chapel, d. 1548, a product of Berrecci’s studio, above) and his son Sigismund II Augustus (Zygmunt II August, d. 1572, designed by Santi Gucci, below). Its neighbour is the Vasa Chapel, imitating its architectural shape, yet with baroque decor.