Donimirski Boutique Hotels

History

Beyond stereotypes
The Mysteries of Gródek
by Maciej Miezian

Despite having a truly interesting history, Gródek is a part of the Old Town that is rarely visited. Several of its features certainly deserve our attention. Taking into consideration the peace and quiet of this place, it’s hard to believe that the Market Square and busy Sienna Street are just a few steps away.

The Rebellion of Alderman Albert
When at the beginning of the 14th century Prince Władysław the Short united the country, he couldn’t count on the favour of the nobles of Kraków. The capital city had become accustomed to weak rulers, who had been forced to buy the support of their subjects with gifts and privileges. The town at first accepted him, but as soon as an occasion arose, it rebelled. This happened in 1311. The Krakovian alderman, Albert, stood at the head of the uprising. Władysław’s reaction was immediate. He laid siege to Kraków for long enough to seize the city and beheaded the rebels. Albert managed to escape; meanwhile the ruler decided to destroy his stronghold, known as Gródek (“The Castle”). 

This place still exists between the streets Mikołajska, Św. Krzyża and Sienna. The outline of the old fortifications can still be clearly made out, although now houses occupy the place of the old ditch and ramparts.

The Stronghold of the Dominican Sisters
After the collapse of the rebellion of Alderman Albert, a house of the Tarnowski family was placed here. Between 1632 and 1634, the site saw the rise of what became the church of the Our Lady of the Snow and the Convent of the Dominican Sisters. According to the concept of the founder, Anna Lubomirska, it was supposed to be a votive offering for the battle won by the Polish against the Turks at Khotyn. In the last phase of this battle it was Anna’s son, Stanisław Lubomirski, who commanded the army. He boldly rejected the peace offers of the Turks, although in the whole Polish camp there was only one barrel of gunpowder left. Neither did he accept the subsequent proposals of the enemy until he was in position to call a truce on his conditions.

According to the words of the Grand Hetman, who lost his life in this battle, the Holy Virgin Mary appeared to him as he was praying and allowed him to withstand the Turkish army. Hence the idea to dedicate the newly built church to her.

The Mystery of the Butchers’ Gate
On the façade of the Dominican Convent from the side of the Planty park one can see the outline of the old town gate called the Butcher’s Gate (Brama Rzeźnicza). It stopped being used after a new gate was constructed nearby. With time, it was incorporated into the walls of the new building. This is how it remains until this day, although few inhabitants of Kraków know of its existence.