360 :: a spherical panoramic journey in 1355 pieces

The catacombs in the crypt under the Reformed Franciscan church are among some of the most secret places in the city of Kraków. Unique climatic conditions found in the basement caused the bodies of the dead to undergo a process of natural mummification whereby they remain in an excellent state of preservation. Among them, hidden away since 1667, are the remains of many monks and members of Polish noble families. Monastic books reveal that in total almost 1,000 bodies were placed in the catacombs over the years, among them around 730 lay people and 250 monks. The crypts, now holding only about a hundred bodies, are now made available for public viewing just once or twice a year, traditionally on All Souls' Day (November 2nd), the day after All Saints' Day. In the past, the mummies attracted crowds of visitors, causing adverse climatic challenges.

Near the entrance lie the bodies of Ignacy Zieliński, the Burgrave of Kraków who died in 1787, and his brother.

In an open coffin lies the body of Mikołaj Gostkowski, the Burgrave of Kraków who died in 1827 and was buried dressed in a kontusz, a traditional garment of the gentry.

This crypt is a final resting place for members of Wielopolski and Szembek noble families. Coffins decorated with white, red or black velvet contain female bodies; the marble sarcophagus that stands near the entrance kept the body of Prince Jan Wielopolski from Pieskowa Skała (d. 1688).