“Pic of the Week”, February 5, 2021: Gargoyles of Wawel Hill, Krakow

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Gargoyles are designed to move water away from the side of a building.  Often they are carved of stone and can be found on old cathedrals.  I found these metal gargoyles in Krakow to be quite interesting.
When we visited Wawel Hill, we were impressed by the large variety of gargoyles around the complex.  All were made of crafted metal.  Several of them seemed shaped like dragons, some even having crowns on their head; others looked like monstrous birds. Quite interesting decorations, even when viewed by silhouette.
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge, right arrow to advance slideshow)


 
 

Karl on Feb 4, 2021 | Comments Off on “Pic of the Week”, February 5, 2021: Gargoyles of Wawel Hill, Krakow

“Pic of the Week”, February 19, 2016: Wawel Cathedral, Krakow

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The Royal Basilica of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslaus, also known as Wawel Cathedral, is situated in Kraków, Poland.  The church is part of the Royal Palace complex atop Wawel Hill, where a church has been for more than 900 years.  Karol Wojtyla, who became Pope John Paul II, was ordained to the priesthood at Wawel Cathedral and performed his first mass here.  Wawel Cathedral is where Polish kings were coronated and where many lie buried.

The current Gothic cathedral is the third church on the site and dates to the 14th century.  It is a small cathedral with elaborate and ornate side chapels.  Most of the church is open to the public and admission to the common areas is free.  Photos …

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Karl on Feb 18, 2016 | Comments Off on “Pic of the Week”, February 19, 2016: Wawel Cathedral, Krakow