Today was the last day in Krakow. After visiting a fortress that was constructed from the 12th –16th centuries, we visited the main Church. We arrived at noon, and the place was packed. It turns out everyone was waiting for the ceremonial opening of the “Triptych of the Virgin Mary”, and we just happened to walk in at the right time. Soon a nun from the parish opened two large doors well above the main altar. As she did, you could hear the crowd go “AAAAHHH.” The doors revealed a very large wood carving that was elaborately painted. It was original to the church, and is a prized icon.
It has an interesting story as well, as do many important religious icons in Poland. As the Germans were approaching during WWII, it was removed and crated up in 200 boxes. It was hidden for years during of the German occupation, then during the Soviet occupation. It wasn't reinstalled until recently.
Speaking of the fortress in Krakow, there are HUGE tapestries made 400 years ago throughout the rooms. They are fantastic, and they have
their own story to tell. They were removed when the Nazis were approaching in
1939 -- all 350 of them. They were trucked to Slovakia, then to Paris, then put
on ships to England, then transported to Canada. This way they were safe
during the war. They stayed in Canada till 1960, since the Poles were
afraid that the Russians would confiscate them and not hang them back in the fortress.
During this process about 100 of them did disappear, but the rest were eventually reinstalled. If you see 400-year-old tapestries at a garage sale, some folks in Poland would like to hear
from you….
Karl
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