Church of Corpus Christi

This impressive brick church was founded in 1340 by Casimir the Great. You’ve probably heard his name more than once on this tour—so for anyone wondering who he was, or why he’s called “the Great,” here’s a quick introduction. As his title reveals, he is considered the greatest king in Poland’s history. He was the last ruler of the Piast dynasty, Poland’s founding royal line, said to descend from legendary ancestors. How did he earn his heroic reputation? According to a famous saying, Casimir found Poland built of wood and left it built of brick. During his reign, he tripled the size of his territory, which is already a big achievement. He brought stability by forging peace with the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Teutonic Knights. Peace is a good start if you want to build a strong nation. He fortified Poland’s borders and spared the country from the worst pandemic in European history— not COVID, but the Black Death. He amassed a royal treasury, thanks to Poland’s wealth of salt mines, laying the foundations for political and financial independence. In short, he left behind a well-structured state, with one small issue, he had no male heir. He did have children, just not sons. He managed to have his daughter accepted as his successor, which was no small feat in the 14th century. Casimir also built churches—like the one you’re standing in front of. This red-brick Gothic structure features a grand main altar, a pulpit shaped like a ship, and an ornate mausoleum dedicated to a Kraków canon. In 2005, Pope John Paul II gave this church the title of minor basilica.