Cathedral of Zamość
Lubelskie
The Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. Thomas the Apostle, commonly known as Zamość Cathedral, is a distinguished Renaissance church located in the historic Old Town of Zamość, southeastern Poland. Founded in the late 16th century by Jan Zamoyski, the city's founder, and designed by Italian architect Bernardo Morando, the cathedral reflects the Italian Renaissance style of the 15th and 16th centuries. Originally serving as a collegiate church, it was elevated to cathedral status in 1992 with the creation of the Diocese of Zamość-Lubaczów by Pope John Paul II. Architecturally, the cathedral is basilica-type with a higher nave featuring barrel vaults and lunettes, flanked by lower side naves. It houses nine chapels richly decorated with altars and paintings dedicated to various saints and patrons, including the Zamoyski family chapel with Jan Zamoyski's black marble tombstone. The interior boasts a late Baroque main altar from the 18th century, featuring a central painting of St. Thomas the Apostle kneeling before the resurrected Jesus. The cathedral has undergone significant restorations, notably in the 19th century under General J. Mallet-Malletski, which altered its exterior to a more classicist style, and a 21st-century restoration funded by the European Union that restored its original Renaissance grandeur. It remains an active parish church and a cultural landmark, visited by Pope John Paul II in 1999 during his pilgrimage to Poland.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider exploring the cathedral during weekdays to avoid crowds and fully appreciate its art and architecture. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended, especially for groups. The cathedral offers a spiritual experience alongside historical exploration. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and groups. Check the official website for mass times and special events to enrich your visit.
Faits intéressants
- •The cathedral’s dimensions are proportioned as a 15-fold scale model of the city of Zamość, measuring 45 meters long and 30 meters wide.
- •The silver rococo tabernacle on the main altar dates back to the mid-18th century.
- •Below the main nave are crypts housing the remains of the Zamoyski family, including the founder Jan Zamoyski.
- •The cathedral is part of the 'Route of Renaissance' in the Lublin region, highlighting its architectural significance.
- •The main altar painting depicts St. Thomas the Apostle kneeling before the resurrected Jesus, a rare subject in church art.
Histoire
The cathedral was founded in the late 16th century by Jan Zamoyski, with construction led by Bernardo Morando, an Italian architect inspired by Renaissance churches of Italy.
Initially a collegiate church under the Chełm bishopric, it was consecrated in 1637.
In the 19th century, during the partitions of Poland, the cathedral underwent significant modifications under General J.
Mallet-Malletski, including lowering the structure and altering its facade to a classicist style, removing Zamoyski family heraldry and inscriptions.
In 1992, it gained cathedral status with the establishment of the Diocese of Zamość-Lubaczów.
A major restoration funded by the European Union in 2010 restored much of its original Renaissance appearance, reversing many 19th-century changes.
Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in 1999 during his pilgrimage to Poland.
Guide du lieu
Main Altar18th century
A late Baroque altar from the second half of the 18th century featuring four columns framing a central painting of St. Thomas the Apostle kneeling before the resurrected Jesus. It also includes a rococo silver tabernacle from the mid-18th century.
Zamoyski Chapel (Transfiguration Chapel)Late 16th to early 17th century
Located in the southern (right) side nave near the altar, this chapel contains the black marble tombstone of Jan Zamoyski and portraits of him and his son Tomasz, as well as a tomb of the 14th Ordinate Tomasz F. Zamoyski with sculptures.
Rosary Chapel
A chapel dedicated to the Rosary Brotherhood, featuring a copy of the revered Black Madonna of Częstochowa painting.
Relics Chapel17th century
A baroque altar from the 17th century housing multiple reliquaries, mostly rococo style, and a painting of St. Mary Magdalene.
Academic Chapel
Located in the northern side nave, this chapel features a painting of St. John Cantius, the patron saint of the Zamoyski Academy.
Crypts under the Main Nave
Beneath the main nave lie crypts containing the tombs and ashes of the Zamoyski family, including Jan Zamoyski himself. Access is restricted by iron doors adorned with Zamoyski family coats of arms.
Contact
Téléphone: 84 535 96 75