Warsaw Holy Cross Church

You can't miss it if you're walking along the Royal Route. With its two high towers, the monumental baroque church dominates Krakowskie Przedmiecie, and the sculpture of Christ carrying the cross standing in front of the entrance is one of Warsaw's most recognizable sights. Before you go inside, consider the raised hand toward the sky and what it might have meant to Varsovians, along with the inscription "Sursum Corda" (lift up your hearts) when Poland was partitioned or under occupation.

Inside, plaques commemorate ceremonial services, patriotic demonstrations, and the funerals of eminent Polish writers, priests, and political activists who have died there. As you walk past the beautiful sculptures and paintings, remember that aristocrats, kings, and presidents have all prayed here in the past. King Jan III Sobieski prayed there before the victorious expedition to Vienna in 1683, and on May 3, 1792, ceremonies commemorated the adoption of the first European Constitution. Explore the massive gold-decorated main altar, the side chapels, and the location of the outstanding Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin's heart.

Every year on the anniversary of his death, the entire church is filled with the sounds of Mozart's Requiem. If you want to learn more about the history of this extraordinary temple, visit the crypt, which contains the tombs of many people associated with it. Do you know that Witokrzyska Street was named after this church?

Google rating: 4.6/5
Address: Krakowskie Przedmieście 3, 00-047 Warszawa, Poland
Phone: +48 22 826 89 10
Website: http://swkrzyz.pl/