Medieval church and monastery of the Pauline Fathers “Na Skałce” in Kraków-Kazimierz in the light of archaeological investigations in 2007–2008

The excavations conducted in 2007 and 2008 in the western part of the Pauline Fathers monastery in Kraków-Skałka did not result in the discovery of any medieval church or monastery relics preserved in situ. This is caused first of all by far-going transformations of buildings and their vicinity in the modern period, starting from the 17th century. One of the most interesting results of the research project turned out to be the possibility of making a revised reconstruction of the shape of the limestone rock on which Archangel Michael and St. Stanislaus’ church was built. It allows to reconsider the oldest iconographic record that represents Skałka and its architecture at the close of the Middle Ages. It is also worthwhile emphasizing that the archaeological investigations yielded a very large collection of portable artefacts, a significant part of which are finds of great scientific value. Extremely important is the discovery of a collection of coins, found mainly in bank layers of trench I, being the largest such collection acquired through archaeological excavations in Kraków. The series of coins, including 136 pieces from a broad chronological spectrum (the 14th to the 19th century), contains some unique specimens. A splendid assemblage of several late-Gothic, decorated bronze book fittings and clasps was also discovered. Another extraordinary find is a personal gilded seal matrix. A large series of stove tiles was also acquired, including particularly beautiful early Renaissance tiles. Finally – a particularly interesting series of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque glazed colour roof tiles (of the “gąsiorówka” type) was found. Their presence leaves no doubts that, at the turn of the 15th century at the latest, the roof of St. Michael Archangel and St. Stanislaus’ church attracted popular attention by its original covering in the form of glazed tiles. Concluding, it can be stated that the discovered assemblage of artefacts is a distinct manifestation of the power and significance of the Kraków Pauline Fathers, who cultivated the tradition of St. Stanislaus’ place of martyrdom and who played an active role in the life of Kraków’s citizens and all Poles already since the Middle Ages.