M is for Mariacki and Marysia

Poland-eagle-150squareOne of my very first sights when I visited Poland for the first time was the Mariacki Church.  The splendour of the Rynek Główny in Kraków, Europe’s largest market square, is crowned by this church.  Later, on a guided tour given by my neice Weronika, we crept respectfully around the aisles and I looked up in awe.

Veit Stoss Altar, Mariacki Church

The blue ceiling covered in stars was so joyous.  I almost said heavenly but that sounds too corny, however true.  I’d never before seen anything like it.

The showpiece of the church is the Veit Stoss Altar, depicted on these postcards. With great ceremony the altar is opened at noon each day to reveal the exquisite carvings beneath.

Gilded wood panels of the Altar in close up

Gilded wood panels of the Altar in close up

St. Mary’s Church, or Kościół Mariacki, dates from the 14th century and stands 262 feet tall (80m).  Today it draws the crowds largely for the appearance of the trumpeter, who performs hourly at the top of the taller of the two towers.  The sad little notes die away abruptly.  According to legend this commemorates the trumpeter who was pierced through the throat while sounding the alarm for an impending Mongol attack on the city.  These days it’s a happy occasion and he waves to the cheering crowd below before disappearing.

I don’t often use video clips in my posts but I accidentally came across this one and loved it.  The commentary is in Polish, but you get to see the trumpeter in close up.

The noon-time trumpet call, known as the Hejnał mariacki, is broadcast across the nation by Polish Radio 1.  More details are on this Wikipedia link.

Mariacki Church seen from the tower of Ratusz, the town hall.
The fountains in front of the church
Looking up at the church towers from Ul. Grodska
The towers seen from the side of the church

Marysia is one of my Polish cousins.  In the very early days of our reunion with the Polish family I received a lovely email from her, introducing herself and family to me. She is married to Pawel, a musician with a wicked sense of humour. They have a daughter, Kasia, and son, Michał (do you remember that the last letter is pronounced “w”?)

Marysia is another of Zygmunt and Lodzia’s daughters. (I posted about them in L is for Lusia, Lodzia and Lodz)  She lives in the village of Zawady, near to Dad’s original old farmstead, but Marysia and Pawel have a beautiful modern home. Within the family there are many skills, and when it comes to home-making, these are readily shared.  Piotrek, Marysia’s brother, is a fine carpenter and the polished wood floors and banisters are all his work.

Marysia at the Baltic coast
Marysia and Pawel
Marysia’s house
Kasia as bridesmaid at Ania’s (Jadzia’s daughter) wedding
Marysia with son Michał , on the right

Kasia was only 20 when we first met, and had spent the Summer working in Nottingham, to help pay for her university studies.  This was an enormous coincidence as my daughter lives in Nottingham.  You can imagine her astonishment when I produced a Polish cousin living virtually on her doorstep!  A meetup was arranged, of course.

Lisa, Kasia, friend Paulina, me and Leo, in Nottingham

Lisa, Kasia, friend Paulina, me and Leo, in Nottingham

Kasia has now completed her education and, at the time of writing, is working in Germany.  Her younger brother is still studying.  Marysia herself runs a lovely little boutique in Bełchatów.  Confused yet?  I often am, too!

It just remains for me to thank Julie Dawn Fox, who began the Personal A-Z Challenge, and Frizz, who has welcomed me into his A-Z Challenge too.  This week it’s “mmm”!  Follow the links to find out more, and maybe join in?

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80 comments

    1. The huge one is a shot of a postcard I’ve used before so no credit there. I think you had to pay to photograph inside the church, but the video shows you some nooks and crannies. Cheers, Paula 🙂

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  2. My jaw dropped on seeing that first photo – wow! I imagine I’d come away with a crick in my neck after visiting it. It’s lovely that you have these family connections with Poland.

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    1. That was pretty much my reaction too, Lorna. 🙂
      I’ll send you a link to Colin later. It’s not a WP blog and it’s mostly about his cycle trips but you can follow him on Facebook. He’s a lovely lad.

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  7. I would need a long time in that church, just to try and absorb the immense details and beautiful works of art. I have seen many lovely churches, but these photos show something quite exclusively exquisite! I will have to go and seek it out one day!
    I can understand the complexity of family links and ties! How wonderful that you are able to contact and communicate with your family this way!

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      1. I will certainly do that – and I would really appreciate your suggestions; there is nothing like first hand advice when in a new city or place.

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      2. I’m all at sea! Got you and Lucy the wrong way round. Thought it a little odd you were still commenting. I mean, there’s dedication and there’s dedication 🙂

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    1. Hi darlin 🙂 I just tried to comment on today’s post, with that amazing bug vacuuming the flower, but it didn’t have a header or comments box so maybe I got there too early? It was fantastic, anyway. Thank you 🙂

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      1. Hey sweetness and thanks again for letting me know. Post was stuck on ‘image’ instead of ‘standard’. Duh me! It’s Monday. Think I’m still sleeping..hahahaha
        Thanks, you’re a doll and glad you liked. 😀 *big hugs*

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      1. Yes we did see quite a few when we were over there earlier in the year but the blues in that one you’ve just blogged about were particularly eye catching.

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      2. Oh no! You’ve sussed me, Cathy 🙂 It’s a bright lime green and not a colour I would usually wear but it quite suits me. The only green item I possess- honest! 🙂

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      3. Well if it suits you, then I think you should show it off to all of us. I love green clothes, but I look horrible in them because my skin is quite yellow. I still can’t resist wearing it sometimes nonetheless. 🙂

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  19. Pingback: M is for Mariacki and Marysia | My A to Z Blogging Challenge

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