Statues of 12 apostles in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul

The Church of St Peter and Paul is an amazing Baroque structure decorated with life-size sculptures of the twelve apostles. Construction of the church began at the end of the 16th century in response to the arrival of the Jesuits to Poland. The Jesuit writer, Piotra Skarga, who wrote the controversial 'Sermons to the Diet' is buried in the crypt.

designed by Kacper Bażanka. They were made with Pińczów limestone, and completed in 1722 by Dawid Heel. Today, in place of the original 18th century statues, which were very much damaged by acid rain, there are contemporary copies made of the same material by Kazimierz Jęczmyk.

Photo 646, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 646d1, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 646d2, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 646d3, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul

Photo 647, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 647d1, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 647d2, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 647d3, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul

Photo 653, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 653d1, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 653d2, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 653d3, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul

Photo 657, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 657d1, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 657d2, May 2007

Statues in front of Church of St Peter and St Paul, detail

Photo 657d3, May 2007