Church of St. Bartholomew

Founded by Kraków bishop Iwo Odrowąż who brought the Cistercians to Mogiła from Silesia in 1222, the present structure of this outstanding wooden church dates from 1466. As the Church of St. Wenceslas across the street was part of a monastic complex, St. Batholomew's was erected to accommodate the Catholic layman, one of whom - master carpenter Maciej Mączka - put his name and completion date on the door after building this enduring wooden treasure. Exceptional for its three aisles - a rarity in wooden church architecture - the 18th century belfry and beautiful domed entrance gate have also been preserved. Only open for visiting in spring and summer, if you arrive in the off-season it's still worth taking a look at the exterior architecture. Mogiła is easily accessed from Plac Centralny via tram 70; get off at the 'Klasztorna' stop and it's a short walk south.