today close
today close
location
SALTWORKS CASTLE
DATE
18 July - 19 October 2025
The portrait of King Sigismund III Vasa, the 1641 foundation document of the monastery, old chronicles, books, and photographs – this is where the journey through the new exhibition at Saltworks Castle begins. Visitors will also see portraits of friars, images of the monastery captured by painters and photographers, as well as liturgical vessels, reliquaries, and unique chasubles made from traditional Polish sashes. The exhibition also includes mementos of Blessed Alojzy Kosiba, known as the “saintly almsgiver.”
The origins of the Wieliczka monastery date back to the 17th century, when the Franciscans came to the town to provide spiritual support to the local community. It was a very difficult period for the salt city. Earthquakes, fires, and epidemics took their toll, along with declining revenues, salt thefts, and growing religious conflicts between Catholics and Arians. In this challenging situation, the town council and mayor decided to call upon a new religious community in Poland – the Friars Minor. The idea gained the support of the salt mine administration, the bishops of Kraków, and even King Sigismund III Vasa. The friars built a wooden chapel and a small monastery house. According to tradition, the funds for this purpose were provided from the salt mine by the king himself.
