Poznań Fara

In the heart of Poznań, Poland, nestled within the historic streets, stands a magnificent testament to Baroque architecture and religious devotion: the Poznań Fara, also known by its full name, Bazylika Matki Bożej Nieustającej Pomocy. This breathtaking basilica, dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Mary Magdalene, and St. Stanislaus the Bishop, is a must-visit for any traveler exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Poznań.

The History of Poznań Fara

The origins of Poznań Fara date back to the 16th century when Bishop Adam Konarski invited the Jesuits to Poznań, granting them the church of St. Stanislaus the Bishop. The construction of the new church began in 1651, with plans likely sent from Rome. The initial phase of construction was overseen by Tomasz Poncino, but progress was interrupted by the Swedish occupation from 1655 to 1660. After the occupation, work resumed under the direction of Bartłomiej Nataniel Wąsowski, Wojciech Przybyłkowicz, and Jan Poradowski. The main nave and facade, completed between 1696 and 1701, were the work of Jan Catenazzi. The church was consecrated in 1705 by Bishop Hieronim Wierzbowski, although it was not yet fully completed. The final touches, including the main altar and portal, were added by Pompeo Ferrari between 1727 and 1732.

The Jesuit order was dissolved in 1773, and the church suffered further damage in 1780. It was then taken over by the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Mary Magdalene in 1798, under the direction of Bishop Ignacy Raczyński. Significant renovations took place in the early 20th century, led by Marian Andrzejewski, and the church was restored again after World War II, following its use as a storage facility by German forces. The latest round of renovations began in 1990 and continues to this day.

The Exterior of Poznań Fara

The exterior of Poznań Fara is a striking example of Baroque architecture, with its richly decorated pink facade adorned with double white pilasters. The facade is flanked by two low towers capped with copper helmets, creating a harmonious and balanced appearance. The central gable features characteristic Baroque volutes, adding to the church's grandeur.

Above the ornate Baroque portal is a niche containing a statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, holding a flaming heart. At his feet is an eagle, symbolizing Christ's victory over Satan, represented by a serpent. Below the statue is a Latin inscription: Domus Domini porta coeli (House of God and gate to heaven). Flanking the central niche are smaller niches with statues of St. Adalbert and St. Stanislaus Kostka on the left, and St. Stanislaus the Bishop and St. Aloysius Gonzaga on the right. Higher up, statues of St. Francis Borgia and St. Francis Xavier can be seen.

The Interior of Poznań Fara

The interior of Poznań Fara is no less impressive than its exterior. The church is a basilica with three naves and a transept that does not extend beyond the side naves. The presbytery, located at the southern end, is finished with a simple wall. The main nave, transept, and presbytery feature barrel vaults with lunettes, while the side naves and galleries above them have cross vaults.

The ceiling of the main nave is adorned with paintings depicting scenes from the life of St. Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr, created by Karol Dankwart in the 18th century. The transept features scenes from the lives of St. Stanislaus Kostka and St. Ignatius of Loyola. The original apotheosis of the Holy Trinity, once located at the intersection of the main nave and transept, was replaced by an illusory dome painted by Stanisław Wróblewski in 1949.

The church's stunning stucco decoration, dating back to around 1700, is the work of Jan Bianco, with restoration by Jan Żok's team. The sixteen composite columns, made of artificial red marble, are topped with 2.5-meter statues of the apostles and the four Church Fathers. Above these columns is a heavily broken cornice, from which angel heads, vines, acanthus leaves, fruits, flowers, and cornucopias emerge. This intricate decoration extends to the ceilings and frames of the paintings, with pairs of putti adorning the windows and arches leading to the chapels.

The Main Altar and Side Altars

The main altar, designed by Pompeo Ferrari, features a central painting by Szymon Czechowicz depicting St. Stanislaus the Bishop resurrecting Piotrowin. To the left of the painting is a sculptural representation of the scene, while to the right, St. Stanislaus Kostka is shown repelling a seven-headed beast. The altar is framed by simple columns supporting a dynamic entablature, with allegories of faith and hope (women with a cross and an anchor) above it. The side altars are modeled after those in the Church of St. Ignatius in Rome and feature paintings of St. Ignatius of Loyola writing the Jesuit order's rules and St. Stanislaus Kostka receiving communion from an angel.

The Chapels of Poznań Fara

Poznań Fara is home to a series of beautifully decorated chapels, each with its own unique character and history. The Chapel of St. John Francis Regis features a statue of the saint, with a painting of St. Maximilian Kolbe above it. The Chapel of St. Rosalia is adorned with Latin inscriptions held by angels and a painting of Our Lady of Częstochowa. The Chapel of the Jesuit Martyrs contains a medieval sculpture of the Suffering Christ from 1430, and the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier is notable for its sculptures of Joshua and St. Thomas the Apostle.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross houses a 17th-century painting of Christ with a crown of thorns and a late Gothic crucifix with Mary Magdalene at its base. The Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, where the cult of the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary dates back to the 17th century, features a painting by Władysław Ukleja from 1952. The Chapel of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with its contemporary interior, is the oldest perpetual adoration chapel in Poznań, established in 1937. The Chapel of St. Joseph contains a painting of the Holy Family and a depiction of the Trinity, with St. Joachim and St. Anne on either side. The Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel features an 18th-century painting of the archangel defeating Satan, with nearby depictions of St. Pius X and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The Chapel of St. Aloysius Gonzaga contains a painting of the saint in a monastic habit, with angels holding a book and scroll nearby. Finally, the Chapel of St. Francis Borgia is centered around a painting of the Madonna and Child among angels, with a sculpture of St. Francis Borgia blessing St. Stanislaus Kostka.

The Organs of Poznań Fara

The organs of Poznań Fara were commissioned by parish priest Walenty Zientkiewicz to replace a smaller, frequently malfunctioning instrument. Designed and built by Friedrich Ladegast, one of Europe's finest organ builders of the late 19th century, the project took four years to complete (1872–1876) and cost 24,000 marks. The wooden case was crafted by Józef Zeyland's workshop in Poznań, with carvings by Teodor Gloger and joinery by Synoracki, based on a design by Oscar Mothes. During World War I, the organ pipes were removed, but the instrument was restored after the war.

In conclusion, Poznań Fara is not just a place of worship but a magnificent monument to Baroque art and architecture. Its rich history, stunning interiors, and beautiful chapels make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Poznań. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, the Poznań Fara will leave you in awe of its beauty and heritage.