Description of the attraction
The Monastery and Church of the Holy Cross is a complex of buildings in the center of Rzeszow. Currently, the building of the former monastery houses a local history museum and a secondary school. The Church of the Holy Cross is active and has a second name "Student Church" - due to the proximity of the educational institution.
The church was built in 1649 by the bricklayer John Kanjera and the architect John Falconi in the late Renaissance style. The late Baroque façade was completed under Jerzy Sebastian Lubomirski in 1707. The façade was made by Tillman Gameren and made significant changes to the image of the church. The school, built at the monastery, quickly gained a reputation as a strong educational institution among the local nobility. In addition to elementary school and high school, there was a seminary for young religious teachers and professional musicians. Initially, the school was open to all children, but due to the published manifesto of Jerzy Lubomirski, it became available only to the nobility.
In 1772, as a result of the division of Polish lands, Rzeszow became part of the Habsburg Empire. These changes led to a series of unpleasant reforms and new formations, as a result of which in 1786 the monastery was dissolved, the school continued to work. In 1834-1835 the school was rebuilt, in 1872 two wings were added. German was added to the curriculum.
At the end of the 19th century, the church was reconstructed under the leadership of Father Stanislav Gruniky, who later became Pastor Farna.
After Poland gained independence in 1918, thanks to patrons of the arts, repairs were made, interiors were renewed, and an organ was purchased.
During the Second World War, German troops were stationed in the church building. During the bombing, the church was partially destroyed, the south tower and the roof were especially badly damaged. The reconstruction was carried out in the 50s. In the post-war years, the school resumed its work, a local history museum was opened.
