Church of Saints Peter and Paul, KrakowA campaign has been launched to raise funds for Poland’s new national pantheon.
It is estimated that 17 million zl (4 million euros) will be needed to realize the project, which is being carried out in the crypts of Krakow's Church of Saints Peter and Paul.
The initiative is designed as a tribute to distinguished figures in the arts and sciences. It follows on from the existing pantheon at the so-called Church on the Rock, also in Krakow.
The existing pantheon, which is overseen by the Pauline Order, has simply run out of space, and the monks decided against further construction on the property.
The last figure to be buried in the Pauline crypt was writer Czeslaw Milosz in 2004. He followed eleven other celebrated Poles, including composer Karol Szymanowski and artist Stanislaw Wyspianski.
It is hoped that the cost of creating the new pantheon, which lies on the “Royal Way” that runs through Krakow's Old Town, will partly be met by memorabilia connected with the site.
Several options were unveiled yesterday, including a postcard of the church at the cost of 5 zl, the reproduction of a 19th century print for 50 zl, and a limited signed print by contemporary artist Jerzy Dmitruk for 500 zl. These can be bought at the church itself.
“We hope that the collection will be joined by the whole of Polish society” said Professor Franciszek Ziejka, head of the Foundation for the National Pantheon, which was appointed in May 2010.
The first phase of the development is due for opening in September 2012. Meanwhile a 9-person committee, functioning under the leadership of the Polish President, is set to be appointed by the end of this year. This body will decide on who actually merits a place in the pantheon. (nh)