Ceremonies marking the re-burial of the remains of Nicolas Copernicus begin today with a processional transfer from Olsztyn Castle to the city’s cathedral, where a holy mass will be celebrated in the evening.

Scientists have been examining Copernicus’s skull and leg bones since they were discovered by archaeologists in Frombork, northern Poland, three years ago.

Tomorrow, the coffin will be taken to the cathedral in Frombork, where Copernicus made key observations which led to the discovery of the heliocentric universe.

On its way to Frombork, the coffin will pass through several towns in the Warmia and Mazury province – Dobre Miasto, Lidzbark Warminski, Orneta, Pieniężno and Braniewo – with which Copernicus was associated in his activities as the Warmia canon, administrator, physician and scholar.

On Saturday, the astronomer’s bones will be buried under the altar of the Frombork Cathedral.

The re-burial concides with the 750th anniversary of the founding of Frombork. An international academic congress is held in Olsztyn to mark the occasion. The participants include Professor Owen Gingerich from Cambridge, USA.

Copernicus died in 1543. His treatise, On the Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres, was first printed in Nuremberg the same year. (mk)

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