Bielany – Krakow's favourite place. The connections between the Camaldolese of Bielany with Krakow in the Old Polish period

Abstract

In the early 17th century the Krakow scenery was dotted with white monks: the Camaldolese, who arrived in Krakow following a difficult period of reformation and unrest which affected not only religious but also social, intellectual and moral aspects of human life. The Camaldolese came after the Council of Trent had restored order and integrity in the Church. By setting an example of their own mortification and silence, the monks strove to feed agitated Sarmatian heads with calm and composed thinking and acting, much like the serenity and harmony of their monumental monastery towering over the city. Here the simplicity of monastic life and poverty was combined with a Baroque "culture of excess", only to strengthen the Catholic faith and piety, shaming the iconoclastic austerity of the Protestants.