Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Casimir the Great

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired.

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired.

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired.

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired.

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired. the Łokietkowa Madonna, known also as the Smiling Mother of God. The figure has been a source of worship for ages.

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars, it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th-century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired. As we waited outside the church to be admitted, we heard that a solemn Mass was taking place inside. What we did not know was that on that day the "Great Indulgence in Wiślica" was taking place, a diocesan pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Smiling Madonna of Łokietkowo in Wiślica. So we were very surprised when the gates opened and the priests left the church with their bishop and pilgrims. The pilgrimage was led by Bishop Jan Piotrowski, who spoke to the visitors after the Mass.

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired. As we waited outside the church to be admitted, we had heard that a solemn Mass was taking place inside. What we did not know was that on this day the "Great Indulgence in Wiślica", a diocesan pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Smiling Madonna of Łokietkowo in Wiślica. So we were very surprised when the gates opened and the priests left the church with their bishop and the pilgrims

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars, it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th-century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired. But Stanislaus´ graffiti did survive the restoration.

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars, it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th-century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired. But the graffiti did survive the restoration.

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired. Casimir the Great, accompanied by a bishop, donates the Collegiate Basilica to the Madonna, who looks benevolently at Casimir. The carving is from 1464.

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired. In 2021 the church was under reconstruction, but it was largely completed.

The Gothic collegiate church was built in the 14th century under Casimir the Great on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor churches. The construction of the first Romanesque church was started by Henryk Sandomierski and completed in the second half of the 12th century by his brother Casimir the Just. It was a small, single-nave building with an apse, At the beginning of the 13th century the second, enlarged collegiate church was built. It consisted of three naves and had two towers on the western facade. Probably since the middle of the 12th century, the church was the center of a chapter headed by the bishops of Krakow. The third collegiate church, which is preserved to this day, was founded by Casimir the Great. Its construction was started in 1350, and the lower western mass was preserved from the earlier Romanesque church. The king had it built as an expiatory church for the murder of the canon Marcin Baryczko. The preacher was murdered in 1349, probably with the consent of Casimir. The collegiate church was damaged several times and then rebuilt. In the late 18th century Wiślica became part of the Austrian Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars it was annexed by the Russian Empire until after WWI. In 1915, the church was severely damaged by Austrian artillery. The western facade was destroyed along with the 13th century towers. After the war, when Wiślica became part of the Second Polish Republic, the damage was repaired. In 2021 the church was under reconstruction, but it was largely completed.

The parish in Strożyska was probably founded in the 12th century. It is recorded that in 1378, the owner of these lands, a dignitary of Casimir the Great, founded a small Gothic church with a huge defensive tower 1378. This tower was used as a watchtower. Despite historic turmoil, the church did not suffer any damage. Only the tower had to be partly dismantled, as cracks appeared in its construction. Local inhabitants extended the church in 1895-1896 in Neo-Gothic style, adding two new chapels and the main nave with a chancel. It was not until World War II that serious damage was done The restored church was reconsecrated in 1946.

Sandomierz was one of the most important cities in the Polish section of the Via Regia, taking advantage of the location at the junction of the Vistula and San rivers. The first known historical mention of the city comes from the early 12th-century when it was already ranked as one of the main cities of Poland. The testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth, in which he divided Poland among his sons, designated Sandomierz as the capital of one of the resulting principalities, the Duchy of Sandomierz. In the early 13th century, the second oldest Dominican monastery in Poland was founded in Sandomierz. Within the 13th century, the city suffered grievous damage during the raids by Mongols in 1241, 1260, and 1287. The wooden buildings of the town were completely destroyed. As a result, in 1286 Leszek II the Black, effectively refounded the city. After the reunification of the Polish lands in the 14th century, the former principality became the Sandomierz Voivodeship, incorporating large areas of southeastern Poland. In the middle of the 14th century, the city was burned again during a raid by the Lithuanians. It was rebuilt during the rule of Casimir III of Poland, who extended its privileges. The layout of the city has survived practically unchanged from that time until the present day. Sandomierz prospered until the middle of the 17th century, but the prosperity came to an end in 1655 when Swedish troops captured the city. After briefly holding out in the city, the withdrawing Swedes blew up the castle and caused heavy damage to other buildings. A great fire in 1757 and the First Partition of Poland in 1772, which placed Sandomierz in Austria, further reduced its status. In 1809, during the Napoleonic Wars, fighting between the forces of Austria and the Duchy of Warsaw caused damage to the city. It became part of the short-lived Polish Duchy of Warsaw and after 1815 it found itself in the Russian Empire ("Congress Poland"). - The wall around the cathedral is "littered" with carved graffiti. Obviously, the stone is soft and the area was unattended for a very long time. This graffiti was the most unique, but disturbing one. Does anybody know, what kind of machine gun this is?

Sandomierz was one of the most important cities in the Polish section of the Via Regia, taking advantage of the location at the junction of the Vistula and San rivers. The first known historical mention of the city comes from the early 12th-century when it was already ranked as one of the main cities of Poland. The testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth, in which he divided Poland among his sons, designated Sandomierz as the capital of one of the resulting principalities, the Duchy of Sandomierz. In the early 13th century, the second oldest Dominican monastery in Poland was founded in Sandomierz. Within the 13th century, the city suffered grievous damage during the raids by Mongols in 1241, 1260, and 1287. The wooden buildings of the town were completely destroyed. As a result, in 1286 Leszek II the Black, effectively refounded the city. After the reunification of the Polish lands in the 14th century, the former principality became the Sandomierz Voivodeship, incorporating large areas of southeastern Poland. In the middle of the 14th century, the city was burned again during a raid by the Lithuanians. It was rebuilt during the rule of Casimir III of Poland, who extended its privileges. The layout of the city has survived practically unchanged from that time until the present day. Sandomierz prospered until the middle of the 17th century, but the prosperity came to an end in 1655 when Swedish troops captured the city. After briefly holding out in the city, the withdrawing Swedes blew up the castle and caused heavy damage to other buildings. A great fire in 1757 and the First Partition of Poland in 1772, which placed Sandomierz in Austria, further reduced its status. In 1809, during the Napoleonic Wars, fighting between the forces of Austria and the Duchy of Warsaw caused damage to the city. It became part of the short-lived Polish Duchy of Warsaw and after 1815 it found itself in the Russian Empire ("Congress Poland"). - The predecessor of today's Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was a Romanesque church was built above the Vistula River, first mentioned in 1148. It was destroyed by the Tatars in the 13th century and finally by the Lithuanians in 1349. In 1360 Casimir III ("the Great") donated a new three-nave Gothic collegiate church.The church was consecrated in 1382. During the retreat of the Swedes in 1656 the roof truss of the church caught fire. The church received a baroque facade from 1670 to 1674 and during the 18th century, the interior was also remodeled in the baroque style. With the creation of the Diocese of Sandomierz in 1818, it was elevated to the status of a cathedral. The long choir ends with a three-sided apse. On its walls are preserved wall paintings from the first half of the 15th century. The paintings were uncovered and restored between 1932 and 1934. Depicted is how Sadok as well as 48 Dominicans and 12 pious visitors are killed by Mongols. The "Shrine of Blessed Sadok and the 48 Dominican Martyrs", is located in the nearby Kościół św Jakuba.

Sandomierz was one of the most important cities in the Polish section of the Via Regia, taking advantage of the location at the junction of the Vistula and San rivers. The first known historical mention of the city comes from the early 12th-century when it was already ranked as one of the main cities of Poland. The testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth, in which he divided Poland among his sons, designated Sandomierz as the capital of one of the resulting principalities, the Duchy of Sandomierz. In the early 13th century, the second oldest Dominican monastery in Poland was founded in Sandomierz. Within the 13th century, the city suffered grievous damage during the raids by Mongols in 1241, 1260, and 1287. The wooden buildings of the town were completely destroyed. As a result, in 1286 Leszek II the Black, effectively refounded the city. After the reunification of the Polish lands in the 14th century, the former principality became the Sandomierz Voivodeship, incorporating large areas of southeastern Poland. In the middle of the 14th century, the city was burned again during a raid by the Lithuanians. It was rebuilt during the rule of Casimir III of Poland, who extended its privileges. The layout of the city has survived practically unchanged from that time until the present day. Sandomierz prospered until the middle of the 17th century, but the prosperity came to an end in 1655 when Swedish troops captured the city. After briefly holding out in the city, the withdrawing Swedes blew up the castle and caused heavy damage to other buildings. A great fire in 1757 and the First Partition of Poland in 1772, which placed Sandomierz in Austria, further reduced its status. In 1809, during the Napoleonic Wars, fighting between the forces of Austria and the Duchy of Warsaw caused damage to the city. It became part of the short-lived Polish Duchy of Warsaw and after 1815 it found itself in the Russian Empire ("Congress Poland"). - The predecessor of today's Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was a Romanesque church was built above the Vistula River, first mentioned in 1148. It was destroyed by the Tatars in the 13th century and finally by the Lithuanians in 1349. In 1360 Casimir III ("the Great") donated a new three-nave Gothic collegiate church. The church was consecrated in 1382. During the retreat of the Swedes in 1656, the roof truss of the church caught fire. The church received a baroque facade from 1670 to 1674 and during the 18th century, the interior was also remodeled in the baroque style. With the creation of the Diocese of Sandomierz in 1818, it was elevated to the status of a cathedral. The long choir ends with a three-sided apse. On its walls are preserved wall paintings from the first half of the 15th century. The paintings were uncovered and restored between 1932 and 1934.

Sandomierz was one of the most important cities in the Polish section of the Via Regia, taking advantage of the location at the junction of the Vistula and San rivers. The first known historical mention of the city comes from the early 12th-century when it was already ranked as one of the main cities of Poland. The testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth, in which he divided Poland among his sons, designated Sandomierz as the capital of one of the resulting principalities, the Duchy of Sandomierz. In the early 13th century, the second oldest Dominican monastery in Poland was founded in Sandomierz. Within the 13th century, the city suffered grievous damage during the raids by Mongols in 1241, 1260, and 1287. The wooden buildings of the town were completely destroyed. As a result, in 1286 Leszek II the Black, effectively refounded the city. After the reunification of the Polish lands in the 14th century, the former principality became the Sandomierz Voivodeship, incorporating large areas of southeastern Poland. In the middle of the 14th century, the city was burned again during a raid by the Lithuanians. It was rebuilt during the rule of Casimir III of Poland, who extended its privileges. The layout of the city has survived practically unchanged from that time until the present day. Sandomierz prospered until the middle of the 17th century, but the prosperity came to an end in 1655 when Swedish troops captured the city. After briefly holding out in the city, the withdrawing Swedes blew up the castle and caused heavy damage to other buildings. A great fire in 1757 and the First Partition of Poland in 1772, which placed Sandomierz in Austria, further reduced its status. In 1809, during the Napoleonic Wars, fighting between the forces of Austria and the Duchy of Warsaw caused damage to the city. It became part of the short-lived Polish Duchy of Warsaw and after 1815 it found itself in the Russian Empire ("Congress Poland"). - The predecessor of today's Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was a Romanesque church was built above the Vistula River, first mentioned in 1148. It was destroyed by the Tatars in the 13th century and finally by the Lithuanians in 1349. In 1360 Casimir III ("the Great") donated a new three-nave Gothic collegiate church. The church was consecrated in 1382. During the retreat of the Swedes in 1656, the roof truss of the church caught fire. The church received a baroque facade from 1670 to 1674 and during the 18th century, the interior was also remodeled in the baroque style. With the creation of the Diocese of Sandomierz in 1818, it was elevated to the status of a cathedral.

Sandomierz was one of the most important cities in the Polish section of the Via Regia, taking advantage of the location at the junction of the Vistula and San rivers. The first known historical mention of the city comes from the early 12th-century when it was already ranked as one of the main cities of Poland. The testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth, in which he divided Poland among his sons, designated Sandomierz as the capital of one of the resulting principalities, the Duchy of Sandomierz. In the early 13th century, the second oldest Dominican monastery in Poland was founded in Sandomierz. Within the 13th century, the city suffered grievous damage during the raids by Mongols in 1241, 1260, and 1287. The wooden buildings of the town were completely destroyed. As a result, in 1286 Leszek II the Black, effectively refounded the city. After the reunification of the Polish lands in the 14th century, the former principality became the Sandomierz Voivodeship, incorporating large areas of southeastern Poland. In the middle of the 14th century, the city was burned again during a raid by the Lithuanians. It was rebuilt during the rule of Casimir III of Poland, who extended its privileges. The layout of the city has survived practically unchanged from that time until the present day. Sandomierz prospered until the middle of the 17th century, but the prosperity came to an end in 1655 when Swedish troops captured the city. After briefly holding out in the city, the withdrawing Swedes blew up the castle and caused heavy damage to other buildings. A great fire in 1757 and the First Partition of Poland in 1772, which placed Sandomierz in Austria, further reduced its status. In 1809, during the Napoleonic Wars, fighting between the forces of Austria and the Duchy of Warsaw caused damage to the city. It became part of the short-lived Polish Duchy of Warsaw and after 1815 it found itself in the Russian Empire ("Congress Poland"). - The predecessor of todays Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was a Romanesque church was built above the Vistula River, first mentioned in 1148. It was destroyed by the Tatars in the 13th century and finally by the Lithuanians in 1349. In 1360 Casimir III ("the Great") donated a new three nave Gothic collegiate church.The church was consecrated in 1382. During the retreat of the Swedes in 1656 the roof truss of the church caught fire. The church received a baroque facade from 1670 to 1674 and during the 18th century the interior was also remodeled in the baroque style. With the creation of the Diocese of Sandomierz in 1818, it was elevated to the status of a cathedral.