Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. Thomas the Apostle, Zamość

The Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. Thomas the Apostle, known locally as Katedra Zmartwychwstania Pańskiego i św. Tomasza Apostoła w Zamościu, is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture situated in the heart of Zamość, Poland. This majestic structure, with its rich history and architectural beauty, stands as a testament to the city's cultural and religious heritage.

The History of the Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. Thomas the Apostle was founded by Jan Zamoyski, the founder of Zamość, in the late 16th century. The design of the cathedral was entrusted to the Italian architect Bernardo Morando, whose vision was influenced by Italian churches of the 15th and 16th centuries. Originally, the building served as a collegiate church under the jurisdiction of the Chełm bishopric. It was only in 1992, with the establishment of the Zamość-Lubaczów Diocese, that it was elevated to the status of a cathedral.

The interior decoration of the cathedral was completed in the early 17th century, following the death of its architect. The consecration of the church took place in 1637. Significant alterations were made during the period of the partitions of Poland, between 1824 and 1826, under the direction of General J. Mallet-Malletski, who was overseeing the expansion and modernization of the Zamość fortress. During this time, the cathedral was lowered, and its facade was altered to a more classical style, which resulted in the removal of inscriptions and coats of arms of the Zamoyski family, as well as some interior elements.

Further renovations and changes were made in the latter half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, due to various damages. In 1999, during his seventh pilgrimage to Poland, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral. The church also serves as a parish church, with another church, St. Catherine's, located within the parish in the Old Town.

Thanks to funding from the European Union, the parish secured in 2010 (under the Regional Operational Program of the Lublin Voivodeship) for projects including the renovation of the cathedral and the bell tower, the church was restored to its former grandeur from the late 16th to early 19th centuries. The total cost of the project was PLN 26.3 million, of which PLN 22.3 million was financed by the European Union.

Architectural Marvels and Interior Splendor

The architectural style of the cathedral is associated with the so-called Lublin Renaissance. Its dimensions, in a 3:2 ratio, measure 45 meters in length and 30 meters in width, reflecting the dimensions of Zamość at the time and representing a 15-fold reduction of the city's size. The cathedral is of the basilica type, with a higher main nave featuring barrel vaults and lunettes, reaching 20 meters in height, and lower side naves. Today, there are three entrances to the cathedral – the main one from the west and two side entrances through former chapels (from the north and south).

The current late Baroque altar from the second half of the 18th century replaced the original early Baroque altar, which was moved to Tarnogród. The altar features four columns, between two of which is the main painting depicting St. Thomas the Apostle kneeling before the resurrected Jesus. On the side walls of the presbytery are four other paintings showing the church's patron. The altar also houses a silver rococo tabernacle from the mid-18th century.

Inside, there are nine chapels, four in each of the lower side naves and one by the presbytery (on its right side). Each chapel is rich in valuable objects, altars, and paintings dedicated to various figures and persons:

Southern (right) side nave:

• Chapel of the Zamoyski Family: Dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord (Ordynacka), it houses the black marble tombstone of Jan Zamoyski, a painting of the Transfiguration, smaller portraits of the city's founder and his son Thomas, and the tombstone with sculptures of the 14th ordinator, Thomas F. Zamoyski.
• Rosary Chapel: Features a copy of the painting of Our Lady of Częstochowa.
• Infułacka Chapel: Displays a painting of St. Nicholas Bishop.
• Chapel of Relics: Contains a baroque altar from the 17th century with reliquaries (mostly rococo) and a painting of St. Mary Magdalene.
• Holy Trinity Chapel: Now bricked up, it houses the church's library.

Northern (left) side nave:

• Academic Chapel: Features a painting of St. John Cantius, the patron of the Zamość Academy.
• Annunciation Chapel: Houses a valuable copy of the Annunciation painting from Florence.
• Chapel of the Crucified Christ: Contains sculptures related to the Stations of the Cross.
• Chapel of Our Lady of Protection: Features a painting of Our Lady with Child, greatly revered by the city's residents.

On the wall of the sacristy, located in the bricked-up chapel to the left of the main altar, hangs another painting – Jesus the Merciful. Beneath the main nave are crypts with coffins and the ashes of the Zamoyski family. The entrance below is closed by iron doors with the family's coats of arms, laid horizontally in the floor near the Rosary Chapel. Jan Zamoyski rests in one of the crypts. Until recently, this area was open to visitors.

Some of the eight high pillars (four on each side of the main nave) bear epitaphs, including one for Szymon Szymonowic. The cathedral also houses a 25-voice organ, built in 1896 by the Lviv organ builder Jan Śliwiński.

Accompanying Buildings and Structures

Adjacent to the cathedral (on its northern side) stands a late Baroque bell tower, built in the second half of the 18th century, with significant reconstruction carried out during the interwar period of the last century. The tower houses three bells:

• Jan: The largest, from the 17th century.
• Wawrzyniec: From the 18th century.
• Tomasz: Also from the 18th century.

During the summer season, the bell tower is open to visitors, offering an attractive viewpoint over the Old Town.

On the southern side of the cathedral, the Infułatka, the deanery house of Zamość, was built in the late 16th century and rebuilt in the first half of the following century. Until 2017, it housed the Sacral Museum of Zamość Cathedral, which in 2019 was moved to another historic building of the parish – the vicar's house (known as Wikarówka) on the northern side of the cathedral.

In 1988, the first of two monuments to Pope John Paul II in Zamość was erected here.

In conclusion, the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. Thomas the Apostle is not just a place of worship but a remarkable landmark that embodies the rich history and cultural heritage of Zamość. Its architectural splendor, historical significance, and the treasures it holds within make it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this beautiful city.