Interior view
by BERRECCI, Bartolomeo, Photo
Of the nineteen chapels surrounding the cathedral, the most famous is the Sigismund Chapel under its golden dome. It is the most exquisite work of the Renaissance in Poland (completed in 1533). Known as “the pearl of the renaissance north of the Alps”, it was built by Italian builders and architects directed by Bartolomeo Berrecci. It is distinguished by the lavishly ornamented interior following perfect symmetry. The tombstones are of the last kings from the Jagiellonian dynasty: Sigismund (Zygmunt) I the Old (founder of the chapel, d. 1548, a product of Berrecci’s studio, above) and his son Sigismund II Augustus (Zygmunt II August, d. 1572, designed by Santi Gucci, below). Its neighbour is the Vasa Chapel, imitating its architectural shape, yet with baroque decor.