Mummies under threat in Krakow catacombs?

photo - Anna Spysz

Jacek Chrzaszczewski, deputy conservator for the Malopolska region, has said that the matter will be addressed “without delay.”

The catacombs, which count among the cities most noted curiosities, lie beneath the Church of St Casimir, and are part of the complex of the Monastery of the Reformed Franciscans.

Alarm bells were set ringing when a member of the Order sent out a press release detailing the alleged problems.

“Water is penetrating the catacombs,” the appeal stated, stressing that several of the mummified monks have been affected.

The deceased monks lie directly on the crypts' sandy floors, and the appeal notes that their habits have already become wet.

“Moisture is also visible on the walls of the monastery crypts,” the monk added.

If the claims are well-founded, it will be a frustrating state of affairs, as the catacombs have already been subjected to a considerable amount of conservation in recent years after the mummies began to be covered with mould.

Only last year, a comprehensive insulation of the crypts against damp was completed.

Monks and well-to-do citizens have been laid to rest in the catacombs – which have a rare micro-climate – since 1672.

Besides representatives of a number of aristocratic families, there are several anomalies, including a participant in Napoleon's 1812 campaign who died in Krakow after the long march back from Moscow.

The crypts are open to the public just once a year, on All Souls' Day (2 November). (nh)