26/08/2026
In the last few days, I've been updating some of my most popular articles on Poland, specifically Kraków, and I've realized that I haven't posted much about my travels on Facebook.
Poland seems to have some rather extraordinary churches in its cities. I only found out about this rather recently since, for some reason, it never occurred to me to look for churches when I was researching and planning my trip.
And I actually stumbled upon this one completely by accident, spotting it through the tram window.
This is the Ark of the Lord, located in the planned socialist district of Nowa Huta in Krakow.
In the style of Notre-Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, France, this is one of the most unusual churches I have ever seen; from the outside, its boat-shaped form is similar to that of Noah's Ark and the 70-meter-high cross above it looks like a mast. Although the cross has a symbolic meaning, it also makes part of the church's structural framework.
There are also several symbolic elements: the seven doors stand for the seven sacraments, and the seven steps leading up to the altar represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The huge crucifix located above the chancel is especially impressive. It shows Christ being nailed to the cross while also implying that he is rising into heaven.
There are also eight small bells suspended above the entrance, given to the church by Catholics from Belgium and the Netherlands, which ring out popular church melodies each hour from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
📍 See my Nowa Huta guide for more quirky and Soviet-era attractions in the district: https://www.redfedoradiary.com/things-to-do-in-nowa-huta-krakow-poland/
