One of the most valuable examples of Czech Baroque architecture is the dome church of St. Michael, located in the centre of Olomouc. The church hides many treasures in its interior, including a late Baroque side altar dedicated to the Czech and Polish saint, John Sarkander.

History of St Michael's Church

The site of the present-day Baroque Church of St Michael originally housed the Gothic Dominican Church, built in 1234-1251. The structure of the medieval church was severely damaged by fires, the Thirty Years' War and the Swedish occupation. Between 1676 and 1699, the church underwent almost complete reconstruction. The author of the new temple design was the Italian architect Giovanni Pietro Tencella, whose work was continued by Domenico Martinelli. After the reconstruction was completed, the interior of the church was equipped with new late Baroque elements.

"Polish" side altar

The side altar, made around 1700 and located in the second chapel to the left of the entrance, is now dedicated to the Polish and Czech saint John Sarkander. In the centre of the altar was originally an image of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa. After Jan Sarkander's beatification in 1859, an image of him was placed in the predella. The portrait shows him during the apparition of angels while reading the Holy Scriptures. On the table in front of him are a cross and a key, symbolising the observance of the secrecy of confession. The altar is topped with a sculptural composition depicting the Holy Trinity, and the sides of the predella are flanked by statues of Silesian saints Czesław and Jacek. An important event in the history of Polish-Czech relations was the temporary placement of Blessed Jan Sarkander's relics at this altar before they were transferred to St Wenceslas Cathedral in Olomouc.