Franciscan Basilica

The fire of 1850 that wreaked havoc in the environs of this church had at least some hint of a silver lining. Largely because some years later, a dynamic young Cracovian named Stanislaw Wyspianski won the competition to redecorate the interior of the charred gothic edifice. Never one to miss a chance, the ginger-bearded genius converted the basilica into one of the most spectacularly original churches of its day. Besides covering the walls with sophisticated floral motifs, the artist designed all the stained glass windows, including the famed 'God the Father' pictured above. It's well worth coming during mass, when song and incense lend further power to the magical interiors.