In 1655, at the height of the Swedish Deluge, the Bernardine Church was ordered to be burnt to the ground. The Swedish forces were upon the city, and Polish Commander Stefan Czarniecki decided that the church would be too handy a base for the invading army. Only a statue of the Virgin was salvaged. Four years later, building began again on the site. The baroque edifice that was raised then has survived until this day, standing a stone's throw to the south of the Royal Castle complex. The church's acoustics are superb, and the interior provides a popular venue for concerts by the local St. Maurice's Orchestra and other ensembles.
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