Scenes from the Life of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

The Baroque chapel of Saint Elizabeth, adjoining the southeastern tower to the east, was built between 1682 and 1700 by Italian architect Giacomo Scianzi, who also created the dome frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.

The wall paintings illustrate the works of mercy of Saint Elizabeth and the end of her short life, presented with the perspective of the open gates of the Kingdom of Heaven and its inhabitants coming to greet her.

The chapel was funded by Prince Frederick of Hesse, who joined the Wrocław cathedral chapter in 1666 and became its dean two years later. In 1671, he received episcopal consecration and priestly ordination.

The chapel was built on an elongated rectangular plan with an altar annex and a sacristy. The main part is covered by a dome. The division of the walls, the introduction of columns, cornices, and ornaments, and the combination of wall painting and stuccoes give a sense of fluidity and dynamism, creating an impression of greater space. The play of light coming through the windows and the dome is significant, guiding the viewer’s eye to the southern wall and the niche framed by pairs of columns with the altar of Saint Elizabeth, and then to the northern wall, which serves as the backdrop for the magnificent tomb of the benefactor. The sculptures in the chapel are the work of Domenico Guidi and Ercole Ferrata.