Renaissance (16th Century)
The ruling of the last Jagiellon was a time of splendour for Wawel. In that time, (between 1507–1536) the Royal Seat was thoroughly rebuilt. Sigismund I the Old sponsored that enormous undertaking. The works were supervised by two Italians: Francisco from Florence and Bartolommeo Berrecci. After their death, Benedykt from Sandomierz continued their work. From light arcade galleries of the courtyard, supported by slender columns one enters spacious and sunlit chambers. The inside of the castle, including the splendid Deputy Hall with its coffering ceiling, gives evidence of the great skills of both Italian and Polish craftsmen. Palace chambers were decorated with tapestries which Sigismund August purchased in large quantities. In the beginning of the 16th century, the tombstone of John Olbracht was placed in the niche sculptured by Francesco Fiorentino. That is the first renaissance work of art in Poland. In 1517 the construction of the Sigismund's Chapel started which acted as the mausoleum of the last Jagiellon. Sixteen years later the construction was completed. From that period other tombstones remained, such as those of Cardinal Frederic Jagiellon and of bishops Piotr Gamrat, Piotr Tomicki, Jan Konarski, Jan Chojenski and Samuel Maciejowski. In 1520 Sigismund Bell was cast. In the Cathedral one may find manneristic works of art: the tombstones of Stephen Báthory and bishop Fillip Padniewski – both designed by Santi Gucci and also the tombstone of bishop Andrzej Zebrzydowski designed by Jan Michalowicz from Urzedow.
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