Deep within the New Town market square rises a snow-white church with a greenish roof. Until 1688, this site was occupied by a palace belonging to the local nobleman Adam Kotowski. But Queen Maria Sobieska bought this building from him and handed it over to the Benedictine monks. The renowned architect Tilman Van Gameren was invited to convert the palace into a monastery. In four years, the Dutch architect turned it into a true masterpiece of religious architecture.
However, in 1944, the Church of St. Casimir was destroyed under powerful strikes by Nazi bombers. A hospital was located inside, so the Germans tried with all their might to destroy this building. Hundreds of wounded people and nurses died then. Only 10 years later did they begin restoring the building from old drawings. Of the remaining ruins, only the organ, bells, and pulpit of the church survived.
Nowadays, the church once again shines in all its splendor, attracting tourists and pilgrims. Many strive to go inside to see the tomb of the last princess of the Sobieski line - the granddaughter of King Jan III Sobieski - Maria Karolina. Her tomb depicts a cracked shield and a crown that seems to be falling downward, symbolizing the end of the royal dynasty. Maria Karolina left no children behind, becoming the last princess in the line.
