frjack Loc: Boston, MA

The crypt below the altar in the Church of St. Casimir in Vilnius, lay undisturbed and undiscovered for centuries until after the church was returned to the Jesuits in 1988 and reconsecrated in 1991. Despite the multiple incarnations, the crypt from the 17th century lay undiscovered for centuries until it was found by accident after the church was returned to the Jesuits who undertook intensive restoration. I had it to myself for two mid-week afternoons, an amazing experience.

The walls are covered by drawings that are primitive as well as various Latin prayers. The lines on which the letters of the prayers were written are quite visible. A number of bodies discovered under the church were transferred to the crypt. A relic of St. Andrew Bobola, Sj, a Polish Jesuit and martyr is on display in the crypt.

the first day there one of the men took me to the crypt, showed me where the lights were, handed me a key, and said the equivalent of See ya' I remain grateful for the many hours I was able to stay there and stay out of the single-digit F cold.

The church. The steps down to the crypt are behind the main altar.

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The lighting and color casts were a problem making everything look jaundiced Everything was shot with an Olympus E-5.

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Taken while sitting on the top step leading down. Opened and closed the gate as desired.

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Another of the images that is rather blurry and somewhat deteriorated. Restoration efforts are underway.

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I did not wander beyond cosed doors too much. The E-5 was a great camera but left a lot to be desired despite faster lenses.

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The reliquary of St. Andrew Bobola. I think it is part of his femur but am not certain.

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luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

I am in awe!! And speechless! The artwork and (for lack of the correct word) penmanship of that era is gorgeous!! The masonry on the lower left of #5 is beautiful. That entire church is just gorgeous and I really appreciate you photographing it. What a find!!!

Thank you for sharing and I hope there is more.

Dodie

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thank you for your kind remarks. I remain grateful to the Jesuits who hosted me for ten days and gave me free access to the church and the crypt. The crypt blew me out of the water. That it remained undisturbed for centuries was and is incredible.

Tom70 Loc: NY

Yes the Jusits did a great job and you did also, thanks for showing us their and your great work

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

What an incredible experience and opportunity for you to visit such a holy and historic site. Though your photographs are very good, I can only imagine the experience of actually standing in this hallowed area and being in the presence of such sacred history.
--Bob

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

A Fantastic set!!!
Great work!!

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

Fantastic find

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

Beautifully captured photos of a VERY interesting church and crypt! Quite interesting history, and tour of the crypt. A place where I will probably never get to visit, except thru your lens. Thanks for sharing!!!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

What an interesting set of photos! Thanks for posting these.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

What a great find! Nicely done.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good series, Jack.

srfmhg Loc: Marin County, CA

Fantastic set Jack!

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Had to be an awesome experience frjack. Wonderful images!

Don