Jasna Gora in Czestochowa - Station 14 - St. James Bastion

Description

You are now in St. James bastion, also called the royal bastion or, from the names of the patrons, the Potocki bastion. From here there is a view over the altar in front of the Summit (photo 01.14.001), Błonia of Jasna Gora and the square in front of the four gates. In the middle of the bastion there is a column with a statue of father Augustine Kordecki (photo 01.14.002). The monument, made of bronze, was built in 1859 and designed by Henryk Stattler (photo 01.14.003). On the sides of the pedestal there are the coats of arms of the meritorious people that acted in defence of Jasna Gora during the Swedish deluge: Czarniecki, Krzyżtoporski, Skorzewski, Zamoyski, and a plaque with the Icon of Our Lady of Jasna Gora (photo 01.14.004). On both sides there are two eagles in a crown (photo 01.14.005-01.14.006).

The fortification of Jasna Gora began in the 17th century. In 1620, King Zygmunt III Wasa commissioned a defensive wall to the court architect, Andrea dell'Aqua. He used patterns of Italian and Dutch fortifications, which at that time were considered to be the most solid. The four corner bastions were completed in 1631. They were built on the basis of earthen fortifications on a arrowhead plan, thanks to which the line of defence was developed. A dry moat surrounding the hill of Jasna Góra was also built. The expansion of the fortifications was continued by the king’s son: Władysław IV Wasa. The stronghold served not only to protect the monastery, the miraculous icon, and precious votive gifts, but had an important defensive function for the whole country, since by that time Częstochowa was close to the border of the country. In 1711 Jasna Gora was surrounded by a palisade. Recent changes were made in 1743. In the 19th century, by order of the Tsar Alexander I Pavlovich, the walls were destroyed to the first floor. Fortunately, after 30 years the Tsar Nicholas I Romanov allowed the reconstruction of the fortifications, and so, from 1843 the walls of Jasna Gora stand unchanged to this day.

If you want to deepen your knowledge about Jasna Gora, we invite you now to the Treasury of Jasna Gora and the National Memorial Chapel. The entrance is through the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament.