Jan Zaor Polish Baroque architect Country: Poland

1. Jan Zaor: A Baroque Architect
2. Residence in Krakow and Vilnius
3. Antakalnis Church and Palace
4. Construction and Legacy
5. Return to Krakow

Jan Zaor: A Baroque Architect

Jan Zaor, a Baroque architect of Polish origin, emerged in the architectural scene around 1638. His earliest known project is the monastery building in the village of Gołąb (Lublin, Poland).

Residence in Krakow and Vilnius

Zaor resided in Krakow, where he acquired a profound understanding of Baroque building techniques and amassed an impressive collection of architectural literature. From 1668 onwards, he spent considerable time in Vilnius, where he left a significant architectural legacy.

Antakalnis Church and Palace

Zaor's most notable work is the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Antakalnis, Vilnius. Commissioned by the Grand Hetman of Lithuania Michał Kazimierz Pac, Zaor designed and constructed the church. Legend has it that he transported a wooden model of the church from Krakow to Vilnius, earning a substantial payment of 500 zlotys. Zaor is also believed to have designed Pac's palace on the city's main street (now Didžioji g. 7).

Construction and Legacy

Zaor's architectural skills were recognized with a payment of 2519 zlotys for the construction of the Antakalnis church. He is said to have brought a team of 300 builders, although records only mention eight known craftsmen from Krakow and Vilnius who collaborated with him.

Return to Krakow

Upon completing the Antakalnis church in 1671, Zaor returned to Krakow. The last historical record mentioning him dates back to 1675, marking the end of his documented architectural career.