Cost of works: 1,016,186.03 PLN
Stage I: 470,285.62 PLN
- 100,000 PLN funding from the Marshal’s Office
- 200,000 PLN funding from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
- 170,285.62 PLN own contribution
Stage II: 545,900.41 PLN
- 250,000 PLN funding from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
- 100,000 PLN funding from the Marshal’s Office
- 195,900.41 PLN own contribution
The western part of the basilica (facing Nowy Świat) stands on solid rock, but the eastern side rests on an artificial embankment. It was on this embankment, back in 1722–1724, that the stairs leading up to the church were built, forming the base of its front façade.
The slope was never reinforced properly and, over the years, the whole structure began to shift more and more. By 2008, the situation became critical – we had to act immediately to save this amazing monument from a construction disaster. A full renovation of the stairs and reinforcement of the sliding slope became absolutely necessary.
The works were split into two stages:
- In 2008, Stage I focused on the upper part of the stairs.
- In 2009, Stage II covered the lower part of the slope and stairs (over 700 m²).
During the renovation, all steps and terrace slabs were dismantled, the ground was reinforced, new foundations were poured, drainage installed, and then the steps and slabs were put back. As planned, about 20% of the damaged elements were replaced with completely new ones.
