18th of April 2010 - the funeral of the tragically died Presidential Couple in Kraków.

"It will be the funeral of the head of the state, the person who personificated the dignity of the Polish Republic" - Jacek Majchrowski, the president of Kraków, said after confirming the decision to organizei n Kraków the funeral ceremony of the president of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, and his wife Maria and assured that Kraków is ready to handle such an important task.


Maria and Lech Kaczyńscy

That decision was confirmed on tuesday (13th of April) at 6 pm by the cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz. The Krakowian part of the funeral ceremonies of the presidential couple will begin on Sunday (18th of April) at 2 pm with the Mass in St. Mary's Basilica on the Main Market Square. After the Mass, the funeral conduct will continue to the Cathedral on the Wawel Hill. Berlin Philharmonics will also perform during the Mass.

Ceremony will be screen on few screens in Kraków and on Trafalgar square in London. Transmition will be made by 3 the biggest Polish TV station and available for free to any other institution.

"That decision should integrate, not divide. My sincere wish is that this funeral takes place in consensus, in atmosphere of benevolence and peace" - asked cardinal Dziwisz.

Kardinal Stanisław Dziwisz

The citizens of Kraków and guests arriving to the city to take part in the ceremony will have the chance to see it on two telebeams on the Main Market Sq. It is still being decided where more of them should stand, among places considered is the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki.

On Sunday (18th of April) on the Main Market Sq there won't be any market stalls or cafe gardens. It won't be possible to enter it from the side of Mały Rynek and Grodzka St.

From 5 pm on Saturday (17th of April) some streets in the center and on the way to Balice airport will be closed to the general public. On the following day, from early morning hours all streets around the Wawel will be closed. In those places the road police officers will inform about the obstructions and show the way to the by-passes.

For the day of the ceremony several points for lost children will be established - two stationary in police stations in 21 Lubicz St and 27 Main Market Sq and two mobile (in marked cars) - near the Wawel and train station.

The medical point will be on the Main Market Sq, between the Cloth Hall and the St. Adalbert church.

The security measures during the ceremony and the safety of participants and guests will be conducted by 2.500 policemen from Kraków and other Polish cities, mostly prevention and road safety, but also undercover agents.

Source: www.krakow.pl
Translation: Free Walking Tour team