Detection of Unknown Crypts under the Floor in the Holy Trinity Church (Dominican Monastery) in Krakow, Poland

¹ AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, A. Mickiewicza Av. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
² AGH University of Science and Technology, University Computer Centre, A. Mickiewicza Av. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

^* Corresponding author: tomecka@agh.edu.pl

Abstract

The GPR surveying method belongs to non-invasive and quick geophysical methods, applied also in archaeological prospection. It allows for detecting archaeological artefacts buried under historical layers, and also those which can be found within buildings of historical value. Most commonly, just as in this particular case, it is used in churches, where other non-invasive localisation methods cannot be applied. In a majority of cases, surveys bring about highly positive results, enabling the site and size of a specific object to be indicated. A good example are the results obtained from the measurements carried out in the Basilica of Holy Trinity, belonging to the Dominican Monastery in Krakow. They allowed for confirming the location of the already existing crypts and for indicating so-far unidentified objects.