St. Stanislaus Kostka

I went to St. Stanislaus Kostka in the Strip District on the Saturday before Saint Patrick’s Day and every good Pittsburgher knows that Saturday is the day when you can find beer at breakfast and more revelry than most would bargain for in Market Square.  I made the mistake of scheduling four churches that day.  After finding a parking spot near the church, a near miracle in itself, I decided to stick with the plan.  And I’m glad I did—these churches are beautiful. 

St. Stanislaus is a Polish Catholic church and the structure is roughly 117 years old.  The church has been preserved as a National Historic Landmark and is located at one end of the main stretch of market vendors on Smallman Street.  According to a helpful staff member who took some time to show me around, the church hired a lighting designer about a year ago and all lighting fixtures were replaced and special ceramic halide lights were installed on the columns to illuminate the murals on the ceiling with a neutral light made to mimic daylight.  Although, I think it made a striped pattern that is only visible in photos.  I definitely didn’t notice the striping while at the church.