Rakowicki Cemetery is not only a place of remembrance — it’s also a space full of history, sculpture and architecture, ideal for a calm family walk. Founded at the beginning of the 19th century (around 1802/1803), it has grown to several dozen hectares and become one of Kraków’s most important necropolises. To help children see the visit as something meaningful rather than frightening, it’s worth explaining beforehand that this is where the city keeps memories of people, artists and heroes, and that the alleys and monuments are like an open-air museum. For adults, Rakowicki also offers remarkable heritage — tombs of well-known Cracovians, war graves and the Avenue of the Distinguished, where people important to Polish culture and history rest.
A walk through the cemetery can combine reflection with learning: it naturally explains the city’s history, shows different artistic styles of tombstones and teaches respect. On All Saints’ Day the place is full of life — many families come, there are collection drives and increased patrols, so it’s good to arrive prepared and to plan your route.
For many families a visit to Rakowicki around November 1 is a ritual — for others it will be a first contact with the Polish tradition of remembering the dead. Regardless of why you come, places such as the cemetery chapel or collective monuments are good starting points for calm conversations with children about history and empathy.
Around All Saints’ Day traffic near Kraków’s cemeteries is heavy — the city usually runs extra tram and bus services and changes traffic arrangements near the necropolises. For families, public transport is often the best option — it avoids parking problems and long walks from distant lots.
Municipal cemeteries usually extend opening hours around November 1; the city and the Cemetery Authority announce details before the holiday. There can be queues at entrances — try to arrive earlier, especially if you plan to visit specific graves.
Prepare for crowds and longer walks: bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing and a small backpack with essentials (water, tissues, spare batteries for lanterns). It’s also useful to download the cemetery map in advance (available as a PDF on city pages and from the cemetery manager) or use an online grave locator to find a plot quickly.
For families with children it’s a good idea to plan a short 45–90 minute loop instead of trying to “see everything” in the crowds. Here’s an example family-friendly route: enter from Rakowicka Street — take a quick look down the main alleys and at the cemetery chapel — walk to the Avenue of the Distinguished (where many famous Cracovians are buried) — pause briefly at selected war monuments and symbolic graves — rest in a quieter spot among sculptures and trees — exit toward the military section near Prandoty Street. The route is flexible and can be adjusted to the children’s pace.
When choosing stops, focus on a few “attractions” that will catch children’s attention: interesting sculptures, monuments with angels, and large tombs that look like small buildings. You can prepare short stories about some of the people buried there — simple, kid-friendly and without excessive drama. Remember to keep respectful silence where appropriate.
If you have a small stroller, plan your route along the main alleys — not all side paths are even or stroller-friendly.
At Rakowicki you’ll find tombs and mausoleums of famous Cracovians and sculptural works of high artistic value. Make time for the Avenue of the Distinguished, where people linked to the city’s culture and science rest. Visitors often stop at family plots of well-known artists, monuments commemorating participants of national uprisings and war graves from different conflicts.
There are also sculptures with a strong artistic expression — many tombs were executed by notable 19th- and 20th-century sculptors. Look out for symbolic monuments, mass graves of insurgents and soldiers, and artistic mausoleums that tell Kraków’s story and that of its inhabitants.
For families who want an extra educational layer: check the map in advance and pick a few graves “to visit” — that gives the walk structure and makes it easier to tell short, accessible stories to children.
During All Saints’ Day the city usually opens additional entrances and exits at large cemeteries, provides sanitary services (extra portable toilets), waste containers and increases the presence of order services. There are also assistance points for people with disabilities — typically extra wheelchairs or internal transport options within the necropolis.
Many cemeteries host collection drives for the restoration of historic tombstones and stalls selling small accessories (candles, flowers). Children may encounter volunteers — explain that these efforts help care for memory and monuments.
The city also issues practical information (maps, traffic organization and timetables for extra lines). Expect larger crowds on November 1 and longer times needed to move along the alleys.
- Try to arrive outside peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) — queues at entrances are usually shorter then.
- On All Saints’ Day use public transport rather than a car — trams or buses are usually faster and avoid parking issues.
- For children bring a small torch or a light-up keyring (useful if it gets darker) and battery-operated lanterns instead of open flames — they’re safer in large crowds.
- If you have a stroller, stick to main alleys. Not every side path is adapted; some sections can be stony or muddy after rain.
- Agree on a meeting point in case you get separated in the crowd and keep a charged phone with you.
- Respect other visitors’ space — a cemetery is a place of reflection and memory, so speak quietly and observe silence where required.
Is the cemetery open at night on All Saints’ Day? - Opening hours may be extended, but exact details are published by the cemetery manager and the city before the holiday; check current information a few days in advance.
How do I find a specific grave? - The Cemetery Authority provides an online grave locator and downloadable orientation plans. This is a big help if you want to find a particular plot in the crowds.
Can I drive into the cemetery grounds? - Vehicle access is limited and traffic arrangements usually change around the cemeteries. It’s better to plan on public transport.
Are there toilets and baby-changing facilities? - Extra portable toilets are typically available near entrances; for families with small children it’s worth planning a break in a nearby café or other venue.
Can I light a candle at someone else’s grave? - In Poland this is common; if there are no explicit prohibitions you can light a candle at a symbolic grave. Remember to be careful with open flames and avoid leaving them unattended.
After a walk through the cemetery a short break for something warm is welcome: tea, coffee and a piece of cake will help restore energy, especially in cool weather. Around Rakowicka and near the city centre you’ll find several cosy cafés and small restaurants that are family-friendly — consider places such as Blossom Café on Rakowicka Street, Wesoła Cafe or Baqaro Rakowicka. These options are convenient for a quiet sit-down and a warm drink.
If you want to continue learning about Kraków, plan a short walk to nearby historical points or to a city park where children can stretch their legs after the long walk.
Please don’t leave trash at the cemetery — use available bins. That’s part of showing respect for the place and other visitors.
- Prepare a short story or anecdote about one chosen grave — it will help children remember the visit as a story, not a chore.
- Bring battery-operated lanterns or small enclosed candles that are safer in crowds.
- Set a simple rule about quiet and order, but encourage children to ask questions — this is a great moment to talk about memory and history.
- If someone in the family has mobility issues, check in advance about assistance for people with disabilities or the possibility of internal transport within the cemetery.
A visit to Rakowicki Cemetery at All Saints’ Day can be a valuable family experience — it combines remembrance, history and contact with local culture. With good planning, basic safety rules and a short, thoughtful route, even the youngest participants can leave with positive memories and new knowledge about Kraków. If you’re in the city at this time, consider Rakowicki as part of a wider plan to explore: a few minutes of reflection, a little learning and then a well-deserved rest with a warm drink.
Enjoy your walk and have a calm, meaningful visit — Małgorzata Kasprowicz (guide, zwiedzaniekrakowa.com) — I invite you to discover Kraków with respect for its history and people.
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