If you’re planning a walk around the Main Market Square on one of those cool, golden autumn days, the small Church of St. Wojciech (Market Square 2) is worth slipping in between St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall. From the outside it looks modest, but inside and under the floor it hides a thousand years of history — literally.
Autumn is a great time: summer tourist crowds subside, late-afternoon light creates a beautiful atmosphere, and shorter days make for a more intimate visit to the interior and the underground museum exhibition.
There are fewer people on the Square — it’s more pleasant to step into small sacred interiors and feel the character of the place. Early autumn also offers nice, soft light that brings out details of the stone façade and the Baroque interior.
Temperatures are usually milder than in winter, so it’s more comfortable to go down to the crypts and read the exhibition panels. After the visit it’s also easier to find a table in a nearby café for a warming hot chocolate or tea.
The Church of St. Wojciech on its present site goes back a very long time — the origins of the building reach the beginnings of the second millennium. The oldest stone parts are dated to the 11th–12th centuries, although tradition speaks of an even earlier wooden church. It is one of the oldest preserved sacral buildings within the Main Market Square area.
Over the centuries the church underwent small reconstructions — in the 17th and 18th centuries it acquired a Baroque interior, a dome and additions. Over time the level of the Market Square pavement has risen significantly, which is why Romanesque fragments of the walls are now below the current square surface.
Under the church floor there is a small museum exhibition prepared by the local Archaeological Museum. The display tells the story of the Market Square and the church itself — from wooden phases to Romanesque and later reconstructions.
You will see fragments of Romanesque walls, remnants of old floors, column elements, roof tiles and objects found during archaeological research. The exhibition has been modernized and enhanced with multimedia elements that make it easier to imagine how the building changed over the centuries.
During excavations archaeologists also uncovered remains of a cemetery that functioned alongside the church — hundreds of burials dated from the 11th to the 14th century, which offers a unique perspective on the life of the urban community in medieval Kraków.
9:30–10:30 — Start with a peaceful walk around the Market Square; early morning is great for photos and a quiet atmosphere before the day becomes busier. Take a look at the church exterior and notice the Romanesque wall fragments visible below the pavement level.
10:30–11:15 — Go inside the church: it has an intimate Baroque interior — take a moment to sit and feel the atmosphere. Notice small details, such as the old rood beam with an image of Christ and other sculptural elements.
11:15–12:00 — Descend to the underground museum exhibition. The visit usually takes 30–45 minutes — a perfect time to learn more about the Market Square’s history and to see original finds from the excavations.
12:00–13:30 — Break for lunch or coffee: choose one of the recommended nearby cafés or restaurants. After your meal you can continue exploring the area: St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall and Grodzka Street are all within easy walking distance.
Right next door are the most important points of the Old Town: St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall and Grodzka Street leading toward Wawel. Everything can be seen on foot in a single walk.
In autumn a walk along Grodzka toward Wawel is especially pleasant — golden leaves and fewer crowds make the route particularly picturesque.
Cafe Camelot (ul. Świętego Tomasza) — a cosy café with an artistic interior, known for homemade cakes and rich hot chocolates; ideal for a warming drink after sightseeing.
Miód Malina (ul. Grodzka) — an elegant restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine with a modern twist; a popular choice for a relaxed afternoon meal.
Wierzynek — the historic, prestigious restaurant on the Market Square; an option for a special meal (reservations are recommended, especially at weekends).
Thinking the church is just a 5‑minute stop — the interior and the crypts deserve a calm 30–45 minutes, especially if you’re interested in archaeology and the Market’s history.
Not checking opening hours — the underground exhibition can be seasonal or have changed hours, so it’s a good idea to confirm availability before you come.
Dressing inappropriately — autumn can be chilly underground; bring an extra light layer and sturdy shoes for the uneven cobblestones.
Where is the entrance and do you have to go down? — The entrance is at street level from the Market Square; due to historical level differences you’ll need to go down a few steps to enter the church and reach the crypts.
How long does a visit take? — The whole visit (interior + underground exhibition) typically takes 45–90 minutes, depending on how much time you spend with the displays.
Are there tickets? — The underground museum exhibition may require an admission fee — check current information before your visit or ask at the Archaeological Museum information point.
Is the site accessible for people with limited mobility? — Due to historic construction and steps, access may be difficult; if accessibility is essential, contact the museum in advance.
How do I get there? — The church is located at Market Square 2, in the heart of Kraków’s Old Town. It’s easily reached on foot from nearby tram stops and from anywhere around the Main Market Square.
The level of the Main Market Square has risen over the centuries — fragments of Romanesque walls and a portal are now almost two metres below the current pavement, which you can notice if you look closely at the façade.
In the underground exhibition you’ll find artefacts from other, now‑lost Kraków churches — a reminder of how the city changed and how many places of former importance have disappeared from the urban landscape.
Check current opening hours of the exhibition and any scheduled closures (it’s worth confirming before you arrive).
Bring comfortable shoes, layered clothing and a camera — autumn light works wonderfully here.
After your visit, recommend this intimate spot to friends — small places often leave the biggest impression.
If this article helped you — share it with friends or on social media. The small Church of St. Wojciech is an ideal place for an autumn walk in Kraków and for a quiet, detail‑rich discovery of the city’s history.
If you’d like a guided visit with more stories about the Market, the crypts and local legends, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz. A guided tour can add context and bring out lesser‑known details that make these familiar places come alive.
