The Church of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Stanislaus, known as Skałka, is one of those Kraków sites worth visiting for more than purely religious reasons. According to tradition, it was here in 1079 that Bishop Stanislaus of Szczepanów suffered a martyr’s death, and a strong tradition of veneration and pilgrimage developed around the church.
The Pauline monks run the monastic complex; the site also contains the Crypt of the Distinguished — the resting place of notable creators and artists, which often surprises visitors with its atmosphere and the list of those buried there.
Enter the square, step inside the church and pay attention to the chapel of St. Stanislaus with the characteristic stump where the martyr’s drops of blood are said to have fallen. It’s one of the more moving spots inside the sanctuary.
Don’t miss the small pool in the courtyard and the Baroque setting that has long been part of local tradition. In the center of the courtyard stands the Altar of the Three Millennia, a sculptural work that plays an important role in services and processions.
The Crypt of the Distinguished deserves its own moment — take time to see the tombstones of several famous Poles connected with culture and literature.
If you are interested in architecture: the façade and the grand steps leading up to the church were shaped in the 18th century and give the place a dignified Baroque character, contrasting with the often-busy Vistula bank.
The church itself is an active place of worship — entrance to the sanctuary is often free (especially during Mass), but some parts of the monastic complex and access to selected rooms (gardens, library, certain interiors) are sometimes only available to visitors during guided tours.
In summer the Pauline monastery frequently organises regular guided tours — dates and rules may change from year to year, so it’s worth checking current information in advance or contacting the monastery by phone or e-mail to arrange a group or individual visit.
Masses are celebrated according to the regular schedule; if you plan to visit, check the liturgy times so you don’t arrive during a service when some spaces may be unavailable to tourists.
Entrance to the church and a walk around the courtyard usually do not require payment, but if you want to see the sacristy, library or monastic garden, be prepared to join a guided tour or book a visit in advance.
Skałka sits on the Vistula bank on the route that links Wawel with Kazimierz, so it fits perfectly into a walk that starts at Wawel, follows the riverbank and ends among the streets of Kazimierz. The route is short and picturesque — a great option if you want to experience several different faces of Kraków in one outing.
On foot from Wawel you can reach Skałka in a few to several minutes by following the riverside promenade. Along the way you’ll pass places linked to the legends of St. Stanislaus and remnants of Kazimierz’s old defensive walls.
If you use public transport, buses and trams run nearby from the city centre; however, it’s often most pleasant to park or get off a stop a little earlier and walk so you can soak up the neighbourhood’s atmosphere.
Don’t plan your visit during major Masses or liturgies if you want an uninterrupted look inside; on such days some spaces are reserved for the faithful and participants in the service.
Don’t confuse Skałka with Wawel — although both places are connected to the history of St. Stanislaus, their characters differ: Wawel is a large museum complex and a national symbol, while Skałka is a sanctuary and a quiet riverside enclave.
Don’t assume everything is open all the time — the library and monastic gardens are often only accessible as part of organised tours, so if you particularly want to see them, arrange a visit in advance.
Remember to dress appropriately for a church: beachwear or very short clothing and loud behaviour are not appropriate here — it’s a place of prayer and reflection.
Kazimierz offers a wide selection of places, from cosy cafés to well-rated restaurants. If you’re after coffee and a light meal, look for the many popular cafés and bookcafés in the area where you can relax after a riverside walk.
If you plan to stay longer, consider visiting local restaurants serving Polish cuisine and cafés praised for their atmosphere and quality. Pay attention to reviews and book a table for weekend evenings — Kazimierz can get very busy.
Skałka is not only a site of martyrdom: over the years it also became, alongside Wawel, a kind of necropolis — the local crypt contains figures who had a major influence on Polish culture.
Old sources and legends speak about the pool whose water was believed to have healing properties, especially for the eyes — this local tradition attracted pilgrims for centuries.
The present look of the square and the steps is the result of 18th-century rebuildings that gave the place its Baroque appearance and made Skałka a point worth stopping at during a walk.
Is entrance to Skałka paid? - Entrance to the church and a walk around the courtyard are usually free, but access to some parts of the monastery requires joining an organised tour.
Can you take photos inside? - Generally yes, with respect for the place and other people. Please refrain from photographing during liturgical celebrations.
How much time should I allow for the visit? - A short visit can be done in 30–45 minutes; if you want to see the crypt and join a guided tour, allow 1–1.5 hours.
Is the site accessible for people with reduced mobility? - The area in front of the church and part of the interior are accessible, but some historic rooms and stairs may present difficulties; check details when booking tours.
If you want to arrange a guided tour, visit parts of the monastery available only with a guide, or check the latest information about Mass times and events, it’s best to contact the Pauline monastery directly. Contact details are available on the sanctuary’s website; you can also call or e‑mail to confirm dates and visiting conditions.
In the summer season additional joint guided tours are often organised; if you want the full experience (gardens, library, sacristy), agree on a date in advance.
Come in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and to better feel the atmosphere of the place.
Combine a visit to Skałka with a walk to Wawel and into the heart of Kazimierz — that way you’ll see different sides of Kraków in a short time.
If you want to learn more about the site’s history and see spaces not normally open to everyday visitors, arrange a guided tour in advance.
If this article was helpful — please share it with friends or on social media. If you dream of a personal guided tour, feel welcome to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website.
