St. Andrew's Church on Grodzka Street is not just another historic point on Kraków's map — it's a true relic of 11th-century Romanesque architecture that also served defensive purposes for centuries. Its austere stone mass and two octagonal towers signal that this church could be a refuge for the townspeople in the hardest moments of the city's history. It's an easy and rewarding stop on a walk along the Royal Route between Wawel and the Main Market Square, and it can surprise you as much with its interior as with its story.
The church was built at the end of the 11th century and is one of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in Kraków. Over later centuries it was rebuilt and reinforced — notably in response to Tatar-Mongol raids — and since the 14th century it has been associated with the Poor Clares convent. The interior, richly decorated in Baroque style, hides features such as an original boat-shaped pulpit and a main altar in the Baroque manner. In the convent you can also find valuable items connected to the history of the religious community.
St. Andrew's is best reached on foot as part of a short stroll along Grodzka and the surrounding streets. Because it is an active place of worship, please respect services and moments of silence — plan interior visits outside liturgy hours when possible. Some monastery rooms or exhibits may have limited access, so check availability before a longer trip. Photography is often allowed, but in certain places it's best to be discreet and avoid using flash during services.
Kraków has a rich vegetarian and vegan scene, and many excellent places are within walking distance of the Old Town. If you want a reliable, quick option, try well-established spots that locals recommend — for example Glonojad (Plac Jana Matejki 2) - a popular vegetarian bar near the market; Krowarzywa (Sławkowska 8) - known for vegan burgers; Vegab (Starowiślna 8) - a well-known vegan kebab; and Momo (Dietla 49 in Kazimierz) - Asian-inspired plant-based dishes. Choose places with good local ratings: they usually use fresh ingredients, clearly mark vegan dishes and can often adapt dishes for allergies. Remember the restaurant scene changes, so it's wise to check opening hours briefly before you go.
Plant-based Kraków is more than salads: you'll find creative burgers, Asian dishes without meat, falafel, Mediterranean-inspired plates and refined vegan desserts. Places listed above often offer seasonal menus and gluten-free options, plus drinks made with plant milks. If you like local takes on classics, try vegetarian pierogi or seasonal vegetable soups — simple but very satisfying culinary experiences.
Assuming all popular places are open every day and until late — many venues have irregular hours or close seasonally. The easiest solution is to check opening times before you leave. Confusing Kraków's districts — the walk from Wawel to Kazimierz is short, but some streets are narrow or under renovation, which can slow you down. Expecting to always pay by card in small places — many accept cards, but it's smart to carry a little cash. Not reading allergy labels — if you have food allergies, ask the staff about ingredients and whether dishes can be modified.
St. Andrew's Church is sometimes called the 'lower castle' because of its defensive features and its territorial relationship with Wawel. Inside you'll notice stylistic layers from different eras: the severity of the Romanesque exterior contrasts with the lavish Baroque interior, creating an interesting visual effect. On the culinary side — many Kraków vegan spots experiment with meat-like textures (seitan, flavored tofu), which surprises even visitors who usually eat meat.
Is St. Andrew's Church easy to include on an Old Town walk? Yes — it's on Grodzka and fits naturally into the classic route from Wawel to the Market Square. Will there be many vegan options in the center? Yes — around the Old Town and Kazimierz you can find many venues offering plant-based dishes, from street food to bistros. Do I need to reserve a table? At peak times (weekend dinners, Sunday brunches) reservations are recommended, especially for smaller bistros. How can I check if a restaurant is open? The most reliable way is a quick check in a search engine, the restaurant's website or a phone call.
If you enjoyed this text, share it with friends — it helps others plan a great walk around Kraków. Remember the local food offer changes quickly; before you go, do a short check of opening hours and availability. If you'd like to explore Kraków with someone who knows the city 'from the kitchen' and can combine history with culinary stops, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have a great route and enjoy your meal!
