The underground spaces around Kraków offer a unique experience that blends history, sacred art and atmospheres conducive to reflection. For pilgrimage groups, visiting underground chapels, crypts or archaeological museums can complement the spiritual program — providing time for contemplation while showing tangible evidence of faith and everyday life from past centuries.
Combining cultural routes with religious elements also has a practical side: many underground sites provide dedicated spaces for worship (for example chapels in the salt mine), which allows a service to be held in an unusual and memorable setting. For many pilgrims, a visit to such places becomes a powerful, multi-sensory experience.
Beneath Kraków and its immediate surroundings there are several distinct types of underground attractions: archaeological museums under the Main Market, crypts and sacred underground spaces associated with major churches, and extensive underground systems outside the city — the best known being the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Each place has a different character: from interactive museum displays, through historical necropolises, to active chapels and pilgrimage routes.
When choosing sites, consider the goal of your pilgrimage: if the priority is the sacred and participation in Mass, the best picks are places with underground chapels (for example the pilgrimage route in the salt mine). If the aim is to deepen historical knowledge and educate participants — the Rynek Underground (Podziemia Rynku) with its archaeological exhibition and multimedia reconstructions is an excellent choice.
The Rynek Underground in central Kraków is an extensive archaeological and multimedia exhibition located beneath part of the Main Market Square. The route leads visitors past exposed remains of former buildings, market stalls and urban structures, complemented by reconstructions and digital presentations that show life in the medieval city. Exhibits and multimedia reconstructions aim to demonstrate the continuity of trade and urban life across centuries.
For pilgrimage groups the Rynek Underground is primarily a historical and cultural stop rather than a liturgical venue. The route is well prepared for large groups but usually runs to a set schedule and under the guidance of a museum guide — so include it in your itinerary if your program has an educational component.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located a few kilometres from central Kraków, has long combined tourist and religious values. The mine’s underground spaces include numerous chapels and places of devotion; the most important is St. Kinga’s Chapel — richly decorated with salt sculptures and containing relics of the patroness of miners. On a special pilgrimage route visitors can pass through historic chapels, prayer places and an exhibition showcasing the sacred dimension of salt mining.
The Pilgrimage Route offers the possibility of celebrating Mass in one of the underground chapels, which is a truly unique experience — a ceremony held tens of metres below ground has a strong symbolic resonance. The pilgrimage route is available only to guided groups and usually requires advance reservation and notification of liturgical intentions if a Mass is planned.
Bookings and group size - most underground sites accept groups only by prior reservation. For pilgrimage groups it’s wise to book well in advance, especially in the high season and in weeks around major religious holidays. Some venues offer special rates or conditions for organised groups.
Time and logistics - allow time for walks, descents and the stairs you’ll need to climb. Underground routes can be long and often involve many steps; plan breaks and clearly inform participants about the physical requirements. Combining several points (for example Rynek Underground + Wawel + Wieliczka) requires realistic timing for transfers and separate reservations for each entrance.
Liturgical formalities - if you plan to celebrate Mass underground, contact the site staff and your group chaplain ahead of time. Many places have designated chapels and allow celebrations, but they require notifications, agreements on liturgical arrangements and sometimes fees for reserving the space.
Clothing and safety - underground temperatures tend to be lower and stable, so bring light outer layers. Many sites restrict work clothing or slippery shoes; advise the group to wear comfortable, stable footwear. Also remember limitations for people with restricted mobility — not every route is wheelchair accessible.
Restrictions due to the nature of the sites - many underground routes have narrow passages and steps, which can be difficult for people with claustrophobia or mobility issues. Check in advance for alternative routes or the possibility of arranging a shortened visit.
Program changes and closure days - some venues close routes on public holidays or limit visits because of religious ceremonies. For large pilgrimages local sanctuaries and museums sometimes modify opening hours; have a flexible plan and a local contact person.
Sample morning: arrival in Kraków, visit to a basilica and a short service in one of the historic downtown parishes. Before noon: visit the Rynek Underground — archaeological exhibition and guided tour.
Sample afternoon: transfer to Wieliczka, take part in the salt mine’s pilgrimage route with the option to celebrate Mass in an underground chapel. Finish: return to accommodation or an evening thanksgiving prayer. This plan combines cultural and spiritual elements without excessive haste.
Clearly communicate the route length, difficulty level and required footwear. Note whether religious ceremonies are planned underground and what formalities need to be completed (for example registering Mass intentions).
It’s useful to prepare a short historical note about the places to be visited — a few sentences about St. Kinga’s Chapel or the significance of archaeological finds in the Rynek Underground helps participants enter the context and gives the visit deeper meaning.
Many venues offer group tickets and discounts for organised pilgrim groups. The Wieliczka Salt Mine has specialised group offers and separate routes (tourist, miners’, pilgrimage), which differ in length and price. Fees for reserving a chapel or for holding Mass may be charged additionally.
Book guides and tickets in advance, and for larger groups consider hiring a coach with a driver familiar with local conditions and parking — this greatly eases logistics between sites.
Combining visits to Kraków’s underground with a pilgrimage is a valuable option for groups who want to mix spiritual experiences with an understanding of the region’s cultural heritage. When choosing sites, pay attention to the route’s character: are you seeking the sacred (chapels, Mass) or educational value (archaeological museums)?
Advance planning, contact with site staff and clear practical information for participants are the keys to a successful pilgrimage. A well-led route will leave participants with both a spiritual experience and a vivid picture of history carved in stone and salt.
Are underground visits suitable for elderly participants? Many sites are accessible for people who can manage stairs, but some routes are not wheelchair-friendly. Always check accessibility details with the venue in advance.
Do I need to arrange transport between Kraków and Wieliczka? Yes — Wieliczka is a short drive from the city centre; for groups it’s convenient to book a coach. Trains and local buses are also available, but with a large group a private coach simplifies timing.
Can we eat at or near the sites? There are cafes and restaurants near Market Square and by the Wieliczka Salt Mine. In Wieliczka you can find places serving traditional Polish dishes as well as cafés for groups; if you need a large meal or special arrangements, reserve in advance.
Where to buy tickets? Most museums and the salt mine allow online reservations and group bookings. Book well ahead in high season and when planning liturgical services.
Local recommendation: combine the underground visits with short walks around the historic centre — Wawel Hill and the Main Market are close by and enrich the pilgrimage experience.
