The Franciscan Church in Kraków is a place where art and sacred atmosphere meet in a truly spectacular way. The interior is decorated with designs by Stanisław Wyspiański — both wall paintings and the famous stained-glass windows, which change the colour and mood of the space when the light is right. It’s a great opportunity to show children how a story can be told in images and how light interacts with glass.
For parents it’s also a practical spot close to the city centre — after visiting you can easily find cafés and family-friendly places to rest with coffee and snacks for little ones. In this article I’ll point out what to see in the church, when to come, how to avoid common mistakes, and which nearby venues to consider when planning a family day in Kraków.
The most recognisable stained glass depicts God the Father, titled "God the Father - Become", which occupies one of the large windows and often draws the first attention of visitors. Nearby are windows with figures such as Saint Francis and Blessed Salomea, as well as compositions known as the Elements, which together form a large sequence with clear symbolism.
The windows in the chancel are impressive in size — some stained-glass panels reach around 9 metres in height and about 1.75 m in width, which is striking especially in direct sunlight. Wyspiański also designed wall polychromes with plant motifs — pansies, irises, chamomile and other flowers — so the interior feels like an Art Nouveau garden rendered in stone and paint.
Pay attention to the craftsmanship: Wyspiański’s designs were realised by a local stained-glass workshop, and the result gives the church its unique atmosphere. Some of the artist’s projects can also be seen at the National Museum and the Stained Glass Museum if you want to broaden the context of your visit.
The most beautiful effects happen on sunny mornings — coloured light through the glass can completely transform the perception of the interior. If you can choose, plan your visit in the morning or before noon.
This is an active church — check mass times and any liturgical events before you enter, because visiting may be limited during services. In practice the church is usually open to tourists until the afternoon; it’s also considerate to allow time for a short prayer or a moment of silence.
If you’re visiting with young children, bring something to keep them occupied (a small colouring book, a snack) and plan for shorter stops. Families with strollers should check in advance for step-free access and possible restrictions — historic churches sometimes have thresholds or narrow passages.
Don’t start your visit with flash photography — artificial light and flashes can disturb the atmosphere and other visitors. Photos taken with the natural light from the windows are usually better.
Look closely at the polychrome details and plant motifs — Wyspiański combined Franciscan tradition with Art Nouveau language, so every detail tells a story. Try to spot hidden symbols and later compare them with what you see in the museum.
To make the visit comfortable for children: choose a shorter route, take frequent breaks and plan a post-visit walk in the Planty park or a moment on a nearby square — children often respond better to changes of space and movement.
Around the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find venues praised for family amenities. Places often recommended for families include Famiga — a family café-club with play corners, LikeKonik — a club-café with a children’s area, Nova Resto Bar in Kazimierz, Społeczna Kaffka — a social café with a welcoming atmosphere, and Kinokawiarnia KIKA which combines a café with a small cinema for children.
When choosing a place pay attention to: a play corner, a children’s menu, highchairs for infants and the possibility to reserve a larger table. If you plan a group meeting (7–30 people), contact the venue in advance to confirm space availability.
For the best experience choose places with high ratings and positive parent reviews. If you’d like a historic café atmosphere after visiting Wyspiański, consider stopping by one of Kraków’s legendary coffeehouses — it’s a pleasant complement to a walk through the old town.
Assuming the church is open all day — visiting hours can be limited; check the information before you set out.
Arriving during a service without checking the mass schedule — visiting may be restricted at those times. If you encounter a mass, respect the space and plan to return later.
Not preparing for children — a long walk without breaks or snacks causes frustration. Shorter stages and a planned café break will greatly improve the comfort of the whole family.
Wyspiański didn’t only design stained glass — he also designed polychromes and other interior elements, creating a coherent, almost "complete" scenography for the church. That’s one reason a visit leaves such a strong aesthetic impression.
Not all of the artist’s ideas were realised — sometimes patrons rejected certain motifs, so in some parts there are designs rather than finished implementations. This lets you observe a dialogue between the creator and the commissioner.
Large stained-glass windows require specialised conservation — some windows have been and are being restored, and conservation work is sometimes needed due to shocks or damage to protective glazing. Support for these efforts comes from various social and conservation sources.
Do I need a ticket? - The church is a place of worship and entrance is often free, but some guided visits or special exhibitions may be ticketed. Always check current information before your visit.
Can I take photos? - Yes, photos are usually allowed without flash. Remember to respect people who are praying and other visitors.
Are there toilets or changing facilities inside? - Historic churches sometimes have limited facilities. It’s wise to plan a break in a nearby café that offers family amenities.
How long does the visit take? - A short look at the windows and interior can take 20–40 minutes; if you want to read descriptions, talk with a guide or take photos, plan 1–1.5 hours.
After visiting, take a walk through the Planty park, stop by the National Museum or visit the Stained Glass Museum to see the workshop perspective on the process of making artistic glass. For families it’s a great idea to combine a short walk with a visit to one of the family-friendly cafés — time to rest and talk about what you’ve seen.
If you’d like, I can help plan a route tailored to your children’s ages, your family’s pace and interests — and if you dream of a visit with a private guide, I recommend the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz. If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — recommending useful family plans helps other visitors to Kraków!
