The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi at All Saints' Square is one of those Kraków places that can still surprise even people who know the Old Town well. The interior delights with Art Nouveau polychrome and stained glass designed by Stanisław Wyspiański — it’s these windows that make the church frequently called one of the most beautiful in the city. The windows are unusual for their time: Wyspiański treated each pane as a single composition, and their colors shift with changing light and weather, giving a different visual experience each time.
The basilica has an interesting history — it was rebuilt and reconsecrated several times over the centuries. It has also been the site of important religious and patriotic events; its interior mixes sacred atmosphere with the artistic breadth of the Young Poland movement. A visit therefore combines a spiritual dimension with the chance to admire top-quality art.
If you’re interested in Wyspiański’s work, you’ll find here the monumental stained glass known as "God the Father — Become," a cycle personifying the four elements, and figures such as St. Francis and Blessed Salomea. The windows were made around the turn of the 20th century, with glass brought, among other places, from Innsbruck — that contributes to their distinctive, changeable hues.
The church address is pl. Wszystkich Świętych 5, very close to the Planty and the Main Market Square, so you can reach it on foot from most points in the Old Town. The parish website has up-to-date contact details and information about the parish office.
The basilica is usually open early and remains accessible until the evening; visits to the interior are generally available in the late morning and early afternoon. Typical visiting hours are roughly 10:00–16:00 (with small variations on Sundays and holidays). It’s worth checking current hours just before your visit, because opening times can change due to religious ceremonies.
Entry to the basilica is traditionally free, though the parish welcomes donations for the upkeep of the monument. There aren’t usually separate "skip-the-line" tickets like in large museums — churches operate on different rules. If you want to avoid crowds, choose early weekday mornings or late afternoons outside of service times.
Wyspiański’s stained glass looks different depending on sunlight, time of day and weather. There’s no single "best moment," but many visitors say that on sunny days it’s worth coming when light enters through the presbytery windows — colors are then most saturated and contrasts most striking.
To avoid queues and crowds, arriving punctually when visiting hours begin (usually 10:00) or shortly after the last morning masses gives a good chance of quiet viewing. Remember that parts of the church may be closed to tourists during services — respect the space and keep silence.
If you plan to photograph the windows, avoid using flash. In many churches flash is prohibited and natural light best captures the colors. Tripods and heavy photographic equipment are generally not allowed, so come with light, quick gear if photography is important to you.
Assuming the church works like popular attractions with official skip-the-line tickets — it doesn’t. There are no official priority tickets; the best way to avoid crowds is to pick the right time and stay flexible.
Trying to enter during large ceremonies or a mass — parts of the space may be closed and the atmosphere requires quiet. Rather than trying to squeeze between worshippers, plan your visit outside service times.
Lack of respect for the sacred space — loud conversations, inappropriate clothing or using tripods and flash. Following simple rules helps everyone enjoy the place.
Beyond the famous stained glass, the basilica’s interior features rich polychrome and many architectural details worth noticing. Wyspiański designed his windows so that the whole surface works like a painted scene — look closely at both the central figures and the plant and geometric ornaments.
The stained glass "God the Father — Become" above the main entrance is one of Wyspiański’s most recognizable works; the church’s conservation history included work on this and other decorative elements, which helped preserve their original colors and details.
A small curiosity: some of the glass for the windows was brought from Innsbruck, and its characteristics make the colors take on different shades depending on weather conditions — which is why the windows often seem to "live."
The basilica stands right by the Old Town, so you’ll find many well-rated cafés and restaurants nearby. Recommended places around the Main Market Square and its surroundings include Cafe Camelot (a well-known atmospheric café) and Wierzynek (a historic traditional restaurant), as well as several restaurants serving regional Polish cuisine — great spots for coffee, lunch or dessert after a walk.
If you prefer something cozier, the side streets of the Old Town have small cafés and bakeries with local pastries — perfect for a quick energy boost before more sightseeing. In summer popular places can get busy, so reserving a table for lunch can be a good idea.
If you need accommodation recommendations: the Old Town offers a wide selection of hotels and apartments across different price ranges. When choosing a place to stay, check reviews and proximity to public transport if you plan further trips around Kraków.
Do I have to buy a ticket? Entry to the basilica is usually free. It’s good to remember the option to leave a donation for conservation.
Can I enter during mass? Yes, but keep silence and show respect for worshippers. In some cases tourist access is limited — if you want a relaxed visit, come outside service times.
Are guided tours available? At certain times the parish or local cultural organizations arrange guided tours; if you’d like a guided visit with extra artistic and historical context, ask the parish office about options. (For visitors to this site, guided services are offered by Małgorzata Kasprowicz.)
Can I take photos? Photography is generally allowed without flash and without tripods; always check with staff on the day of your visit for any additional restrictions.
Wyspiański designed his windows to integrate with the architecture and polychrome of the interior — the full artistic effect is best appreciated by taking in the whole space rather than focusing on a single window. Allow yourself a moment to sit and observe instead of rushing through with a camera.
Some details in the windows reveal themselves only up close — plant ornaments or facial details gain when seen from a nearer viewpoint. If you want to feel the atmosphere of the place, come calmly and give the art time.
If you plan a busy morning of sightseeing, consider buying tickets in advance for other paid attractions and keep the basilica as a short, free and inspiring stop — a good way to balance your day.
Dress appropriately — this is an important place of worship. Avoid bare shoulders and very short shorts during official ceremonies, though entry is generally less strict than in some cathedrals.
Respect service times and do not disturb liturgy. If a mass is taking place, consider waiting or returning later.
Do not use flash and do not set up a tripod without permission. This is important for the conservation of the historic interior and for the comfort of other visitors.
The Basilica of St. Francis is a must-see for art lovers and for anyone who wants to discover another side of Kraków’s Old Town. It’s a place where history and art meet in a subtle yet expressive way. If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media to help them plan their visit to Kraków.
If you’d like to visit with a guide and learn additional artistic and historical contexts, consider booking a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s page. Enjoy your visit and have many inspiring impressions!
