St. Wojciech Church stands on the Main Market Square, but it is much older — fragments of Romanesque walls are dated to the 11th–12th centuries and are now displayed almost two metres below the paving. That means when you walk across the square you are standing several metres higher than the first inhabitants of this place.
If you enjoy surprising, easy-to-remember stories: the church was a pre-market point of Kraków, it stood before the current Market Square was laid out, which makes it one of the most precious small monuments in the heart of the city. There is sometimes an exhibition in the crypt devoted to the history of the Square and the church itself (seasonal — check dates).
St. Wojciech Church combines the simplicity of a Romanesque form with later Baroque alterations. Inside you will see fittings from different eras, and a 15th-century crucifix is particularly worth attention. The small interior creates an intimate atmosphere — a good escape from the bustle of the Square.
For those interested in the city's history, the church is an excellent conversation point about pre-market Kraków and how the Market Square's surface level changed over the centuries. A short visit can enrich your Old Town walk with context that is often missing from guidebook summaries.
In the summer season (typically June 1 - September 30) a small exhibition about the Market Square's history often runs in the crypt — entries are at set times, so if you want to see the exhibit check current opening hours before you go.
Masses and religious events take place regularly, which sometimes limits the possibility of freely exploring the interior — it's polite to enter quietly during a service or come back a little later. If you care about photos without worshippers, plan your visit outside liturgy hours.
The church stands almost on the axis of the Main Market Square, so if you start at the Adam Mickiewicz monument or the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) you'll reach it in a few minutes. It's an ideal place to begin or end a walk along the Royal Route.
A stroll from Wawel Hill along Grodzka and Kanoniczna streets will bring you straight to the Square; along the way you can stop for coffee or a light meal at one of the well-rated cafés. Walking also gives a better sense of the city's scale than driving directly to the front of the historic tenements.
Parking directly on the Square and on most narrow Old Town streets is restricted to residents, services and deliveries. For visitors the most sensible and comfortable options are nearby garages or using the Park-and-Ride (P+R) system and then taking a tram or walking.
The garage at Galeria Krakowska is a convenient solution for those who want to be close to the Main Railway Station and the Market Square — the underground parking is a short, calm walk of several minutes from the church. It's a 'with class' solution: no frantic street searching and you can leave your car in a secure, monitored facility.
For people who prefer to leave the car on the outskirts and enter the centre by public transport, a P+R (for example Kurdwanów) offers a convenient and economical start to the trip. From a P+R you can reach the centre by tram in some minutes and avoid paid parking zones and entry bans.
If you prefer municipal parking closer to the centre, check the parking by the Museum (Aleja Mickiewicza) — it's close to the Avenues, with many spaces and standard hourly or subscription rates. When choosing a municipal or commercial garage remember to check opening hours and fees, as they can differ depending on the day and city events.
Start the day by leaving the car in a garage (Galeria Krakowska or another convenient parking) or at a P+R and taking the tram. That way you avoid the stress related to parking zones and fines.
On the way to the Square take a moment for coffee at one of the recommended cafés — a good way to begin your sightseeing with energy and style. Then enjoy a short walk through the Cloth Hall and reach St. Wojciech Church; inside take a peaceful pause, take photos and possibly descend to the underground exhibition (if open).
After leaving the church I recommend a longer walk along the Planty or visiting a few well-rated restaurants nearby. For a 'with class' lunch or dinner consider reputable places serving regional and modern cuisine — choose venues with good reviews, book a table on weekends and avoid the most expensive peak hours if you want tranquillity.
If you want to feel the atmosphere and eat well-rated dishes, consider the classics around the Square: restaurants with local cuisine, cafés with warm service and bakeries with excellent bread. Choose places with high ratings and reserve in advance on weekends.
For a quick, elegant breakfast or coffee look for spots praised for fresh pastries and good coffee. In the evening I recommend restaurants that combine local flavours with modern interpretation — it's a great way to discover Małopolska through your plate.
If you need specifics, ask at tourist information points along the way or check current rankings — opinions change, and we want you to find truly recommended places.
Don't drive into the restricted zones around the Square — controls are frequent and penalties can be severe. Always check signage and possible temporary closures due to city events.
If you want photos without the crowd, the most favourable times are early morning or late afternoon outside the tourist high season. On weekends the Square can be crowded, so consider visiting on weekdays.
Remember appropriate attire if you plan to enter the church interior — respect for the place and religious practices is important. Avoid loud behaviour and large suitcases inside the sanctuary.
Searching for a parking spot by driving into the narrow streets of the Old Town often ends in entering a no-entry zone — the result is a fine and stress. It's better to park in a garage or at a P+R and continue on foot.
Not checking mass and event times at the church may mean you won't be able to enter the interior or you'll have to wait; check the schedule before your visit.
Not booking restaurants on weekends causes disappointment — the best places can be full. Reserve a table in advance, especially for larger groups.
Due to the historic character and the complex arrangement of levels, the interior and crypt may have limited accessibility for people with mobility difficulties. It's worth contacting the church staff or an information point in advance to arrange the most convenient route and any support.
Municipal garages and larger parking lots usually offer spaces for people with disabilities; if you travel by car, choose a facility with amenities and easy access to public transport.
Can you enter the church outside mass times? Yes, the church is usually open to visitors outside services, but exact hours can be seasonal, especially the crypt exhibition.
Do you have to pay to go inside? Entry to the church itself is often free; fees may apply to special underground exhibitions or guided visits — check information at the entrance.
How to avoid parking fines in the centre? The safest method is to park in a garage (Galeria Krakowska, the parking by the museum) or leave the car at a P+R and reach the centre by tram. Pay attention to zones and signage.
The Market Square's level has risen over the centuries — that's why the church's Romanesque walls are now almost two metres below the surface. It's an interesting proof of how alive urban changes have been across the ages.
The church interior hides details that are not always obvious from the outside — take a moment to look at the altar and the crucifix, and listen to a guide's stories if you have the chance.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or post it on social media — it's worth inspiring others to explore the city mindfully and with class.
If you want to explore Kraków more deeply and comfortably, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — on the website you will find contact details and tours tailored to your expectations. It's a great way to get to know the city without rushing and with the expertise of a local guide.
