The John Paul II Centre “Do not be afraid” is one of the newest and most symbolic pilgrimage sites in Kraków. It is more than a single church — it’s a whole complex designed as a “holy city” with squares, courtyards, a museum and a viewing tower. It’s worth visiting both for spiritual reasons and for the architecture: the place tells the story of the Pope, gathers mementos from around the world and offers large, calm spaces for reflection. Many elements of the layout carry explicit symbolic meaning, which makes a walk through the complex an interesting experience for anyone interested in architecture and places of memory.
Sanctuary of St. John Paul II - a modern, two-level church at the heart of the complex; the upper and lower churches contain different chapels and places for relics. In the sanctuary you can see relics connected with the Pope — among them a blood sample, the cassock from 13 May 1981 and other papal memorabilia, as well as items transferred from the Vatican.
Museum “Our Pope” - an exhibition devoted to the life and pontificate of John Paul II, displaying personal items, gifts and souvenirs from his pilgrimages. The museum is part of the Centre and tells the story of the most important stages of his life and mission.
The Fatima Tower - a single tall tower that dominates the complex; it serves as an orientation point and often includes viewing platforms. John Paul II Square and the “Little Błonia” - a representative open space designed for gatherings and ceremonies; the layout of the square refers to sacred tradition and the local landscape.
Additional exhibitions and attractions - the complex hosts temporary shows (for example, replicas of the Shroud of Turin at times), educational and multimedia activities, VR cinema and programs for children and young people.
The complex was built on the so-called “White Seas” — post-industrial grounds of the former Solvay factory. The architectural project was created by a Kraków-based team, and the spatial composition aims to produce a human-scale “holy city.”
Throughout the site you’ll notice symbols and values connected to the Pope’s teaching: named zones (for example Fides, Ratio, Veritas, Caritas) and a visual axis leading from the square to the chapel as the culminating point. The design uses brick and light stone, fitting Kraków’s architectural traditions.
Construction and opening of individual elements took place over recent years; parts of the complex were opened in the early 21st century and the Centre has been developed step by step since then.
The Centre and Sanctuary are located on Totus Tuus Street (official addresses often given as Totus Tuus 30/32). The museum and sanctuary are usually open every day; museums typically welcome visitors in the morning and afternoon, and Masses are celebrated regularly (different times on weekdays and Sundays).
Typical opening hours to check before your visit: the museum commonly operates during daytime hours (for example roughly 9:00–17:00), and the Centre office usually works Monday–Friday. Contact details, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for reservations and guided visits are published by the Centre — it’s a good idea to check them before you come.
Guided visits and reservations: the Centre offers guided tours (different options: sanctuary only, sanctuary + museum). Reservations are required for groups; there are options for small groups and larger parties — book in advance, especially during pilgrimage season.
Public transport: trams and buses serve the area. From the Main Railway Station and central Kraków, taking a tram and then transferring to a bus is convenient; there is also a regional train stop named Kraków Sanktuarium that connects the site with nearby routes.
Typical connections: several tram and bus lines stop near the Sanctuary and the John Paul II Centre; the most direct services stop at halts named “Sanktuarium” or “Centrum JPII.”
By car and parking: the complex has a large parking area nearby and spaces for coaches. Coach parking and visitor parking are available; some parking is free for visitors but rules can change during large events, so check current regulations for busy days.
Short visit (about 1 hour): stroll through John Paul II Square, enter the lower church, take a quick look at the entrance display of the museum and appreciate the external architecture.
Standard visit (1.5–2 hours): visit the sanctuary (both lower and upper churches), explore the “Our Pope” museum, spend a moment on the viewing tower if open, and rest briefly on the “Little Błonia.”
Detailed visit or group with a guide (2–3 hours): guided tour covering the sanctuary and museum exhibition, time for prayer and reflection, possible participation in Mass and a walk to the nearby Divine Mercy Sanctuary (about 15–20 minutes on foot through the park and across the Mercy Bridge).
Respect and dress: this is a place of worship — wear appropriate clothing (avoid beachwear or overly revealing outfits). Keep noise to a minimum in sacred spaces and respect people at prayer.
Photography: photography is generally allowed in many areas but be discreet and avoid disturbing others. In some places (for example near relics) photography may be restricted — follow signs and staff instructions.
Safety and comfort: the complex is equipped with facilities for visitors with disabilities, toilets and sanitary points. During large events there may be additional security checks or altered traffic organization — arrive earlier or consult the Centre office if you have specific needs.
Arriving without checking the schedule — during the season Masses and events can change the availability of exhibition spaces; check current opening hours and guided tour options before you come.
Mixing up the sites — there are two related but separate places nearby (the Divine Mercy Sanctuary and the John Paul II Centre). If you plan to visit both, allow time to walk or take transport between them (on foot it’s about 15–20 minutes through the park).
Not preparing coach groups properly — if you arrive with a large group, reserve coach parking and inform the Centre about your intention to tour with a guide in advance.
In the architectural plan the main square functions like a small presbytery — hence the name “Little Błonia” for the gathering space. This helps explain the clear division into zones across the project.
The sanctuary preserves many personal mementos of John Paul II — from vestments to crosses and items tied to important moments of his pontificate; this makes the place particularly interesting for those following 20th- and 21st-century history.
The Centre combines liturgical functions with educational and retreat activities — besides typical pilgrim visits, it hosts thematic exhibitions, educational events and multimedia projects.
Do you have to pay to enter the sanctuary? - Entry to the church is usually free; special exhibitions and museum elements may require tickets or fees. Is it worth booking a guided tour? - Yes, if you want historical context, architectural symbolism and details about the relics; the Centre offers paid guided options that are best reserved in advance.
Can you visit with small children? - Yes, there are family-oriented and educational offers; plan shorter visits and check children’s programs if you need activities for young visitors.
Are there cafes and restaurants nearby? - There are food options in the area and the nearby Zakopianka shopping centre offers several restaurants and cafés; it’s nice to plan a coffee or meal after your visit.
If you only have a short time, choose the sanctuary and a quick walk around the square; to understand the place more deeply, book a guided tour and allow at least 1.5–2 hours. The best times for a calm visit are weekday mornings and late afternoons outside main service times.
Share this guide with friends planning a trip to Kraków — it will help you plan a successful visit to Łagiewniki. If you’d like a comfortable, contextualised visit with historical background and practical tips, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — tour and contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
