Yes — Łagiewniki can be visited comfortably in one day, even when you travel in a group of 7–30 people. The Divine Mercy Sanctuary has a well-organized layout for pilgrims: the chapel with the image and the tomb of St. Sister Faustina, the lower and upper parts of the basilica, an information point, and catering and parking facilities. This makes it possible to combine sightseeing, prayer and a meal without rushing, provided you reserve your meal in advance and follow a short plan for the day.
9:30 - arrival and group check-in at the information point; a brief review of the visit program. 10:00–11:00 - visit the chapel with the miraculous image of the Merciful Jesus and the resting place of St. Faustina, with time for personal prayer or a short service. 11:15–12:00 - tour the lower and upper parts of the basilica, possible meeting with a guide, and a short explanation of the site's history and St. Faustina's Diary. 12:15–13:30 - lunch for the group (pre-booked at one of the options listed below). 13:45–15:00 - free time for coffee and cake, visiting the gift shop, or more prayer; at 15:00 the traditional Divine Mercy Chaplet is held, so it's worth including that in your schedule.
Remember this is only an example — the pace depends on the group's character and whether you plan to attend Mass or specific services. If you arrive by coach, plan the parking/stop location in advance.
1) The restaurant and canteen at the 'House of St. Sister Faustina' (at the sanctuary) - an ideal solution for religious groups and pilgrims. The sisters run their own catering facilities as a buffet, serve organized groups (even up to several hundred people), and offer homestyle meals and set lunches prepared to order. This option is usually the most convenient logistically and budget-wise for groups of 7–30 people.
2) Oranżeria Faustyny 14 - an intimate restaurant located right next to the sanctuary (Siostry Faustyny 14). The venue serves à la carte dishes, offers lunches and private events for about 30 people, and has a pleasant interior, a garden and a small parking area. It's a good choice if you prefer a more restaurant-like atmosphere and want to set the menu in advance or accommodate special diets.
3) Local bars and milk bars around Łagiewniki - for smaller budgets or very informal groups consider local spots serving home-style lunches. These places often have great reviews from locals and serve generous portions. Before arrival check whether the venue can handle a group and whether seating may be limited.
4) If you need more comfort or a fancier menu - some well-rated restaurants farther in the city can accept groups of 20–30 people, but you must allow time for travel and table reservations. If you choose a downtown venue, remember to plan extra time for transfer and possible traffic.
Always reserve meals in advance - it's the key to a stress-free day. When booking, provide: the number of people, the time you want the meal served, preferred service type (buffet or served courses), dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies), and the payment method.
Good questions to ask when booking: are drinks included in the price, is there a children’s menu option, how long will the venue need to serve the entire group, and can tables be arranged to facilitate group interaction?
If you prefer simplicity and an economical option, the sanctuary's own catering with a group offer is the safest choice - typically it means fast service and no issues with space.
For groups of 7–30 people a standard option is a set lunch: soup + main course + salad and drinks in pitchers. This format ensures efficient service and good value for money. In one available group package the price was around 45 zł per person - a useful reference point when planning your budget.
If you want to upgrade the meal (multiple courses, dessert, bottled drinks), expect a higher price and longer serving time. If time is limited choose a buffet or a shortened served menu.
Plan your drinks: pitchers with water and juices are economical, and coffee and tea after the meal are often expected by tour participants.
The sanctuary has an area for coach parking and spaces where larger groups arrive; report your coach arrival in advance to get directions about where to stop.
Be aware of major celebrations: on major religious feast days, such as Divine Mercy Sunday, tens of thousands of pilgrims come to Łagiewniki and traffic and queues grow significantly. On such days getting in and parking can take a lot of time, so if you plan to visit during a religious date consider arriving outside peak hours or contact the sanctuary information point beforehand.
Check public transport timetables if some group members come individually. For coaches agree on a parking spot and departure time so no one is left behind.
Surprising fact: the sanctuary runs its own catering and guest rooms - a convenient solution that many visitors planning a short trip forget about.
Common group mistakes: not booking meals in advance, underestimating the time needed for services and queues in the chapel, and failing to communicate clearly with the coach driver (no agreed meeting point).
How to avoid problems: finalize logistical details 1–2 days before arrival, confirm the number of participants and dietary preferences, prepare a participants list and a contact number for the person responsible for the group.
How to register a group at the sanctuary? The easiest way is through the registration form available at the sanctuary's Information Point or by phone - it's worth reporting your arrival and asking about available meal times.
Useful Polish phrases for a phone reservation: "Dzień dobry, dzwonię w sprawie rezerwacji obiadu dla grupy liczącej X osób na dzień DD.MM.RRRR. Czy mają Państwo wolne miejsce i jakie są dostępne menu?" or "Czy możliwe jest menu wegetariańskie dla kilku osób?"
Payment and tips: most places accept card and cash; if you plan to pay by group bank transfer, arrange this in advance. Tips are not obligatory, but a small thank-you for good service is appreciated in restaurants.
If you are planning a one-day trip to Łagiewniki with a group of 7–30 people, the safest logistic option is to book your meal directly with the sanctuary's catering or reserve a small restaurant next to the sanctuary. This saves time and lets you focus on the place and the spiritual side of the visit.
If you would like help planning the route, choosing a group menu, or contacting local venues, I can assist — contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with friends or on social media - it may save someone time when planning a visit to Łagiewniki. Thank you for your trust and enjoy your visit!
