Rakowicki Cemetery is one of those places in Krakow where history, art and local stories meet in a quiet memorial park. Founded in the early 19th century and in use since 1803, it covers more than 42 hectares — it is not only a necropolis but also a space filled with sculptures, historic tombstones and tales about the city’s notable residents. For a small group of 2-6 people a walk here is ideal: you can set the pace to your interests, stop at chosen graves and talk without hurry.
You might be surprised to learn that the cemetery was the last place visited by Pope John Paul II during his first pilgrimage to Poland in 1979. Pay attention to restored fragments of the surrounding wall and to well-known monuments — including works by sculptors such as Konstanty Laszczka — as well as graves of artists and cultural activists.
It’s best to start at the main entrance on Rakowicka Street and take the avenue to the left — there you’ll find the oldest epitaph plates and monuments from the first decades of the 19th century. Look for plots with graves of people connected to Krakow’s culture and history, and notice the chapel and interesting sculptural compositions spread across the grounds.
Don’t miss the monument known as the Angel of Vengeance, a work by Konstanty Laszczka, and the grave of Jan Matejko — both are popular with visitors interested in art and history. The walk also makes it easy to see how grave styles changed over time — from classical slabs to grand neo-Gothic and modernist forms.
A route planned for a small, intimate group should be flexible: start at the main entrance (Rakowicka Street), walk along the avenue toward the oldest sections, take a short stop at the chapel and sculptures, then continue through the area with graves of Krakow’s notable figures. The whole route takes about an hour — allow up to 90 minutes if you plan longer stops to read epitaphs and talk.
Optional: after leaving the cemetery you can take a short walk to the Main Railway Station (Dworzec Główny) or toward the Planty park — a nice way to finish with coffee or a meal at one of the nearby places.
Around Rakowicka Street and the Main Station there are many venues that work well for groups of 2–6 — from cozy cafés to restaurants with a full menu. I recommend choosing places with good guest reviews, short waiting times and the option to reserve a small table.
Some tried-and-true options: O Sole Mio (Italian) — a solid choice for a family-style meal or a group of friends; Chinkalnia (Georgian) — great if you want to try something different and share dishes; Be Free Bakery & Bistro — perfect for breakfast or a light lunch right by the station; Bistro 11 Food & Wine as well as KROMA and Chleb&More — all appreciated for dish quality and friendly service. These places typically handle small groups without problems.
Practical tip: even for 2–6 people it’s worth calling ahead to reserve a table, especially on weekends or in the evening — this avoids waiting and lets you ask for a quieter corner. If you plan to eat after the walk, choose a place no more than a 10–15 minute walk from the cemetery exit.
Remember that Rakowicki Cemetery is a place of remembrance — quiet and respectful behavior is essential. Avoid loud conversations, playing music aloud or walking on graves. This is not an entertainment spot but a cultural and emotional space important to locals.
A frequent mistake by visitors is not planning where to eat after the walk — then time is wasted searching for a restaurant. Solution: pick one of the recommended places in advance and book a table. Another mistake is dressing too lightly — even in summer bring a thin extra layer since the avenues can be windy and cool.
It’s also useful to check for ongoing conservation work — some parts of the cemetery or wall may be temporarily closed off. Notices about larger restorations are sometimes published by city services.
Is entry to Rakowicki Cemetery paid? Most of the cemetery is free to enter — it is a public space, though special events or guided tours may be paid.
How much time should I allow for a visit? For a relaxed walk in a small group plan 60–90 minutes. If you’re interested in historical details and more stops, allow 90–120 minutes.
Can I take photos? Yes, with respect — avoid photographing close-ups of graves with people present, large group photos posed on tombstones or using drones without permission.
Rakowicki Cemetery is not just graves — over the years it has functioned like a city park, and its layout was designed with aesthetic and spatial order in mind. Several parts of the surrounding wall have recently been carefully restored with attention to historic detail.
Many well-known figures connected to Krakow are buried here in modest, understated graves — a reminder that a city’s memory doesn’t always go hand in hand with grand monuments.
When planning a trip for 2–6 people choose a time that suits your group’s habits: morning or late afternoon offers a more intimate atmosphere. After the walk reserve a table at one of the recommended restaurants — it’s a natural way to extend the Krakow experience.
If you enjoyed this text, share it with friends or on social media to help others plan a calm and interesting visit. If you’re looking for private, intimate guiding services around Krakow I recommend the tours by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and offerings are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. This can turn a simple walk into a richer story about the city.
