The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki is one of Poland’s most important pilgrimage sites, closely connected with the life of St. Sister Faustina. For many visitors it's a meaningful religious experience, but it is also a beautiful sacred complex worth seeing regardless of your beliefs.
If you plan to spend three days in Krakow, adding Łagiewniki to your itinerary is an excellent idea: the complex includes a modern basilica, a chapel with the image and tomb of St. Faustina, and facilities for visitors — including accessibility features and a large car park.
Day 1: Old Town and Wawel. Start at the Main Market Square, visit the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, then take a short walk to Wawel Castle. This is classic Krakow and well worth seeing on your first visit.
Day 2: Kazimierz and surroundings. Explore the historic Jewish quarter, enjoy atmospheric cafés, visit synagogues and take a morning stroll. In the afternoon you can visit the Oskar Schindler Museum or relax by the Vistula River.
Day 3: Łagiewniki and the surrounding area (John Paul II Centre, nearby park, possibly the Wieliczka Salt Mine). Reserve this day for a gentler pace, attend a service or lecture, and include a short active segment — a three-hour walk or run if you enjoy being active.
Check the service times before you travel — every day there is, among others, the Hour of Mercy at 15:00, and the basilica and chapel have scheduled masses and periods of adoration. Note that on Monday mornings (usually until midday) the chapel with the miraculous image is sometimes unavailable due to cleaning.
Organized groups should notify the sanctuary in advance — the site provides pilgrim services, talks and group reception. Presentations and guided visits are sometimes available in different languages, but it’s best for groups to confirm timing ahead of time.
The complex is adapted for visitors with disabilities, and there is a large parking area. Respectful dress is required on site: shoulders and knees should be covered, phones should be silenced and silence maintained inside the chapel.
Trams and buses run to Łagiewniki — depending on your starting point it may be most convenient to take a tram (lines heading toward Borek Fałęcki/Łagiewniki) or a bus that drops you closer to the entrance. On feast days there may be special service changes and increased frequency, so check local transport notices for the exact day you plan to travel.
From central Krakow the tram can be faster than driving during peak hours. If you drive, pay attention to the signage for sanctuary parking and to possible traffic changes on days with many pilgrims.
For active visitors I recommend a route you can do as a walk or a run that takes roughly three hours — a great way to combine the spiritual side of the place with fresh-air exercise. Start at the Sanctuary: have a quick look inside the basilica and chapel, then set off through the nearby park.
The route can go across the nearby footbridge (if pedestrian access is available), through the park around the John Paul II Centre, then continue along the Vistula boulevards with views toward Wawel, and return south across the city. This way you’ll see several faces of Krakow — sacred sites, green spaces and the riverside. If you prefer a shorter option, limit the route to the park and the John Paul II Centre area.
Remember to bring a water bottle, a hat and comfortable shoes — park paths and riverside trails can be sandy or muddy after rain. If you plan to run, leave items at the sanctuary cloakroom or use a deposit if one is available.
The chapel with the image of the Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Sister Faustina are the most important spots. Please keep quiet and show respect — many people visit for prayer and adoration.
The Basilica of Divine Mercy is a modern, impressive church with regular masses. Pay attention to the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and consider joining the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 15:00.
The sanctuary also offers informational activities and short talks about St. Faustina — if you are interested in the history of the Divine Mercy message, consider booking a brief presentation for yourself or your group.
In Krakow’s centre you’ll find many great places to eat to suit every budget. Near the Main Market Square there are well-reviewed restaurants serving Polish cuisine and modern interpretations — these venues are convenient if you want traditional flavours in a comfortable setting.
Around Łagiewniki there are small cafés and local eateries ideal for a quick breakfast or coffee after sightseeing. If you plan to stay near the sanctuary, you’ll find guesthouses, hostels and a few mid-range hotels — choose places with good reviews and easy access to public transport so you can return to the centre comfortably.
Not checking service times and the days when the chapel with the image is closed for cleaning (often Monday mornings) — check times before you go to avoid finding the entrance closed.
Failing to reserve for groups — if you’re visiting with a larger party, notify the sanctuary in advance to secure pilgrim services and possible guided visits.
Wearing inappropriate clothing for a place of worship — the chapel requires modest attire; it’s a good idea to have something to cover your shoulders and knees.
Is there an entrance fee? Visiting the sanctuary is free; some additional services (for example, organized talks for groups) may require prior arrangement.
Can I take photos? Please check the rules on site — photography is usually restricted in the chapel and near the tomb.
How long does a standard visit take? A quick visit to the basilica and chapel can fit into 30–60 minutes; a more in-depth visit with a talk takes longer. If you combine the visit with a 3-hour walk or run, plan for a relaxed full day.
Although the sanctuary is an important religious site, its modern layout includes green zones and quiet places for reflection — Łagiewniki is a good destination for anyone seeking a moment of calm.
On some days there are special cycling pilgrimages or other events — if you happen to be in Krakow for one of those dates, expect temporary changes to public transport and traffic organization.
If you found this plan helpful, share it with friends or on your profiles — it will help others plan their stay in Krakow. If you would like to explore Krakow with a local who knows the city well and will tailor the visit to your interests, consider booking a private guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz (the guide for zwiedzaniekrakowa.com) can offer friendly, personalised tours.
