The Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Margaret is one of the most interesting Gothic monuments in Kazimierz — built at the initiative of King Casimir the Great in the 14th century; the presbytery was consecrated in 1378. The site combines the austere beauty of late Gothic with Baroque and Renaissance interior additions, and its history contains a few surprises that a guide brings to life during a walk through the district.
For groups of about 7–30 people the church is an ideal stop: it isn’t as cramped as some smaller Kazimierz chapels, yet it offers enough details (tombstones, polychromes, a star-shaped vault) to tell a varied and engaging story in 20–40 minutes. A guide can concentrate here on architecture, patrons, legends and notable people connected to the church, which nicely enriches the tour program.
The church was built next to an Augustinian monastery — the order has been active here since medieval times and still cares for the church; it is a rare example of a living religious community combined with a historic monument.
In the presbytery you can see a late-Gothic star vault with richly decorated bosses — on some of them you can identify the coat of arms of the Ligęza family, patrons of 15th-century building works. It’s a clear example of how private foundations shaped church interiors in the Middle Ages.
In the southern nave there is the tomb of Wawrzyniec Spytek Jordan from around 1603, the work of an Italian workshop, notable for its Renaissance detail and manner. The monastery cloisters hide frescoes and fragments of polychrome — for anyone who thinks Kazimierz is only synagogues and cafés, this can be a pleasant surprise.
Plan your visit so you don’t arrive during Mass times — the church is an active parish and service schedules can limit access to some areas. The safest approach is to call ahead or confirm the time with your guide before the visit.
For groups of this size the optimal visit length is 20–40 minutes with a short commentary from the guide and time for questions. If the group wants to enter the monastery cloisters or study the polychromes, add 10–15 minutes.
If you plan to photograph the interior with flash or record a video with narration, ask for permission in advance — this simplifies the situation and shows respect for the place.
When choosing a venue for groups of 7–30 people, consider three criteria: proximity to the route, willingness to prepare a group menu, and experience handling organized groups. Below are a few practical suggestions that work well in practice.
Pod Baranem – a classic, highly rated restaurant located near Wawel. It has several dining rooms and accepts groups in different formats (set group menus or choice menus). The atmosphere is traditional and the cuisine is based on classic Polish dishes, which often appeals to international groups.
Smakołyki – a venue near the Planty and Old Town that has long welcomed tourist and school groups. It offers several rooms and a mezzanine that can accommodate from a dozen to several dozen people. They provide flexible group menus and can adapt dishes to needs (vegetarian, gluten-free).
Starka (Kazimierz) – a popular spot in Kazimierz serving traditional food with an original twist. They accept group reservations (often from about 9 to 30 people) and have experience arranging meals to a specific schedule, which is important when planning a tour.
When booking for a group, be clear about: number of people, exact arrival time, how much time you have for the meal, dietary preferences and whether you need an invoice. This helps the restaurant prepare an efficient service.
Ask for a group menu or fixed-price sets — this speeds up service and makes costs predictable. Book in advance: for 15–30 people it’s best to reserve 1–3 weeks ahead; during high season reserve even earlier.
If you arrive by minibus or coach, ask about nearby stop/parking options — in the city center this greatly simplifies logistics.
Not checking Mass times — groups may arrive during a service, causing awkward interruptions. Simple fix: verify Mass schedules and adapt your route.
No pre-arranged group menu — waitstaff must ask each person individually, which slows service. Solution: agree a menu and options when booking.
Assuming the venue will automatically issue an invoice — if you need a VAT invoice, request it at the time of booking. Don’t leave this for the last minute.
A legend about a conflict between King Casimir and Bishop Bodzanta tells of an intriguing episode that is said to have influenced the church’s fate — such anecdotes liven up the commentary and stick in visitors’ memories.
Original plans envisaged a much longer church — there are visible elements that show the construction was modified, so looking at the building’s form reveals ‘what didn’t go according to plan’ and opens a window into medieval building realities.
The carved bosses of the star vault and the Ligęza coat of arms are a great example of how heraldry and private patronage entered into dialogue with architecture — this can interest even visitors who don’t normally go into churches.
How much time should you reserve? 20–40 minutes for the church interior; add 15–30 minutes if you plan to visit the cloisters or have a short tea/meeting.
Do you need tickets? Usually entry to the church is free, but there may be fees for visiting certain parts or for group visits — check ahead of time.
Is the church accessible for people with limited mobility? Partially — historic interiors can be challenging, so plan the route and inform the guide about guests with special needs.
How should the group dress? Respect the place of worship — simple rules: men should avoid short shorts, women should cover shoulders when entering the church, and keep noise to a minimum inside.
When planning a tour of Kazimierz with a guide, leave space in the schedule for a short shared meal after the visit — it’s a great moment to exchange impressions and ask questions. Choose restaurants experienced with groups and offering pre-arranged menus so the day runs smoothly.
If you’d like, I can help prepare a detailed Kazimierz itinerary that matches your group’s pace and interests, including extra stops (other churches, synagogues, viewpoints) and suggestions for lunch spots suited to your preferences.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan their stay in Kraków and make it easier to book a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (contact and booking information are available on her site).
