Did you know the Sanctuary tower in Łagiewniki is about 77 meters tall and, on a clear day, you can even spot the Tatra Mountains from the viewing terrace? It’s an unusual viewpoint for a place that’s mainly a pilgrimage destination — which makes a visit a nice mix of quiet reflection and a quick panorama of Kraków. That combination of culture, history and view works especially well for VIP guests.
The Łagiewniki Sanctuary is more than the basilica and the image “Jesus, I Trust in You” painted by Adolf Hyła; it also includes several national chapels, the chapel of St. Faustina with relics, and well-organized group services. That level of organisation matters when planning visits for delegations or business guests during holiday periods.
Below you’ll find concrete places to visit, useful times and ideas for arranging a few-hour visit so it’s elegant, efficient and memorable.
The chapel with the miraculous image “Jesus, I Trust in You” and the tomb of St. Faustina is the spiritual heart of the sanctuary and a place of silence — plan a short prayer or a moment of reflection there.
The lower part of the basilica houses national chapels — for example the chapel donated by Italy, the Hungarian chapel and others — which showcase the international character of the site. Foreign guests often appreciate the symbolism and variety of these gifts.
The observation tower with its viewing platform is a great spot for quick photos and a short city panorama. The ascent involves stairs (and in some cases elevator access) so for guests with limited mobility arrange an alternative or request assistance in advance.
The Chapel of St. Faustina contains relics and the saint’s depiction. For anyone interested in the history of the Divine Mercy devotion and the life of the sanctuary’s patron, this is a must-see stop.
The sanctuary follows a daily schedule of services; of special importance is the Hour of Mercy prayer at 15:00 (3:00 PM) with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. This is the busiest time, so if you want a quieter visit plan to arrive outside that hour.
The sanctuary publishes the timetable of masses and confession times. When organising a group visit, check the current schedule and let participants know how long each part of the programme will take.
Organisational note: some parts of the chapels may be temporarily unavailable for maintenance or cleaning on certain days. For organised groups it’s best to notify the pilgrimage office of your planned arrival in advance using the sanctuary’s group registration procedure.
Book as early as possible and register the group with the pilgrimage office. During holidays the influx of visitors can be significant, and special arrangements (for example a short escorted entry or reserved seating for a delegation) require prior coordination with the sanctuary.
Decide what form the visit should take: a short ceremony, a prayer for the guests, or a guided tour — each option needs different logistics. During busy periods it’s worth arranging a quieter meeting area outside the main chapel, for example a room within the sanctuary complex; ask about availability in advance.
Transport and arrival: tram line 19 connects Łagiewniki with Kraków Main Station (Kraków Główny), but for VIP guests taxis or private cars are often the more comfortable option — allow time for travel and possible holiday traffic. Recommend drivers use a pickup/drop-off point slightly away from the main entrance so they do not obstruct the flow of pilgrims.
For VIP guests I recommend well-established venues in Kraków city centre — they combine professional service and high-quality cuisine. Hotels such as Hotel Stary, Sheraton Grand Kraków and Radisson Blu are proven options for business groups.
If you want a traditional, elegant dinner consider restaurants with strong reputations and the possibility to reserve a table or private area. That way guests can talk and summarise the visit without the pressure of a crowd.
For a short coffee break choose highly rated cafés near the Main Market Square or close to the railway station — it makes onward logistics simpler.
The image “Jesus, I Trust in You” by Adolf Hyła has become one of the most recognisable depictions of Divine Mercy and for many visitors it is the main symbol of the sanctuary.
In the lower basilica there are national chapels given by various churches and dioceses, which underline the international character of the site and often impress foreign guests.
On exceptionally clear days you can see the Tatra Mountains from the tower terrace — a pleasant and unexpected bonus for visitors who want a quick, dramatic photo.
Planning a visit without prior group registration — this can lead to limited access to some chapels or the inability to arrange special conditions. Solution: submit the group registration form and confirm details with the sanctuary staff.
Not allowing for the timing of services — arriving during main services can make it difficult to hold a calm VIP visit. Solution: check the worship timetable and plan with time margin.
No alternative for guests with limited mobility — the tower involves stairs and some spaces may get crowded. Solution: ask the sanctuary staff about accessible routes and prepare options for guests who won’t go up to the viewing platform.
Can you book a private service or Mass for a delegation? It’s best to contact the sanctuary’s pilgrimage office through the group registration procedure to confirm availability — the sanctuary accommodates groups, but specific requests need advance confirmation.
What is the best way to get there from the Main Railway Station? The tram line 19 is the simplest public option, but for VIP guests taxis or private transfers are recommended for comfort and speed.
Is the sanctuary open on holidays? Yes — but traffic is heavier and some areas may be crowded. During holidays it’s wise to arrive outside main service hours or to coordinate the visit with sanctuary staff in advance.
If this guide helped you plan the visit, please share it with friends or on social media — it’s the best way to help others.
If you want your VIP guests’ visit handled smoothly and with attention to detail, consider arranging a guided visit led by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a private guide who specialises in Kraków visits. Details and contact information are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
Good luck organising your visit — Łagiewniki is a place that can leave a lasting impression when it’s well prepared.
