Did you know that Stanisław Wyspiański’s most monumental stained-glass windows in the Franciscan Church reach almost 9 metres in height and in several places span the entire window as one single, monumental composition? That’s why viewing them properly takes more attention than a quick glance through the door. Instead of dividing the window into small scenes as in medieval stained glass, Wyspiański treated each window as a whole; that gives an incredible effect but can be hard to take in if you’re in a hurry.
This feature — and the fact that some windows have been and still are conserved and protected behind external glazing — means it’s worth preparing for your visit, especially if you come as a small group of 2–6 people and want to see everything without disturbance. Below you’ll find practical tips and a list of the most common mistakes visitors make.
Wyspiański’s stained glass in the Franciscan Church was created around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries; some windows are set in the chancel, and the famous window known as “God the Creator” adorns the western façade.
The artist abandoned the traditional division of windows into separate panels and treated each pane as a large, coherent scene — this explains why details need to be examined from different vantage points and why you should allow enough time at each window.
The glass was produced outside Kraków in workshops with high craft standards; in recent decades the works have undergone protective measures and restoration — some conservation work responded to damage caused, for example, by tram vibrations and by cracks in external protective glazing. This affects what you may see at any given moment and how to behave so you don’t interfere with specialists.
1. Coming at the wrong time: visiting during Mass or a service often makes free viewing and photographing impossible. Check Mass times and choose a slot between services when the church is open to visitors.
2. A rushed, cursory glance: many people think 5–10 minutes is enough. Wyspiański’s windows deserve a slow look — change observation points, view the window from different distances and don’t block passageways if you’re in a small group.
3. Standing directly under the window or crowding the barriers: to take in the whole composition you need to step back. Small groups have an advantage here — spread out to several vantage points and swap places rather than all cramming into one spot.
4. Using flash and taking photos too close: a flash is not only inconsiderate to people praying, it can be harmful to the works. Photograph without flash, use a telephoto lens or take pictures from a distance.
5. Ignoring conservation notices: signs, tape or barriers usually indicate protective work. Don’t try to bypass protections — you risk damage and you may obstruct conservators.
6. Being too loud or lacking respect for a place of worship: a church is also a place of devotion — keep your voice low and avoid children running in areas with concentrated artworks.
7. Not planning a short rest: exploring the Old Town can be tiring. Plan a short break at a nearby café after viewing the windows to discuss your observations and share impressions.
The optimal group size for comfortable viewing is 2–6 people — a smaller group can more easily split into several vantage points and disturbs other visitors less.
Reserve 30–45 minutes for a calm look at the chancel and façade. If you also want to discuss iconography or technical history, plan for an hour.
Come early in the morning or in the late afternoon — there are usually fewer tourists then, and the light often flatters the glass (natural light changes through the day and affects color perception).
If you plan to describe details to one another, consider a simple system: one person stands up front and describes while the others rotate every few minutes; that way nobody blocks the view for others.
Photography is usually allowed, but not with flash. Use a tripod only with staff permission (tripods can get in the way and risk damage); in tight interiors it’s better to shoot with a short exposure and higher ISO than to set up bulky equipment.
Remember the stained glass is a historic monument and sometimes under conservation. Don’t ignore notices about renovation work — external screens, scaffolding or temporary covers are there for a reason. Often the best shots are taken from several metres away rather than pressing your lens against the glass.
If you take group photos with the stained glass in the background, position yourselves to the side — this allows other visitors to pass and still gives you nice compositions.
A church is a place of worship — wear discreet clothing and keep your voice moderate. Respect people who come to pray; if a service is taking place, it’s better to come back later.
Do not climb onto altars, sit in seats reserved for the faithful or block passageways. In a small group this is easy to avoid, so agree beforehand who stands where and for how long.
If someone in your group speaks loudly or behaves disrespectfully, ask them politely to change their conduct — it’s better to handle it on the spot than to upset other visitors.
After your visit we recommend a short break at one of the well-regarded cafés or restaurants around the Old Town. Two tested suggestions are Cafe Camelot — an atmospheric café near the market square, ideal for coffee and dessert conversations — and Restauracja Pod Baranem — classic Kraków cuisine in an elegant setting, appreciated for quality and location.
If your group prefers something lighter, choose a small café with local pastries and seating — such breaks help you remember the stained-glass details better and discuss favorite motifs.
Remember not to eat inside the church and not to leave litter around the building — basic rules of respect.
Do you need to buy a ticket? — The Franciscan Church is usually open to visitors free of charge, but special exhibitions or restrictions related to conservation work may require fees. Check local information before you come.
Can you photograph? — Yes, without flash. Additional restrictions may apply during ongoing conservation work.
Do small groups need to book in advance? — For 2–6 people this is usually not necessary, but if you want an art-focused guided commentary, it’s worth contacting the guide or church administration in advance.
Are the windows protected? — Yes, the windows have been and continue to be conserved and are often covered with protective glazing; these measures sometimes affect the view and accessibility, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
Wyspiański used both religious motifs and plant-inspired ornamentation rooted in folk tradition — pay attention to details that connect the sacred with nature.
In the past external protective screens cracked, among other reasons, because of vibrations caused by passing trams — an interesting example of how urban infrastructure affects the protection of sacred artworks. When you look at the windows, you can also think about the city as co-responsible for their fate.
If you want to better understand Wyspiański’s symbolic language, note the figures and attributes: the artist often combined biblical tradition with local references, which makes his compositions multilayered and worth a longer conversation.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on your social media — small groups benefit from these tips, and others will avoid common mistakes.
If you want to deepen your knowledge and see the windows from a conservator’s perspective or learn iconography with a guide, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private tour will give your 2–6 person group a comfortable pace and answers to all your questions. Enjoy your visit and happy exploring!
