Rakowicki Cemetery is not an ordinary burial ground - it holds 200 years of history, sculpted funerary architecture and the graves of outstanding citizens of Krakow. Together they form a memorial park and an open-air museum. For school groups or team-building outings a visit can be an excellent lesson in history, art and local memory - provided it is well planned and led with sensitivity.
From a practical point of view, the Municipal Cemeteries Authority in Krakow publishes a visitor brochure with a suggested route. It covers 22 points in the older part of the cemetery and 8 points in the military necropolis. Walking the full suggested route usually takes about two hours, which helps realistically plan time for a group.
No organized leader. When nobody acts as a group leader, participants drift apart, people with limited mobility get lost and the overall comfort of the visit falls. Appoint one person to lead the group and one to handle external contacts (phone, medical assistance).
Too many people at once. A cemetery is not easy to navigate in dense crowds, and a very large group can disturb other visitors. Divide the group into smaller subgroups or schedule two rounds. That way everyone hears the guide and nobody feels overwhelmed.
Failing to check details before the visit. Organizers often don’t check opening hours, rules for moving around the grounds or planned conservation work. Before you go, check official information about opening times, any conservation work and traffic restrictions in the area, especially around All Saints’ Day.
Unplanned arrival and parking logistics. Trying to drive in without prior planning causes stress and parking fines. Temporary parking is sometimes organized nearby (for example around Prandoty Street), but public transport is often the better choice. On busy holiday days traffic and restrictions are heavy — avoid using cars if possible.
Noise and lack of respect for the place. Loud conversations, running children, sitting on graves or touching freshly restored monuments are inappropriate in a necropolis. Before entering, go over group rules: quiet in sensitive spots, no sitting on graves and care when taking photographs.
Inconsiderate photographs and ignoring privacy. Photographing too close to graves, posing jokingly near memorials or flying a drone without permission can upset local visitors and break regulations. Photograph from a respectful distance and explain rules to participants before the visit.
No information about accessibility for people with disabilities. Many cemeteries have uneven paths and steps; wheelchair users and people with limited mobility need rest points and an accessible route. Plan a shorter, accessible route ahead of time and check entrances and assistance options.
Ignoring conservation works. Restoration work (for example on the eastern wall or on some historic tombstones) can limit access to parts of the necropolis. Always check current notices from the cemetery administration and factor them into your itinerary.
Contact the Municipal Cemeteries Authority or check official information online. You can get brochures, route suggestions and details about any restrictions. The brochure “Visiting Rakowicki Cemetery” is a very useful planning tool - it lists main points and helps structure a two-hour walk.
Schedule the visit and route to avoid the biggest crowds. Early morning and late afternoon are usually calmer. Around November 1-2 (All Saints’/All Souls’ Day) the area is busiest, so avoid those dates if you want a quiet visit.
Go over simple behavior rules with the group before entering. Emphasize quiet in sensitive areas, keeping off graves and not disturbing services or collections. Also explain basic rules about photography.
Prepare appropriate footwear and clothing. Paths can be uneven and muddy - comfortable, waterproof shoes and weather-appropriate jackets or umbrellas are essential in autumn and winter. Plan rest breaks for older participants and those with limited mobility.
Prepare a contact list and a first aid kit. In large groups keep the emergency number visible and have an emergency gathering plan in case someone gets separated.
Speak calmly and in moderation. A cemetery is a place of remembrance - even enthusiastic comments should be quiet. The guide should use a natural voice or a discreet microphone only when necessary.
Do not sit on graves or monuments. Graves are places of memory and not picnic spots. Ask participants to keep a respectful distance and not to touch historic sculptures and epitaphs.
Respect the plants and historic elements. Do not break branches, pick flowers from other people’s graves or remove decorative elements. This is both a matter of respect and of protecting the monument.
Photograph with sensitivity. Documentary photos are fine, but photographing people who are praying or families at graves requires prior consent. Avoid joking or staged poses that could be seen as inappropriate.
Leave the place clean. Don’t leave trash, candles or food remains. If you lead a larger group, bring trash bags or agree in advance to dispose of waste in the nearest public bin.
Define the visit’s objectives. For team-building the aim can be practicing empathy, learning local history or doing an art project. A clear goal helps maintain calm and gives the visit a meaningful structure.
Include short educational elements. Small tasks, e.g. find a specific epitaph and read a short biographical note, engage participants without crossing lines of respect.
Set clear rules for conduct and discussion. After the visit, organize a short debrief: what we saw, what surprised us and what we learned.
Plan alternatives for people who prefer not to enter the necropolis. Not everyone is comfortable on a cemetery visit - offer parallel activities nearby or allow someone to stay near the entrance with a supervisor.
The official brochure route includes 22 points in the older part of the cemetery and 8 in the military section; walking the entire route takes about two hours - a useful guideline for timing.
The cemetery contains graves and chapels connected to many figures from culture and science; among them are sculptural works and tombs of high artistic value that can be easily overlooked if the group rushes from point to point.
Conservation works are often ongoing, including renovation of the eastern wall and some historic tombstones; these can be a great opportunity to talk with participants about monument protection and the role of community actions in saving memory.
Mozaika Resto Bar - a venue often mentioned in connection with serving families and visitors in the cemetery area, a good option for a meal after official parts of a visit or ceremonies.
Cafe Camelot - a classic, cozy café in central Krakow, recommended for those seeking a warm place for coffee after the walk; check opening hours and reserve for larger groups.
If you plan a longer stop or lunch, choose restaurants with strong reviews and the option to book for groups. For larger parties it’s worth calling in advance and arranging a fixed-menu or group set.
Do we need a permit to lead a guided tour? In most cases a standard guided visit does not require a formal permit, but for larger events, educational actions or special logistics (e.g. coach parking, use of public space) it’s wise to contact the Municipal Cemeteries Authority or check official guidelines.
How long does a standard visit take? The full suggested route takes about two hours, but you can shorten or adapt it to your group’s needs.
Can we take photographs? Yes, but with sensitivity. Avoid photographing people who are praying and do not pose in ways that are inappropriate near graves. Drone use requires additional permissions.
How can we get there by public transport? The most convenient option is tram or bus. There are stops named for the cemetery in the vicinity; on very busy days public transport is recommended over driving.
Choose an outdoor meeting point outside the main gate and set a clear gathering spot in case participants separate. This simple step saves time and stress.
Encourage questions, but ask for short, to-the-point remarks. A good visit is a respectful dialogue.
At the end of the visit take a moment for reflection - a brief summary lets participants process impressions and ties the team-building purpose to practical learning.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on your social channels so others can prepare for a meaningful visit.
If you’d like to visit Rakowicki Cemetery in an intimate, well-prepared format with someone who will care for both the comfort and substance of your tour, consider booking a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. For arrangements and bookings, visit zwiedzaniekrakowa.com and let the visit become a valuable and memorable experience for your whole group.
