Short answer: yes — the parish church of St. Joseph on the Podgórze Market Square is open to worshippers and visitors for most of the day during the May holidays, but keep in mind important restrictions around masses and services.
Published parish information and guides show slightly different opening hours (most often around 6:30–19:00 or 6:30–19:30). The safest practice for a May visit is to check the current information on the parish noticeboard or call the parish office at +48 12 656 17 56 before you set out.
Remember that while a mass or service is taking place the interior is reserved for participants — sightseeing is not possible then. In May the evening May devotions are an additional regular service that can affect the best times for tourist visits.
The parish’s regular schedule usually includes weekday masses in the morning and evening (for example at 7:00, 8:00 and an evening mass at 18:30), and several masses on Sundays and feast days spread across the day (roughly 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 for children, 12:00, 18:30 and 20:00).
Confession (sacrament of reconciliation) typically takes place about half an hour before Sunday masses and at set times during the week (for example 7:30–8:00 and 18:00–18:30). Exact times can change, so check notices or call the parish office.
When planning your visit bear in mind that May devotions (May prayers) at this parish usually start around 18:00 — in May this is a daily fixture that draws both parishioners and visitors.
May devotions are a Polish tradition of daily evening services in May honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. At St. Joseph’s these devotions typically begin around 18:00, making May evenings especially interesting for visitors who want to experience local religious and cultural life.
If you plan to attend a May devotion: arrive a little early, especially if you want a seat or to hear the hymns from the front rows. May services are often intimate, but weekends and feast days can attract larger crowds.
A note for visitors: May devotions are part of parish life — please observe silence and respect. Photographing inside during the service is not appropriate.
The most peaceful time to tour is in the morning just after opening (if the church opens around 6:30–7:00) — the light is pleasant and visitor numbers are lowest. Weekday mornings are usually less crowded than afternoons and evenings.
If you’re interested in photographing neo‑Gothic architecture and interior details, choose a quiet weekday outside mass times. In May, however, evenings at 18:00 are a special opportunity to attend a May devotion and soak up the local atmosphere.
Avoid planning a visit during the main Sunday masses (around 10:30 or 12:00) and the evening mass at 18:30 — visitor access may be limited then.
St. Joseph’s Church stands at ul. Jana Zamoyskiego 2 on the Podgórze Market Square — the central square of the former town of Podgórze. It’s an excellent starting point for exploring the district.
Podgórze is easy to reach by public transport; convenient tram stops nearby include Korona and Plac Bohaterów Getta. From the tram it’s usually just a few minutes’ walk to the Market Square.
Nearby highlights include the Podgórze Market Square itself, Plac Bohaterów Getta (a place of memory with traces of the ghetto’s history) and, if you have more time, MOCAK and the former Oskar Schindler factory in Zabłocie. A pleasant walk connecting Kazimierz and Podgórze (for example via the Bernatek Footbridge) is a great way to combine several attractions.
Podgórze has a number of friendly cafés and eateries on and around the Market Square. One well‑liked spot is Nad & Greg (Rynek Podgórski) — a small patisserie/café with French‑style sweets, often praised for its atmosphere and baked goods.
Other intimate cafés line the streets off the square; choose places with good reviews and check opening hours before you go. For lunch or dinner nearby you’ll find restaurants and bars offering a range of cuisines from local to international.
A simple tip: sit where you see locals — that’s usually a good sign of quality and reasonable prices.
Timing a visit too close to a mass — result: access may be restricted or uncomfortable. Allow at least 30–60 minutes for visiting the interior outside liturgical times.
Assuming opening hours never change — during national or parish holidays, funerals, weddings or other events the parish may adjust access. The simplest solution is a quick phone call to the parish office before you go.
Inappropriate dress — while the church welcomes tourists, modest clothing is expected. Avoid short shorts and bare shoulders when attending services.
Is entry to the church paid? Entry to St. Joseph’s parish church is free for prayer and short visits.
Can you take photos? Photographing the interior is normally allowed, but never during masses or services. Follow any instructions from church staff.
Are there special services in May? Yes — May devotions to Our Lady take place daily in May, usually around 18:00, which affects availability of the interior at that time.
How can I check if the church is open today? The most reliable sources are parish announcements and the parish office — if in doubt call +48 12 656 17 56.
St. Joseph’s in Podgórze is an impressive neo‑Gothic basilica designed by Jan Sas‑Zubrzycki and built in the early 20th century — it’s one of the largest and most decorative churches in the district.
Around the church you can spot fragments of older Podgórze structures and interesting architectural details that attract visitors interested in sacred architecture — watch for rich exterior and interior ornamentation and the historic bell tower nearby.
Less obvious: May evening services create an intimate atmosphere and are a good opportunity to hear local choirs or the parish schola, who often lead the singing.
If you plan a May walk around Podgórze, St. Joseph’s is a must‑see — both for its architecture and the local May devotions. Check mass times before you go, come with respect and leave time for coffee on the square.
If you’d like to explore Podgórze in more depth with a knowledgeable local guide, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Zwiedzanie Krakowa) for tailored tours that combine history, culture and practical tips for visitors.
If this article was useful — share it with friends so others know the best times to visit St. Joseph’s during May. Enjoy your time in Podgórze!
