Did you know that beneath the Piarist church on Pijarska Street there is a lower church (a crypt) where Baroque frescoes nearly three centuries old have been discovered and restored — details that for a long time were hidden from visitors? This spot can surprise even those who know the Old Town well.
The crypt is sometimes used for exhibitions and cultural events, and the church’s tradition includes funerals of notable Krakow residents — it’s worth stepping inside for a moment to feel the atmosphere.
The Piarist church on Pijarska Street was built in the first half of the 18th century to a design by Kacper Bażanka; the representative façade we see today — in late Baroque style — was developed later and refined in part by Francesco Placidi. The interior is decorated with rich stucco and paintings, and in the presbytery there is an urn containing the heart of Father Stanisław Konarski — an element of great interest to history lovers.
Pay attention to the stucco details and illusionistic paintings both in the nave and the crypt; for anyone interested in sacred art, a visit can be very instructive.
The northern stretch of Krakow’s medieval fortifications — with the Florian Gate, the Barbican and three towers — is the best-preserved fragment of the old city walls; this section has great historical value and is a perfect starting point for a walk along the Royal Route toward the Market Square.
The Barbican was built at the end of the 15th century as part of the fortifications; its cylindrical shape and thick walls still impress today, and the Florian Gate was for centuries the symbolic entrance to the city and the setting for ceremonial processions.
The Barbican and the adjoining section of walls are run as a museum — from spring to autumn you can often enter the Barbican, and in summer historical events are held there. Check opening hours and ticket information before you visit, as seasonal fees and visiting restrictions may apply.
If you plan to photograph the Florian Gate up close or do longer shoots, try to come outside peak tourist hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid the crowds.
The most convenient place to stay is the Old Town or neighbouring districts (Kazimierz, Zabłocie) if you want walking access to the Florian Gate, the Market Square and the Piarist church; there are also slightly cheaper options a little farther away with good public transport links.
If you want to be literally 'by' Floriańska Street, consider small hotels or apartments around Floriańska itself — choose places with consistently good guest reviews, clear check-in rules and information about parking if you are arriving by car.
Around the Old Town you’ll find everything from fine-dining restaurants to cosy bistros and cafés serving excellent coffee and cakes — to taste local cuisine in recommended places, pick those with top ratings and a well-tested menu.
If you’re looking for traditional Polish food in a historic setting, there are long-standing restaurants in the Royal Route area and nearby streets (for example Pod Aniołami) as well as many smaller, cosy places tucked into the side streets where you can try classics like pierogi or żurek.
Visitors around the Market Square and the Florian Gate often make a few recurring mistakes: they book accommodation too far away and waste time commuting; they eat only at the first restaurants they see on main streets; and they don’t check opening hours of smaller sights (the Piarist crypt can be open irregularly).
How to avoid these mistakes: book a place with good reviews and easy walking access to attractions; ask locals or a guide for recommendations; plan visits outside peak movement times; and choose restaurants with strong ratings rather than only those immediately on the square.
Is the Piarist church open every day? Hours can vary because of services and cultural events, so it’s worth checking the parish page or asking at the local tourist information point before your visit.
Is the Barbican always open? During the tourist season the Barbican is usually accessible at specific hours and tickets may be sold seasonally — check opening times and event schedules before you come.
How to get there? From Kraków Główny station you can walk to the Old Town in about 15–20 minutes; if you prefer public transport, several tram and bus lines stop near the Planty belt.
The frescoes found in the Piarist crypt were invisible for a long time and were brought back to light only after conservation studies — a good example that even 'well-known' places can hide stories.
The Florian Gate served not only a defensive function through the centuries but also a symbolic one in royal parades and ceremonies — it’s one of those buildings that mixes everyday street life with many centuries of history.
If you plan a walk between Pijarska and Floriańska Streets, allow time to stop in the Piarist church and to look closely at the walls — it’s a short route but full of details worth returning to slowly.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other visitors plan a better stay in Krakow. If you’d like a personalised route and first‑hand stories, feel free to contact the guide listed on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
