The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki is one of Poland’s most important places of devotion — closely connected with St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy devotion. A private tour gives you the time and space to visit the key points without rushing, ask questions and tailor the route to your interests.
A private guide can design the route so you see the chapel with the Divine Mercy image, St. Faustina’s tomb and modern elements of the John Paul II complex. It’s also very convenient for small families, groups of friends or visitors travelling with seniors.
A typical, well-planned visit to Łagiewniki lasts 1–2 hours — longer if you want to attend liturgy, visit a museum or see exhibitions. A private guide can meet you at your hotel or at the sanctuary gate and lead the tour according to your wishes.
Start with practical checks: confirm chapel opening hours and any changes to the Mass schedule in advance. Note that some parts of the complex can be temporarily unavailable (for example during cleaning or special events), so it’s a good idea to confirm access when planning your visit.
If you’re travelling with a larger group, book the tour and any meals ahead of time — the sanctuary and affiliated venues offer group services and prepared lunch sets.
Dom św. Siostry Faustyny — a restaurant run by the Sisters right at the sanctuary. It’s ideal for visitors looking for simple, home-style dishes prepared according to monastic recipes. The restaurant serves groups and offers set meals, which is convenient for larger tours.
Oranżeria Faustyny 14 — a small, cosy restaurant located very close to the sanctuary (Siostry Faustyny Street). A pleasant interior and a garden make it a good choice for a relaxed lunch after visiting. They offer an à la carte menu and a daily lunch — good value for money.
Agape / Pilgrim House dining area — the pilgrim house and nearby facilities usually provide cafeteria-style meals or set lunches geared toward groups and pilgrims.
4Seasons (restaurant at the Focus hotel) — a bit further away but within a short ride or walk (about 1 km). A more elegant option if you prefer refined flavours and comfortable seating after a busy day of sightseeing.
If you prefer a wider culinary choice, consider returning to Kraków’s city centre or the Kazimierz district — there you’ll find many more dining options, but remember that travel time will add to your schedule.
Reservations: during high season and at weekends it’s best to reserve a table or confirm group service in advance. Restaurants near the sanctuary welcome groups, but booking makes logistics easier.
Opening hours: some sanctuary eateries (especially pilgrim cafeterias) change hours by season — check ahead, especially in winter.
Menu: the Dom św. Siostry Faustyny focuses on traditional home-cooked dishes. If you have dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), let the staff know in advance.
Parking and access: the sanctuary has coach parking and visitor parking spaces; the grounds include a pilgrim garden and green areas — pleasant places to rest before or after a meal.
The sisters’ kitchen has a living tradition here — St. Faustina spent her early years in Kraków helping in the convent kitchen, which gives the sanctuary’s culinary offer a special historical significance.
There are spots near the sanctuary where you can buy homemade cakes and coffee; part of the income often supports the centre’s activities and the teams serving pilgrims.
Not every visitor knows that several facilities around the sanctuary handle group service — coordinate with your guide so you don’t double-book meals.
No reservation on weekends and holidays — this can mean long waits or no available seating. Solution: call or message in advance to confirm your visit.
Inappropriate clothing for sacred spaces — remember modest dress when entering chapels and churches (covered shoulders and knees are a good rule).
Trying to cram too many activities into a short visit — instead of rushing, allow enough time to enjoy the sanctuary and have a calm lunch.
Do I need to reserve a tour? Individual visitors usually don’t need a reservation, but for larger groups it’s wise to notify the sanctuary in advance.
Are there places to eat at the sanctuary? Yes — the complex has restaurants and catering points run by the Sisters and other nearby venues offering lunches and à la carte dishes.
Can I bring food and have a picnic? There are green areas where you can rest, but check the rules on-site and always keep the area tidy.
Do staff speak English? Places serving pilgrims often have English-speaking staff, but it’s helpful to have basic phrases ready or ask your guide for assistance.
If you plan a private visit to Łagiewniki with a guide, use the experience of someone who knows the place well — they can help you avoid queues and speed up logistics. A guide can also recommend the best lunch spots to match your preferences.
If you found this helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like, I can help with booking a private tour led by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
