St. Mary’s Basilica (the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) is unquestionably the symbol of Kraków’s Main Market Square — the wooden altarpiece by Wit Stwosz, the hejnal (trumpet signal) played every hour from one of the towers, and the Gothic silhouette all make it immediately visible to anyone standing on the Square for the first time.
But the Old Town is not only St. Mary’s. In the immediate area there are churches with earlier histories (like St. Adalbert), Romanesque defensive relics (St. Andrew), grand examples of Baroque (Saints Peter and Paul) and Gothic monastic interiors (the Franciscan church).
Below you’ll find a short, practical ranking and comparison — what to see in each church, why it’s worth going in and how to plan your visit to get the most out of it.
1. St. Mary’s Church (St. Mary’s Basilica) — top position because of the Wit Stwosz altarpiece, the hejnal and the unique atmosphere of the Market Square.
2. St. Adalbert (St. Wojciech) — one of the oldest stone places of worship in Poland, worth attention for the centuries of history concentrated in a small space.
3. St. Andrew’s Church — a preserved example of Romanesque architecture and an interesting contrast to the Gothic and Baroque forms of the Old Town.
4. Saints Peter and Paul — impressive Baroque, a façade inspired by Rome’s Il Gesù and crypts containing notable historical figures.
5. Franciscan Church — a Gothic sanctuary with interesting chapels and a history connected to burials and confraternities; worth visiting if you enjoy rich sacramental detail.
The main reason tourists come to St. Mary’s is the monumental altarpiece by Wit Stwosz — an intricately carved late 15th-century triptych regarded as one of the most important works of late Gothic sculpture in Europe.
Other highlights include the polychromes, paintings, richly furnished interior and the tradition of the hejnal — a melody played every hour from the higher tower that abruptly stops halfway through (a symbol commemorating the trumpeter who warned of a raid).
For visitors: touring the interior is usually ticketed (revenues go toward the upkeep of the basilica) and is available during set hours; part of the church remains open to worshippers. Access to the tower where the hejnal is played is organized in limited groups and may require separate tickets.
Practical tip: the altarpiece is opened at specific times (there is typically a morning opening for visitors) — it’s worth arriving for the opening to see the triptych up close; check current visiting hours in advance.
Located at the corner of the Main Market Square and Grodzka Street, St. Adalbert’s is one of Kraków’s oldest stone churches. Its scale is modest but its history is rich — a place where medieval merchants and pilgrims used to stop.
Why go inside: the layers of building phases squeezed into a compact space are visible at a glance — from medieval walls to later decorations and adaptations. It’s also a peaceful spot to escape the bustle of the Square for a moment.
Practical tips: the church is very easy to reach from the center, so you can combine a visit with a short stroll around the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and nearby lanes.
If you want to see something truly old and austere in Kraków, go to St. Andrew’s. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in Poland — massive walls, twin towers and defensive features that recall a time when churches also served as shelters.
The interior underwent later renovations (Baroque decorations), but the Romanesque character of the façade and towers remains clear. This site is essential for anyone interested in architectural history.
Practical tip: combine St. Andrew’s with a walk along Grodzka to feel the continuity of the old Royal Route — from the Market toward Wawel.
The façade and interior of Saints Peter and Paul impress — this Jesuit Baroque was inspired by Rome’s Il Gesù. The monumental structure, a row of chapels and apostle statues on the fence make the church one of the most recognizable buildings on the Royal Route.
Notable people rest in the crypts, which adds an extra dimension for visitors who enjoy linking art and history. The interior is continuous and impressive — a good place if you seek contrast with the medieval forms of the Market Square.
Practical tip: the interior pairs well with a walk down Grodzka and a visit to the neighboring Collegium buildings, which helps to understand the urban context of the church.
The Franciscan church at All Saints’ Square has a distinct atmosphere: Gothic forms, chapels with rich decorations and historic ties to local devotion. It’s worth visiting if you like convent churches that are neither excessively monumental nor small, but full of interesting sacred details.
Who will enjoy it: those interested in patrons, local confraternities and subtle sacral art will find a lot to see here. It’s a pleasant stop between the Market and the Planty, or after a walk toward the Philharmonic.
Practical note: some chapels may be restricted during services and religious events — check whether a Mass is scheduled at the time you plan to visit.
Architecture: St. Mary’s — Gothic with a late Gothic altarpiece; St. Andrew’s — Romanesque; Saints Peter and Paul — Baroque; St. Adalbert — early Romanesque–Gothic stages; Franciscans — Gothic with Renaissance and Baroque additions.
Art and treasures: if your priority is sculptural masterpieces — St. Mary’s (Wit Stwosz altarpiece). If you are curious about defensive architecture and ancient stone — St. Andrew’s. For Baroque splendor and spaciousness — Saints Peter and Paul. For small interiors rich in history — St. Adalbert and the Franciscans.
Accessibility: all sites are within walking distance of the Market; St. Mary’s has the most tourism-related rules (tickets, areas reserved for worshippers), while other churches tend to be more relaxed, although you should respect service times.
Best time: early morning or late afternoon outside peak hours (after 4:00 PM) — St. Mary’s and the Market area are then less crowded. If you want to climb St. Mary’s tower, choose a weekday or a time outside major Masses.
Do I need a ticket for St. Mary’s? Tourist entry to part of the basilica is usually paid — there are also separate tickets for the tower (hejnal). Revenues from tickets support maintenance. Prices and hours change seasonally, so check current information before your visit.
Can I take photos? In most churches photography without flash is allowed, but using a tripod or professional equipment may be regulated and can require permission. Photographing during Mass or services is not permitted.
Dress code and behavior: respect places of worship — cover shoulders and knees when possible. Keep quiet during services and avoid disturbing worshippers.
Can I go up St. Mary’s tower? Yes — ascents are organized in limited groups (sometimes a queue system). If you want a panoramic view of the Market, arrive early or plan your visit off the weekend.
Are guided tours available? Many museums and larger churches work with official guides. If you’d like a guided visit with commentary, consider booking a private guide — I recommend Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who can tailor the route, reserve tickets and handle logistics so you can enjoy Kraków stress-free.
Assuming you can see everything in one hour — you can skim St. Mary’s and other churches in 15–20 minutes, but to study the altarpiece, polychromes and the nave’s atmosphere plan at least 45–60 minutes.
Trying to visit during Mass — interiors are sometimes closed to tourists during services. Check the Mass schedule or enter briefly to pray rather than to take photos.
Eating at bland chain places on the Square — there are excellent cafés and restaurants with good reputations; walk 2–3 side streets from the Market to find better and often more affordable food.
Assuming the St. Mary’s tower is always open — places are limited and tickets are not always reservable online, so come early in the morning.
After sightseeing it’s nice to rest in one of the well-reviewed spots on or just off the Market. For traditional higher-end dining: Wierzynek offers a historic atmosphere and a menu matched to the surroundings. Szara Gęś w Kuchni (Grey Goose) is another proven choice if you want to taste modern Polish cuisine in an elegant setting.
For coffee and cake try Café Camelot — a cozy, atmospheric café with an artistic interior, perfect for a break between visits around the Old Town.
If you need local recommendations for different budgets, ask your guide — you’ll get up-to-date, tested tips (daily menus, reservations, recommended dishes).
The hejnal of St. Mary’s, cut off halfway through, commemorates the trumpeter who warned of an attack. It is played every hour from the tower and is one of Kraków’s most recognizable sounds.
Wit Stwosz’s altarpiece was carved over a long period in the 15th century by large workshops; during World War II it was dismantled and taken out of the country. After the war it was recovered and returned to the Basilica.
A less obvious detail: in Stwosz’s carved scenes you can spot realistic, individual facial features — they were portraits of contemporary Kraków residents rather than idealized types.
Quick route (2 hours): Enter the Market, visit St. Mary’s (a quick look at the altarpiece), walk to St. Adalbert, then to St. Andrew and finish at Saints Peter and Paul on Grodzka Street.
More in-depth route (3–4 hours): Start with the altarpiece opening at St. Mary’s, explore the crypts and chapels at Saints Peter and Paul, visit the Franciscan monastery and relax in a café on Świętego Tomasza Street.
If you have more time: add Wawel Castle or one of the museums near the Market — excellent complements to sacred sightseeing.
If you want someone to plan a route tailored to your interests (quick highlights, photography, art history, family-friendly touring), consider hiring a private guide. You’ll save time on ticket reservations, learn the best times to visit each site and hear stories not found in guidebooks.
Official museum guides often have access to special time slots and deep subject knowledge, which is useful for a more thorough visit.
If you wish, I can help organize contact with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can advise on the route, reserve tickets and handle logistics such as restaurant or accommodation bookings.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll make planning a Kraków visit easier for others.
And if you want someone to plan everything for you (churches and museums, ticket and restaurant reservations, and accommodation), consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She will tailor the program to your needs and manage logistics so you can enjoy Kraków with peace of mind.
See you on the Market — and good luck discovering the many faces of Kraków’s sacred history!
