The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Krakow is one of those places that can surprise even people who know the city well. It's not only a Gothic building by the Planty or another historic church — it is an interior where art and spirituality meet in a special way thanks to Stanisław Wyspiański.
For a family with children or seniors, 30–60 minutes is enough to see the highlights: the impressive stained glass "God the Father — 'Let there be'" in the west window above the main portal, the cycle of windows personifying the elements, and the figural images of St. Francis and Blessed Salomea. It's worth stepping inside even during a short walk from the Market Square — the interior quickly captures attention and can become a talking point for the rest of the day.
Focus on three things: the stained glass, the polychromes and the small details of Art Nouveau ornamentation. The most famous window is "God the Father — 'Let there be'" — a monumental depiction of the act of creation located in the west window. Nearby and along the nave you’ll find windows showing the elements: fire, water, air and earth. These are compositions in which saintly figures seem almost immersed in abundant vegetation and nature symbolism.
Wyspiański's polychromes, created as part of the chancel decoration, are full of floral motifs: pansies, irises, chamomile, sunflowers, poppies, marsh marigolds and cornflowers. Notice how plants and ornaments weave around the figures — it's a different way of telling a story, less narrative, more visual and poetic.
Also look at the details: the way lines are drawn, the choice of glass and tones, and sometimes small differences between the artist's design and the final execution. Wyspiański personally selected glass samples and could change his idea when the right shade was not available — a good topic to talk about with children on how a work of art is actually made.
Wyspiański worked on the Franciscan church's decoration at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and had many ideas that did not always meet the convent's approval. For example, he wanted to paint the vault with birds — the idea was not realized, but the desire to bring nature into the interior is visible in every detail.
When choosing glass for the windows the artist could be very meticulous: he compared color samples against the light himself and selected shades until they harmonized with the design. The final effect sometimes differs from the project board because not all shades were available — a good illustration that art is also craft and negotiation with materials.
In Wyspiański’s works you can find traces of fascination with the modern discoveries of his time — occasionally the artist drew on the latest scientific ideas; some researchers note echoes of concepts like X-ray rays in his treatment of light and form.
Check opening hours and whether a Mass is scheduled at the planned time — during liturgy the interior may be closed or silence requested. Entrance to the church is usually free, but it’s good to have some small change for a voluntary donation or a souvenir.
Dress modestly and comfortably — the church is a sacred place, and it's easier to study details when everyone feels comfortable. For children prepare short tasks: find a given color in a window, count flowers in a polychrome, imagine what sound would match a scene — games like these engage them and help focus attention.
Photography is usually allowed but without flash — glass reacts strongly to light and a flash can disturb worshippers. The best photos are taken without flash, using the natural light coming through the windows.
The window "God the Father — 'Let there be'" is in the west window, so late afternoon and the moments before sunset can beautifully bring out its colors. This is a great time for quieter viewing and photography. Other windows respond differently depending on orientation, so if you have time, visit once in the morning and once in the afternoon to see how the atmosphere changes.
If you want peace and fewer tourists, choose early morning hours on weekdays. Weekend afternoons tend to be busier, especially in the high season.
The Basilica stands by the Planty, so a walk from here to the Main Market Square takes only a few minutes. If you plan a day with children, you can combine the visit with a short walk along the Planty, a stop for ice cream and a quick look at the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice).
For families who enjoy art, a good complement is a visit to nearby museums or a walk to Kazimierz — there you’ll find child-friendly cafés and restaurants and a calmer atmosphere in the afternoon.
After visiting it’s nice to stop for something tasty. Well-rated places around the Old Town include Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish cuisine in historic interiors), Cafe Camelot (a cozy café great for families with children), and Bottiglieria 1881 for those seeking an exceptional dinner. For quick sandwiches or pastries try Szara Restaurant on the Market Square.
If you plan to stay overnight, consider family-friendly options: Hotel Stary (luxury, central location), PURO Kraków Stare Miasto (comfort and modern design) or smaller family-run guesthouses near the Planty — these choices have good reviews and make it easy to return to the city's attractions after a short rest.
1) Not checking Mass times — sometimes the interior is closed to visitors. Before leaving, check the parish schedule or ask at the door.
2) Not preparing activities for children — think of short tasks, puzzles or drawings that will help them stay focused. Children listen more willingly when they have something to do.
3) A quick glance and leaving — the stained glass and polychromes deserve a moment of attention. Even 10 minutes of careful looking will reveal details you won't notice in a rush.
Is there an entrance fee? Entrance to the church is usually free, but donations may be suggested at certain times. It's always good to have some small change on hand.
Can we take photos? Yes, photography is generally allowed but without flash. Respect people who are praying and avoid taking photos during services.
How much time do we need? A standard visit takes 30 to 60 minutes; if you want to look more closely and talk with children, plan 60–90 minutes.
Is the interior accessible for people with limited mobility? Many old churches have architectural limitations; if your group includes people with mobility difficulties, check about side entrances or ask directly at the parish.
Create a mini-quiz: who finds a specific flower in the polychrome first, who points out the most shades of blue in a window, who invents a short story about one of the motifs. These games engage everyone and create memories.
If your visit falls on a nice day, finish the walk with a stroll through the Planty and a stop for ice cream or a warm drink. A small reward after the "art mission" will make the outing memorable for children.
If this text helped you plan your visit, share it with family or friends — send a link, post it on social media or simply message someone. Good tips are worth spreading!
If you want to explore Krakow more deeply and comfortably, you can find the offer of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — help planning the route, stories adapted to participants' ages and practical support on the day of the visit. Contact details and more information are available on the website.
Enjoy your visit and many interesting discoveries — sometimes a few sentences told on the way to the next attraction are enough to make the whole family see Krakow differently.
