Villa Decius is one of those Krakow places that surprises — not only because of its Renaissance architecture but also because of the calm, green atmosphere of this city corner. For a tourist spending one or two days in Krakow, a visit here can be an excellent complement to the classic program (Main Market Square, Wawel, Kazimierz). This guide explains how to organize such an outing with a private guide, how to buy tickets and which common mistakes to avoid.
If you plan a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz), a private guide, you can expect a route adapted to your group’s pace, with historical stories, anecdotes and practical tips. At the end you'll find a short FAQ and a few recommended spots for coffee and lunch.
Villa Decius was built in the first half of the 16th century as a suburban residence for Justus Decius, a wealthy royal secretary. The preserved elements show a rich Renaissance legacy and later modifications that gave the building the character of an elegant residence with a loggia and decorative details.
The park surrounding the villa — Decius Park — has a centuries‑long history and is one of Krakow’s oldest municipal parks. Through different eras it has been shaped according to prevailing tastes: from utilitarian gardens to romantic layouts and an English‑style park. A walk along its paths is a pleasant escape from the bustle of the city center.
The villa’s interiors often host painting exhibitions and period furniture that help imagine how the residence looked in former times. One of the more interesting details is a loggia decorated with tiles of an oriental character — a feature that usually draws visitors’ attention.
Many visits include a short guided talk included in the ticket price or the option to use an audio guide. Special family activities and educational workshops for children are offered from time to time.
Check the current opening schedule before your planned visit — hours and visiting days can change depending on the season and events. The villa offers reduced, regular and family tickets; prices are reasonable and visiting is usually affordable.
Tickets can be bought online (when available) or on site at the reception. If you want a specific slot for a guided visit, it’s a good idea to reserve in advance — group tour places can be limited.
Keep in mind that last entry is usually set at a fixed time before closing, and some days have guided tours at set hours — especially weekends and holidays.
Wawel is the most visited site in Krakow, so if you plan to visit it on the same day as Villa Decius it’s wise to plan the order of visits. Many parts of Wawel require separate tickets for different routes and exhibitions, and popular routes can be sold out — this means visits may require advance planning.
If you want to see as many exhibitions at Wawel as possible, check ticket availability in advance and consider arriving on Wawel Hill early in the morning. Alternatively, you can visit Villa Decius and Decius Park as a quieter part of the day and leave Wawel for the morning or another part of the day according to your preferences.
Some visitors choose Wawel in the morning (to avoid the biggest queues) and then stroll through the Old Town or travel to Wola Justowska. Others prefer the opposite sequence — it all depends on opening hours and ticket availability on the day of your visit.
Villa Decius is located in Wola Justowska, west of the strict city center. Public transport or a taxi takes from several to a few dozen minutes depending on your starting point and traffic. If your time is limited, a taxi or ride‑hailing service gives the most flexibility.
Allow about 1–1.5 hours for a relaxed walk around the villa and a short park stroll; if you want to view exhibitions in detail or take a guided tour, plan 1.5–2 hours. For Wawel allocate at least 2–3 hours if you want to visit several routes; otherwise 1–1.5 hours may be enough for a quick visit to the main highlights.
Around the Old Town and Wawel you’ll find many well‑rated restaurants and cafés. Consider booking a table if you plan to eat after sightseeing, especially in the evening and on weekends.
If you prefer something quieter after visiting the villa and park, consider a picnic in the shade of Decius Park — a great option on warm days. In the Old Town you can try traditional Polish restaurants or cozy cafés for an espresso or cake. Recommended places near Wawel and the Old Town include Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish cuisine), Café Noworolski in the Cloth Hall and smaller cafés in Kazimierz such as Mleczarnia for a relaxed atmosphere.
Not checking opening hours and guided‑tour days — always verify the current schedule before leaving so you don’t arrive at closed doors.
Underestimating time needed for Wawel — it’s easy to pack too much into one day. It’s better to move at a calmer pace and see fewer things thoroughly.
Wearing inappropriate shoes and not preparing for the weather — the park and Wawel Hill can require comfortable footwear, and early autumn and spring can be changeable, so bring a light jacket.
Villa Decius houses a loggia decorated with tiles of an oriental character — a detail some visitors miss, but it really gives the interiors a special atmosphere.
Decius Park was developed over centuries and some of the trees still standing remember earlier layouts of the area — walking here is not only time in nature but a stroll through layers of local history.
Do I need a ticket to enter the park? - The green park area is open for walks, but to enter the villa’s interiors you need a ticket for an exhibition or a guided tour.
Are guided tours available at the villa? - Yes, on designated days guided tours are included in the ticket price; private guide visits for groups are possible after prior reservation. Audio guides are sometimes available as an alternative.
Is it worth combining this visit with Wawel? - Yes, if you have the time and plan the order of visits sensibly; base your decision on current opening hours and ticket availability.
If you found this practical guide helpful, share it with friends or post it on social media — it will help others better plan their visit to Krakow.
If you would like to visit Villa Decius, Decius Park and Wawel comfortably — with stories that bring the places to life — consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She tailors the visit to your pace and interests and will help you make the most of your time in Krakow.
