If you want to see Stanisław Wyspiański’s stained glass at its best, choose the morning — especially a sunny late-morning. Sunlight through the coloured glass brings out details and deepens the hues, so the compositions gain their full expressive power. In practice this means: arrive earlier than most tour groups so you can calmly view the nave, the transept and the impressive window often called “God the Father — Let there be.”
The Franciscan Basilica is open to visitors at set times — the interior is accessible every day, but tourist visiting hours are usually between 10:00 and 16:00. It’s worth checking current opening hours before you go and taking masses and services into account, since liturgies affect access to parts of the church. You can find contact details on the monastery’s information channels.
Morning visits have another advantage: quiet and calm, shorter lines and a higher chance of a private moment of contemplation in front of Wyspiański’s windows and wall paintings.
1. Arrive before or just after the morning mass — this helps avoid times when the basilica is closed to tourists because of liturgy.
2. Begin in the main nave and move slowly toward the transept and chancel — that is where the most important set of Wyspiański’s stained glass and polychromes are located.
3. Sit for a few minutes and watch how the light plays across the old glass — a few minutes of silence will help you read the symbolism and composition more clearly.
4. After touring the interior, take a short walking route — Planty, the Main Market Square and the area around the National Museum are nearby and offer additional materials and exhibitions related to Wyspiański’s designs.
5. Finish the morning plan with a short coffee or tea break at a nearby café — it’s a good time to share impressions and plan the rest of your day.
Focus on the stained glass designed by Stanisław Wyspiański — the most famous composition is the window known as “God the Father — Let there be,” placed to one side of the transept. It attracts attention for its dramatic form and clear symbolism.
Besides the stained glass, Wyspiański also designed wall polychromes — plant motifs and Art Nouveau ornamentation that create a coherent artistic setting for the interior. Notice botanical details, the colour palette and how religious themes are integrated with observations of nature.
Fans of sacred history will also appreciate the basilica’s structure itself — its Gothic character, chapels and Baroque elements, and the historic links with medieval Kraków and later reconstruction phases.
Address: All Saints Square (Plac Wszystkich Świętych) — check the monastery’s official contact channels for exact details and up-to-date visitor information. Note: while morning masses open the church early, tourist visiting hours are commonly limited to roughly 10:00–16:00; liturgies and special events may change access times.
Entrance to the basilica is free, but this is a sacred place — please respect its character: keep quiet, dress modestly (covered shoulders/back), do not eat inside and do not bring animals. Some parts (for example certain chapels) are reserved for prayer and may be closed to tourists at times.
The monastery gate and office have their own hours; if you plan something special (a group visit, or a professional photo session with flash) contact the office in advance to arrange permission.
Arriving after 16:00 — many people do not realise visiting options are limited and the stained glass may not be viewable; plan your visit for the morning or early afternoon.
Ignoring masses and services — the basilica is an active place of worship; check the liturgical schedule so you do not arrive during a celebration.
Inappropriate dress and excessive noise — this is a place for contemplation; show respect for worshippers and the architecture.
After the visit stop for a short break — in the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find several cafés with a friendly atmosphere for reflecting after an art visit: classic cafés and atmospheric garden courtyards in Kazimierz are especially pleasant after a morning walk. Reliable options near the centre include long-standing cafés and places serving homemade cakes and solid coffee — check opening hours before you go, as tourist season affects availability.
If you want to continue an artistic route, consider visiting the National Museum or a stained-glass studio and museum — there you can see sketches, designs and more about stained-glass techniques. Conservation work and the history of glass workshops give wider context to Wyspiański’s pieces.
If you prefer to stay closer to the market, traditional cafés near the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) offer a historic atmosphere — use visitor reviews and opening hours to pick what suits you best.
Do I have to pay? Entrance to the basilica is usually free, but some special exhibitions or guided tours may have an admission fee.
Can I take photos? Many churches allow photography without flash; if you plan professional sessions or use special equipment, ask the monastery office for permission. Always respect people at prayer and ongoing services.
Is the basilica accessible for people with reduced mobility? If you need accessibility support, contact the basilica office directly — staff will inform you about entry options and any available assistance.
Did you know Wyspiański was responsible not only for the stained glass but also for polychrome elements and details where he introduced natural motifs — wildflowers, sunflowers, irises? This blend of art and nature was typical of his approach and is especially visible in this basilica.
Worth noting: pay attention to the craftsmanship of the stained-glass panels and their conservation — restorative work in recent years has helped protect these unique objects for future generations.
If you’d like to learn the history, symbolism and anecdotes connected to the basilica and Wyspiański in a more personal way, I recommend a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She will happily show you the hidden corners, explain the artistic context and tailor the route to your interests. Contact details for Małgorzata are available on her guide pages; a private tour is an excellent way to deepen your experience.
