The Basilica of the Holy Trinity and the Dominican priory complex is one of the spots in Kraków’s city centre that combines centuries of history, richly decorated interiors and an interesting cloistered space. If you’re visiting the Old Town it’s worth planning a short stop here — even if you only have a day or two in Kraków, the area around Dominikański Square fits easily into a walk along the Royal Route.
This place will appeal both to lovers of architecture and sacred art (Renaissance and Baroque chapels, a Gothic portal) and to those seeking a quiet corner in the centre. The complex also houses the Dominican Museum, which helps explain the history of the order and monastic life.
The Dominicans arrived in Kraków in the first half of the 13th century; the church has roots reaching back to that period and its consecration is recorded in sources as taking place in the 1220s. Over the centuries the building was rebuilt: from its Romanesque beginnings it moved to a Gothic form, and parts of the interior received a Neo‑Gothic look after the great city fire of 1850.
Particular attention should be paid to the 17th‑century funerary chapels (including the chapels of St. Hyacinth, Myszkowski, Lubomirski and Zbaraski families) and the richly decorated late‑Gothic entrance portal dating from the late 14th century. The church also contains important tombstones and memorabilia connected with the history of Kraków and the order.
If you enjoy stories with a touch of legend — there are many tales about fires, reconstructions and the influence of powerful families on the church’s decoration, which all add extra color to the place.
The late 14th‑century portal with its plant ornament sculpture is one of the small details not to miss. Inside, pay attention to the Chapel of St. Hyacinth — considered one of the outstanding chapels of its kind in Poland, featuring stucco decoration and polychrome from the turn of the 17th/18th centuries.
The chapels contain numerous paintings, altars and tombstones of Kraków’s noble families; it’s worth stepping into each chapel to observe the variety of styles from the Renaissance to the Baroque. Don’t forget to look around the monastery cloisters and the Romanesque monastery buildings — within the complex you’ll find the refectory, chapter house and fragments of the old library.
If you plan a visit to the Dominican Museum you will see exhibits that explain the life of the order, liturgical objects and stories about the priory’s past. The museum’s displays change from time to time, so it’s worth checking what’s on show during your visit.
The Dominican Museum operates on a fixed schedule: it is primarily open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday are usually closed for visitors. Admission to the museum is free of charge, but prior reservation of a ticket for a specific day and time is required.
Guided tours are possible after prior arrangement, usually with at least seven days’ notice; the museum also offers paid group tours. Keep in mind that some monastic spaces are not fully adapted for visitors with limited mobility, although special visits can sometimes be arranged after contact.
There are rules at the entrance to the complex: eating inside the museum is generally not allowed, and photography is permitted with care — without flash and tripods unless you have permission from staff.
The complex address is Stolarska 12 — you’re literally in the heart of the Old Town. The easiest way to get here is by public transport; trams and stops are within a short walk of Dominikański Square. Several tram lines serve the area, making the priory accessible from different parts of the city.
The museum does not have its own parking, so if you arrive by car plan to use one of the paid city centre car parks or a park & ride facility outside the strict centre. Entry to the priory is through the gate on Stolarska Street; pay attention to signs and opening hours.
The church is an active place of worship — during Masses and services sightseeing is limited. On weekdays and Sundays there are many Masses at various hours, and Sundays usually have the most services. If you want to view the interior in peace, avoid service times and large religious events.
Before your visit check the current service schedule, because during the tourist season and at major church celebrations the timetable can be busier. This will help you avoid arriving during a ceremony and finding it difficult to move freely inside the church.
Dress: this is still a functioning church, so modest and neat clothing is recommended. If you enter wearing short shorts or with bare shoulders, have a scarf handy to cover up.
Photos: take pictures without flash and without a tripod, and follow any instructions from staff. The museum has conservation rules — sometimes photographing certain objects is prohibited.
Visit length: a quick walk through the church takes about 20–30 minutes; if you plan to see the chapels, cloisters and visit the Dominican Museum, allow at least 1.5–2 hours.
Around Dominikański Square and Stolarska Street there are many good places — if you’d like coffee after visiting, consider Siesta Café (Stolarska) for a quick espresso or dessert. For tea lovers, Demmers Teahouse near the square is a pleasant option.
If you want lunch nearby, there are well‑rated restaurants offering a variety of cuisines — from steaks and burgers to Argentine dishes. Pick places with good reviews and reserve a table if you plan to visit at the weekend.
When choosing accommodation, staying in the Old Town or Kazimierz is recommended — that way most attractions, including the Dominicans, will be within easy reach.
The interior you see today is the result of many changes and reconstructions — the great fire of 1850 led to rebuilding and gave parts of the church a Neo‑Gothic character, so traces of different eras meet under one roof.
The Chapel of St. Hyacinth was designed following the model of the famous royal chapel at Wawel, which underlines the importance of this church as a place of burial and remembrance of notable figures. The cloisters and monastic buildings hide lesser‑known details that often escape notice during a quick walk — give yourself a moment to slowly discover them.
Arriving at the Dominican Museum without a reservation often leads to disappointment — although admission is free, entry requires prior online booking for a specific time slot. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Another frequent mistake is planning a visit during Mass times — check the service schedule so you don’t disturb worship and can view the interior comfortably. On weekends and during holiday periods service activity and events may be heavier than usual.
Don’t assume everything in the priory is open all the time; some areas are only available during specific hours or during organized tours.
Do I have to pay to enter the church? - Entering the church itself is usually free, but the Dominican Museum requires prior free reservation of a ticket for a specific time slot.
Can I tour with a guide? - Yes; the museum and priory offer guided tours after prior arrangement. Group tours may have fees and require a few days’ notice.
Is the place wheelchair accessible? - Due to historic architecture not all spaces are easily accessible; if you need accommodations, contact the museum in advance to arrange details.
If you have only one day: start in the morning with a walk around the Market Square and follow the Royal Route toward Dominikański Square; visit the basilica and then enjoy coffee at one of the recommended cafés. If you want to visit the Dominican Museum, reserve a free ticket for a specific time in advance.
If you have two days: schedule time for the museum and a slow look at the chapels, add a short walk through the priory cloisters and consider booking a guided tour that will explain the most important details and anecdotes. End the day at a well‑rated nearby restaurant and allow yourself a rest after an intense day of sightseeing.
If you enjoyed this themed route and want to learn more about Kraków’s hidden corners with a knowledgeable local, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she is the guide behind this route. Share this article with friends or on social media if you find it helpful.
