St. Wojciech Church stands almost like a modest guardian on one of Europe’s most recognizable squares - Kraków’s Main Market Square. From the outside it looks small, but it holds a history reaching at least the 11th–12th centuries and fragments of Romanesque walls that are among the oldest monuments within the Square. It’s a place where legend meets archaeological discovery, and passersby can peek into a tangible piece of the city’s earliest beginnings.
For many visitors the biggest draw are the undergrounds – the archaeological reserve and seasonal exhibitions that tell the story of the Main Market Square and the church itself. For that reason it’s worth planning your visit ahead, especially if you want to see the exhibition below the paving.
The church remains an active place of worship: services are still held here, so pay attention to notices and respect the sacred space during Mass.
This site is layered: the oldest stone wall fragments date to the Romanesque period and survive nearly 2 meters below today’s market level. Archaeologists have found traces of earlier wooden structures and many burials indicating the area’s medieval function. Over the centuries the church was rebuilt several times - Baroque elements from the 17th–18th centuries are particularly visible inside.
In the undergrounds you’ll see exposed sections of foundations, remains of flooring and reconstructions with exhibition materials that bring to life Market Square life in earlier times. Inside the church, attention is drawn to the Baroque altar, carved angels and a 15th-century crucifix.
In recent years the undergrounds host seasonal and thematic exhibitions that complement the archaeological context and help explain the site’s role in Kraków’s history.
The address is simple: Main Market Square 2. The church sits in a very busy part of the Old Town, within walking distance from most major sights: Wawel, the Cloth Hall or Grodzka Street.
The underground reserve and exhibitions are usually open seasonally - most often in the summer months (June–September) - though details and exhibition dates can vary from year to year. Outside the high season the church itself may be open to visitors at different hours, but access to some interior parts can be limited on days with services.
Practical tip - check current opening hours and underground exhibition availability on the managing institution’s website or call before you go - it saves time, especially during the tourist season.
Ticketing rules can vary depending on the season and the specific exhibition. In many years entrance to the undergrounds required a small fee, and special events (for example Museum Night) had separate prices and visiting hours.
Students usually qualify for a reduced ticket upon showing a valid student ID (for example a university card or the international ISIC). In some cases museums offer free admission on selected days or for specific groups. It’s always a good idea to carry proof of student status.
If you care about a specific price or want to avoid queues, check whether online reservation or advance ticket purchase is available from the exhibition operator - sometimes skip-the-line tickets are offered through tourism partners.
Fragments of Romanesque walls and a stepped portal - some of the oldest tangible examples of Romanesque architecture in Kraków.
Archaeological reserve in the undergrounds - excavated foundations, flooring fragments and traces of former Market Square buildings. The exhibition explains urban changes and everyday life across centuries.
Baroque interior furnishings - an 18th-century altar, angel sculptures and paintings that contrast with the austere Romanesque fragments beneath the paving.
A 15th-century crucifix - one of the more interesting details of sacred art, catching the attention even of visitors more drawn to secular monuments.
Don’t assume the undergrounds are always accessible - they are often seasonal and dependent on exhibitions. A common mistake is approaching the church and expecting immediate access below ground.
Remember your student ID if you count on a discount - many places require the document at the ticket desk.
Avoid planning your visit during major Market events (fairs, concerts), when access to entrances can be restricted or altered for logistics and safety.
Respect the sacred space: if you find a Mass in progress, postpone visiting the undergrounds for another time or enter quietly and discretely.
Due to the age and construction of the site and the nature of the underground reserve, full accessibility for people with limited mobility may be challenging. If you plan to visit with someone in a wheelchair or with mobility limits, contact the exhibition/museum staff in advance to learn about options and possible alternatives.
The undergrounds can be cooler and more humid - bring a light layer of clothing if you plan a longer visit.
For larger groups or guided visits, arrange the date and conditions with the institution running the exhibition in advance.
The Main Market Square is the city’s heart, so after leaving the church you’re close to the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, Floriańska Street and Wawel within a pleasant walk.
If you want to rest after sightseeing, recommended nearby places include Cafe Camelot, Massolit Books & Cafe, Szara Gęś and the historic restaurant Wierzynek if you’re in the mood for a more formal local meal. Choose well-reviewed places and reserve a table in high season.
For a short quiet break, head to Kanonicza Street or Grodzka Street - there you’ll feel a calmer atmosphere while staying close to major monuments.
The modern paving level is about 2 meters higher than the church’s original floor - the result of centuries of material accumulation and urban changes.
Under the church many burials were found dating from the 11th to the 14th centuries - evidence that the area once served as a necropolis.
The church was rebuilt many times, yet Romanesque fragments have survived - they let us glimpse the beginnings of Kraków’s stone sacred architecture.
Do students get a discount? - Yes, students usually qualify for a reduced ticket upon showing a valid student ID, but rules may vary by season and exhibition.
Are the undergrounds always open? - No, the undergrounds are often open seasonally or as part of specific exhibitions. It’s best to check ahead.
How much time should I plan? - To see the interior and undergrounds comfortably, allow about 45–90 minutes. A shorter visit (20–30 minutes) is enough to quickly view the interior.
Do I need to book in advance? - Not always, but in the tourist season or for groups it’s advisable to consider booking or checking availability online.
Not checking hours and underground availability - the best approach is to call or check the museum’s website before you leave.
Not having a student ID at the ticket desk - if you expect a discount, bring the document.
Assuming everything on the Market is available on the spot - remember many attractions have opening hours, visitor limits or conservation closures.
Approach the church with curiosity and patience. It’s a small site with a vast history; discovering it is more rewarding when you combine the visit with a relaxed moment on the Market or in a nearby café.
If you have time, plan visits to the surrounding monuments and treat St. Wojciech Church as part of a larger story about medieval and modern Kraków.
If you’d like more historical context or a tailor-made route, feel free to contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media so others planning a trip to Kraków can benefit.
