St. Adalbert's Church is one of the oldest stone monuments in Kraków — its roots go back to the early Middle Ages. In summer, when the Main Market Square is lively and bustling, this small, unassuming church offers a moment of calm and a very different perspective on the city's history. It’s a great place to feel the contrast between the noisy square above and the austere Romanesque architecture from many centuries ago. Many visitors pass it thinking it’s just “part of the square” — but beneath the nave lie layers of old Kraków.
During the summer season there is usually a temporary archaeological exhibition in the church’s underground space presenting the development phases of the Main Market Square and the oldest elements of the building — an attraction especially interesting for families with children and anyone curious about archaeology.
Fragments of Romanesque walls and a portal — parts of the original structure dating from the turn of the 11th/12th centuries are visible and displayed; pay attention to the lowered floor level, a reminder that the square was raised over centuries.
Baroque and Rococo interior fittings — despite the discovery of Romanesque elements, the interior preserves features from 17th–18th century reconstructions: the altar, sculptures and polychromes. Look for the 18th‑century altar with an image of the Virgin Mary and carved angels.
A early-15th-century crucifix and a painting of St. Adalbert by Kasper Kurcz — small details that link sacred history with local tradition.
The chapel of Blessed Wincenty Kadłubek and the sacristy — later additions from the 17th–18th centuries that show successive layers of the church’s transformation.
In the church’s basement the Archaeological Museum presents an exhibition showing the stratigraphic changes of the Main Market Square: traces of wooden floors, stone pavements, fragments of Romanesque walls and remains of medieval burials. It’s a great way to see the city’s “layers of time.”
Seasonality of the exhibition — the basement display is typically open to visitors during the summer season; before your visit it’s a good idea to check current opening days and times, as they can vary from year to year.
Practical tip: go to the undergrounds early in the morning or in the early afternoon to avoid queues. On Sundays the exhibition can be closed, so plan your visit outside of Sunday if possible.
Location: south‑east corner of the Main Market Square, at the junction with Grodzka Street. It’s an easy landmark — you can combine the visit with a walk along the Royal Route.
Hours and tickets: as an active place of worship the church is accessible to both parishioners and visitors; the underground exhibition is seasonal and usually requires a separate ticket handled by the Archaeological Museum. Check current hours and prices with the museum before you go.
Dress and behaviour: remember this is an active church — keep quiet during services, dress modestly and switch off phone sounds. Flash photography inside is usually prohibited; follow signage.
When to come: the most pleasant times are early morning (around 9:00) or late afternoon (after 16:00), when the heat eases and crowds disperse around the nearby streets. If you want fewer tourists in your photos, choose off‑peak times like early morning.
Getting there: located in the city centre, it’s easiest to reach on foot from most Old Town points; public transport stops at the Market Square make for a short walk.
There are many highly rated places around the Market Square. If you want a historic and memorable dining experience consider Restaurant Wierzynek; for refined dining try Szara or Szara Gęś; for a cozy dessert place try Cafe Camelot; and for bakery-style breakfasts and great bread try Charlotte. These spots are all within easy walking distance of the square.
Ice cream and cooling off: in summer be sure to try artisanal ice cream at nearby gelaterias — a quick and delicious way to cool down after exploring the square.
Reservations: in the summer season popular restaurants often fill up in the evenings — if you have a specific place in mind, reserve a table in advance.
The market level rose over the centuries — parts of the Romanesque walls of the church are now displayed almost 2 metres below the modern paving, which vividly illustrates the long history and urban changes of Kraków.
Legend has it that St. Adalbert preached at this very spot — one of the stories that link the church to the beginnings of Christianity in Poland.
This place combines everyday religious life with a museum function: despite its modest size, the church acts as a window into early medieval Kraków.
Assuming the church is only a 2‑minute stop — it’s worth spending more time here, especially to descend to the undergrounds and see the historical layers.
Visiting on Sunday expecting the basement exhibition to be open — seasonal displays are sometimes closed on Sundays; check opening days in advance.
Not bringing shade and water in summer — the Market Square can get very hot; bring a bottle of water and plan a break in the shade or a café with air conditioning.
Is entry to the church paid? Entry to the church itself is usually free, but visiting the underground archaeological reserve is seasonal and may require a ticket — check the Archaeological Museum’s current offer before your visit.
Can I take photos? Photography inside is generally allowed but without flash; restrictions apply during services and in certain marked areas. Respect signs and staff instructions.
Does the church have fixed opening hours? As a place of worship it has Masses and services; underground exhibitions are available seasonally (typically in the summer). The safest option is to check current hours with the Archaeological Museum.
Who to contact for planning a visit: the Archaeological Museum in Kraków (St. Adalbert’s Church branch) can provide up‑to‑date information on exhibitions and tickets — it’s worth contacting them before your planned visit.
St. Adalbert’s Church is a must for those who want to see more of Kraków than just the surface panoramas of the Main Market. Small on the outside, rich in historical layers beneath the ground and in the details of the interior. In summer you can combine a short descent to the undergrounds with coffee or dessert in one of the recommended nearby cafés.
If you liked this guide — share it with friends or on your social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a personal guide, I invite you to consider a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and offers are available on the guide’s page. Enjoy your visit and have a pleasant, cool afternoon after leaving the Market Square!
