Bazylika i Klasztor Franciszkanow
Bazylika i Klasztor Franciszkanow
Bazylika i Klasztor Franciszkanow
4.6
About
Decorated with vibrant colors and Stanislaw Wyspianski’s famous stained glass window “God the Father.”
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Stare Miasto
Stare Miasto, the old town district of Krakow, is a destination rich in history and culture. The Main Market Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, serves as its centerpiece, hosting the iconic Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica. The neighborhood also encompasses Wawel Castle, an architectural gem that offers breathtaking views of the Vistula River. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and boutiques line the charming cobblestone streets, offering a delightful mix of traditional Polish cuisine and international fare. With its convenient tram network and pedestrian-friendly layout, getting around Stare Miasto is a breeze, making it a perfect base for exploring the enchanting city of Krakow.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,390 within 3 miles
Attractions
572 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- MFaroItaly2,930 contributionsFranciscan basilica in front of the archbishopric in the center of Krakow. The rather simple exterior is contrasted by a beautiful interior made of stained glass windows in which the light radiates and a blue vault with stars. To visit.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 14, 2024
- 596ginettedParis, France185 contributionsThe Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi has been affected by numerous fires and has been renovated several times, which explains the mixture of different styles (Gothic and neo-Gothic elements). The church is beautifully decorated with “art nouveau” floral motifs. Numerous and impressive stained glass windows by Stanislaw Wyspianski open the church to the light. The geometric and plant motifs covering the walls of the choir and the transverse nave represent emblematic Polish flowers. In the choir windows, the artist placed stained glass windows representing the four elements. Above the main entrance to the church is the monumental God the Father stained glass window. The Franciscan basilica is also in possession of the certified copy of the Shroud of Turin (in the Passion Chapel). Don't forget to admire the painting of the Virgin of Sorrows, called “Sorrowful Benefactress of Krakow”, object of worship (in the chapel on the left side), as well as the Gothic galleries. Work is currently underway, but does not hinder the visit for the moment.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 17, 2024
- ANGELO VMilan, Italy5,081 contributionsThe "Bazylika Franciszkanow" (Franciscan Basilica) in Krakow is one of the most beautiful churches of the city. The church was consecrated in 1249, and it was significantly expanded during the first half of the 15th century. In 1850 a fire affected the church. It is in the Brick Gothic style. Several works by Stanisław Wyspiański are in this church: stained glass windows, and paintings in the choir and transept.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 15, 2024
- daga58bisRome, Italy807 contributionsThe church of St. Francis of Assisi is the oldest in the city. Due to various fires it has been renovated several times and therefore has many different styles inside. Inside many stained glass windows and beautiful colors on the walls. It was one of the favorite places of Karol Wojtyła and in his memory a plaque with his name is kept, in the bench where he sat, before becoming Pope.Visited November 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
972 reviews
Excellent
596
Very good
328
Average
43
Poor
4
Terrible
1
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
CLAUDIOMAS
Ceccano, Italy5,165 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Gothic sanctuary built in the 13th century by Boleslaw the Shy. The prince rests here together with his mother Grzymislawa and sister Salomea. The stained glass windows in the presbytery depicting Saint Francis, by the artist Stanislaw Wispiansky, are spectacular. Worth a visit

Written December 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ermanager
Province of Ascoli Piceno, Italy157 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Franciscan church located in front of the archbishopric, and for this reason the favorite place of prayer for the future Pope John Paul II. The bench on which he used to pray today bears a souvenir plaque. The church is surprising because on a typically Gothic layout there are modern windows and colorful walls with art nouveau style decorations, rather unusual in sacred places. To be seen.

Written October 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie M
Paris, France535 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Beautiful church, with probably a lot of interesting history. The place is a big tourist attraction, due to the beautiful stained glass windows by a major polish artists. However, no explanation whatsoever is provided. A shame.
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian T
Indianapolis, IN1,388 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Unfortunately, it was very dark inside the church and the alter was under construction when we visited. Since it was so dark inside, it was difficult to admire the stained glass windows and the floral motif murals. What we did see was beautiful.
Written December 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MAP12
New Orleans, LA631 contributions
May 2022
The Basilica is a historic and remarkable building with beautiful decorations. It's not a big church, but lots of Polish history there. It became more of a tourist sight after Pope John Paul II became pope and even more so after he became a saint.
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hentonn
Warsaw, Poland1,914 contributions
Aug 2019
St. Francis` Basilica is the most colofour church in Cracow. If you like Art Nouveau style you have to see it. It is the real masterpiece. Floral and geometric patterns look very impressive. There are stained glass windows among them the most famous is "God the Father in the Act of Creation". It is situatedin the heart of the old town. Must see in Cracow.
Written October 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiberiu_Baranyi
Timisoara, Romania19,123 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Very interesting church in the old town of Krakow - built in the 13th century ( although it was rebuilt and expended and the ages were passing and the events where succeeding each other).
Now we did not have too much time here - our guide was pushing us , plus for some reason he's been asking not to take pictures , didn't get it why, I took a few inside the church - however when I return to Krakow for sure I will be spending more time here.
Just to mention to things - the stained glass are the work of the polish artist - Stanislaw Wyspianski , the beautiful stained glass that is above one of the entrances, "God the Father" ( of creation) ... but beside that, several other remarkable pieces are present.
Also in the church the can be found a copy of the Shroud of Turin ( copy that is certified and authorize by the Vatican - it was consecrated by pope John Paul II)
In the end - so many things to be seen here, but I've got so little time - so for sure I'll be returning , because there is much more to be seen here ...
Now we did not have too much time here - our guide was pushing us , plus for some reason he's been asking not to take pictures , didn't get it why, I took a few inside the church - however when I return to Krakow for sure I will be spending more time here.
Just to mention to things - the stained glass are the work of the polish artist - Stanislaw Wyspianski , the beautiful stained glass that is above one of the entrances, "God the Father" ( of creation) ... but beside that, several other remarkable pieces are present.
Also in the church the can be found a copy of the Shroud of Turin ( copy that is certified and authorize by the Vatican - it was consecrated by pope John Paul II)
In the end - so many things to be seen here, but I've got so little time - so for sure I'll be returning , because there is much more to be seen here ...
Written October 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichaelBanks
Canton, TX971 contributions
Nov 2019
Found this church to be a very nice church and was quite and not very crowded like other churches. Very beautiful art work and stained glass. Great place to sit and take time with our Lord. I would say 30 minutes to visit not counting time for a prayer. Free entry but do take donations.
Written December 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Europejka
Warsaw, Poland20 contributions
This is my favourite church in Kraków. It’s totally different from all other churches there and even if you’re not too keen on churches you shouldn’t miss this one. If you’re, however, an architecture and painting enthusiast, it’s a must for you.
It not very easy to find St Francis church and you will probably not get there by chance, especially that it doesn’t look that extraordinary from the outside. It’s located at the Franciszkańska Street, just opposite the Palace of Bishops. What’s so special about this church is its extraordinary frescoes, which are a part of the famous Polish modernist art from the beginnings of the 20th century. The frescoes are amazing and I bet you can’t see something like that elsewhere in Europe, it’s totally unique. The frescoes represent mainly floral or geometric ornaments, they’re astonishingly colourful and stunning.
There are no tickets, no fees, and no souvenirs. Not only is this place a piece of great modernist art, but also an active and fully operating church with all that comes along. Thanks to that it’s very true, and atmosphere of this place is really sincere. Hence, you need to remember services take place a few times a day and sightseeing during this time is not proper. It’s good, however, to sneak into the church at the end of a mass, because the interior will be beautifully lit then and all the frescoes will look even greater.
Unfortunately I couldn’t take any pictures that evening, but you can see some photos on their website.
It not very easy to find St Francis church and you will probably not get there by chance, especially that it doesn’t look that extraordinary from the outside. It’s located at the Franciszkańska Street, just opposite the Palace of Bishops. What’s so special about this church is its extraordinary frescoes, which are a part of the famous Polish modernist art from the beginnings of the 20th century. The frescoes are amazing and I bet you can’t see something like that elsewhere in Europe, it’s totally unique. The frescoes represent mainly floral or geometric ornaments, they’re astonishingly colourful and stunning.
There are no tickets, no fees, and no souvenirs. Not only is this place a piece of great modernist art, but also an active and fully operating church with all that comes along. Thanks to that it’s very true, and atmosphere of this place is really sincere. Hence, you need to remember services take place a few times a day and sightseeing during this time is not proper. It’s good, however, to sneak into the church at the end of a mass, because the interior will be beautifully lit then and all the frescoes will look even greater.
Unfortunately I couldn’t take any pictures that evening, but you can see some photos on their website.
Written November 27, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Petra P
Basel, Switzerland167 contributions
Nov 2015
There is so much to see and enjoy in Krakow that I keep coming back. It was my sixth time now. And only now I visited the Franciscan Church. I found a gem.
The church was built out of bricks in the 13th century. Brick Gothic is the name for this style. I know Brick Gothic from Northern Germany - my mum (born in Berlin) has taught me about it. And now I understand, Brick Gothic is also present in Poland. Another proof of the fact, how much Poland belongs to Europe. As it is a Franciscan Church, the decoration is plain and harmonious (not too much glitter). Unfortunately a fire has damaged the church in the 19th century. Krakow made the best out of it by asking Art Nouveau artist Stanislaw Wispianski to create Art Nouveau stained glassed windows. They are beautiful and add ambiance to the inside.
I recommend that you visit the Franciscan Church, when you are interested in Gothic architecture and Art Nouveau.
The church was built out of bricks in the 13th century. Brick Gothic is the name for this style. I know Brick Gothic from Northern Germany - my mum (born in Berlin) has taught me about it. And now I understand, Brick Gothic is also present in Poland. Another proof of the fact, how much Poland belongs to Europe. As it is a Franciscan Church, the decoration is plain and harmonious (not too much glitter). Unfortunately a fire has damaged the church in the 19th century. Krakow made the best out of it by asking Art Nouveau artist Stanislaw Wispianski to create Art Nouveau stained glassed windows. They are beautiful and add ambiance to the inside.
I recommend that you visit the Franciscan Church, when you are interested in Gothic architecture and Art Nouveau.
Written December 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time is this open for visitors/tourists? I have been on the website but cant see how to change language to English.
Written January 20, 2021
What are the hours? Could we go before a brunch? Like before 9am
Written August 16, 2018
On their website they do list the first mass time as 6am on weekdays and 6:30am on Sundays. Last mass is at 7pm, so I think you should be fine visiting in between those hours. You can still visit while mass is started as long as you do not interfere with the service. It’s a large church. You can just sit and admire so much.
Written August 17, 2018
When I visited, there was a service occurring, there was a sign stating "No Flash" photography. It is a stunning church, hope you get some great photos.
Written March 19, 2018
Vorrei conoscere l'orario delle Sante Messe festive. Grazie
Written September 2, 2017
Non saprei risponderti con precisione.ne fanno molte e a volte ce ne sono anche in italiano.quando sei li guarda sul portone gli orari
Written September 3, 2017
Blenda L
Brasilia, DF
I would like to know if the body of Saint Salon of Krakow is buried in this church. Thank you very much.
Written July 11, 2015
I did a review on the Franciscan church instead of the Reformacki church and monastery on Reformacka stree where they have the catacombs!
Written December 19, 2014
I've done a similar thing before - I had to copy the review so I wouldn't loose it, delete it using the online form, then paste the review in the correct area....you can find the form in the Trip Advisor Help Centre - they don't let you copy and paste links here for some reason...
Sorry for the delay, was busy over the festive period...
Written January 6, 2015
Showing results 1-6 of 6
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing