Old Town Krakow, Poland, Castles and Churches Galore
Places: 32 POIsDistance: 1.57 miDuration: 1h:35m
Tour #2153
About this English self-guided 1h:35m walking tour in Kraków
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Kraków, Poland’s former royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city, a place where history and culture intertwine across centuries.
This walking tour begins at the majestic Basilica of St. Florian, a church with deep historical ties to Kraków’s patron saint and Poland’s royal processions. From here, we move through Plac Jana Matejki, named for Poland’s most celebrated historical painter, where grand monuments and architectural splendor tell stories of national pride and resilience.
As we enter Old Town, the heart of medieval Kraków, we will stroll down streets once walked by kings, scholars, and merchants, passing Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces, and the echoes of the city’s golden age.
Finally, our journey concludes along the Vistula River, the lifeblood of the city, where Kraków’s history stretches from medieval trade routes to modern urban renewal. We will explore culinary delights along the way and visit the wondrous Wawel Castle. This tour offers a deep dive into the cultural and historical layers of Kraków, revealing a city shaped by faith, resilience, and artistic brilliance.
Our journey today will take us about one and a half miles at a time of roughly three hours. The terrain is fairly flat, but still. Comfortable walking shoes are encouraged.
My name is Dave, and I am pleased to be your co-pilot today as we explore the city. Follow your GPS and we will begin shortly. We begin today on Swietego Filipa, where there are two main parking lots if you drove today, as well as public transportation stops if you joined us that way.
You see that beautiful church? Me too. Let’s get started.
We begin today at the Basilica of St. Florian, the historic church located here in the district of Kleparz, just north of the Old Town.
The church dates back to the 12th century, originally built to house the relics of St. Florian, a Roman martyr and patron saint of firefighters. According to legend, his relics were miraculously transported to the site in 1184.
In the Middle Ages, there was debate over which church should serve as the primary religious center of Kraków. Some Kraków burghers wanted St. Florian’s to be the main city church rather than St. Mary's Basilica in the Market Square. However, St. Mary's ultimately took that role, and St. Florian’s retained its importance as a pilgrimage site. We will visit St. Mary’s later in the tour today.
The church has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries. Today, it showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles, with its most notable Baroque redesign occurring in the 17th century.
St. Florian's Basilica is one of Kraków’s most important churches, historically serving as the starting point for the royal funeral processions to Wawel Cathedral. It was also a key location for Karol Wojtyła (later Pope John Paul II), who served as a parish priest there before becoming the Archbishop of Kraków. He introduced modern pastoral methods, including youth ministry and academic discussions, which later shaped his leadership as pope. His time here deeply influenced his approach to engaging with young people and intellectuals.
The church houses beautiful frescoes, an ornate altar, and several chapels, including one dedicated to St. Florian. It also has a richly decorated organ loft and stained-glass windows that enhance its spiritual atmosphere.
Today, the Basilica remains an active parish church and a popular pilgrimage site, attracting visitors interested in both religious and historical aspects of Kraków.
Turn right onto Jana Matejki Street and we will make our way towards Old Town.
We are now walking down the middle of Plac Jana Matejki, a notable square located here in the heart of Kraków, situated between Basztowa and Warszawska streets in the historic Kleparz district. Historically, this area formed the eastern part of the Kleparz market square, established around the 14th century. It featured structures such as a town hall and market stalls and served as the foreground for the Barbican, (which you see in the distance), a key element of Kraków's medieval defenses.
In 1882, the square was named in honor of Jan Matejko, a distinguished Polish painter renowned for his depictions of significant historical events. A prominent feature of the square is the Grunwald Monument, unveiled in 1910 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald, a pivotal victory for Polish and Lithuanian forces over the Teutonic Knights. The monument was funded by the esteemed pianist and politician Ignacy Jan Paderewski.
The monument stands 24 meters tall and features an equestrian statue of King Władysław II Jagiełło holding a sword. Below him, Grand Duke Vytautas of Lithuania is depicted, with the fallen Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, Ulrich von Jungingen, at his feet. Additional figures include Polish and Lithuanian warriors and a peasant breaking free from bondage, symbolizing the broader impact of the victory.
During World War II, the monument was destroyed by Nazi forces in 1939 as part of efforts to erase Polish national symbols. Post-war, a reconstruction committee led by artist Marian Konieczny used surviving materials and historical records to rebuild the monument, culminating in its re-unveiling on October 16, 1976.
Adjacent to the square, on your right, is the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts, the oldest fine arts academy in Poland, established in 1818 and named after Matejko in recognition of his contributions to Polish art and culture.
The square also hosts the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring unidentified Polish soldiers who died in combat.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Basilica Floriana
Place 2Grunwald Monument
Place 3Barbican
Place 4St. Florian's Gate
Place 5Old Town
Place 6Jama Michailaka Cafe
Place 7Cuisine
Place 8St. Mary's Basilica
Place 9Market Square
Place 10Bracka Street
Place 11Nowa Prowincja Café
Place 12The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Place 13Tram System
Place 14Józef Diet Statue
Place 15Schindler's List
Place 16The Archaeological Museum
Place 17Mary Magdalene Square
Place 18The Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Place 19Story Time
Place 20St. Giles’ Church
Place 21Wawel Castle
Place 22Tadeusz Kościuszko Statue
Place 23Main Gate
Place 24Vasa Gate
Place 25Wawel Cathedral and Pope John Paul II Statue
Place 26The Wawel Vicars' House
Place 27Courtyard
Place 28Borka House and St. George's Church
Place 29Thieves Tower
Place 30The Dragon's Den
Place 31Vistula River
Place 32The Dragon Statue
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