St. Barbara’s Church (Kościół św. Barbary w Krakowie) is a subdued religious landmark that hides a lavish interior. It stands in the heart of Kraków’s architecturally impressive Old Town and is among the city’s oldest buildings. Established by the medieval merchant Mikolaj Wierzynek in 1338, St. Barbara’s Church became the property of Jesuits in 1583. Throughout the Middle Ages it welcomed a largely Polish congregation while the nearby St. Mary’s Basilica was preferred by affluent Germans.
The façade and main entrance face toward Kraków’s Main Market Square. The building is a Gothic-style brick structure squeezed between burgher houses. The church’s original purpose was as the cemetery chapel for St. Mary’s Basilica. Just inside the entrance is a collection of stone statues portraying Jesus and three of his disciples at the garden of Gethsemane.
Step inside to see the colorful Baroque interior, which features a black-and-white checkerboard floor pattern and marble-coated walls. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling and depictions of the Way of the Cross decorate the walls. Note the series of gilded pulpits on both sides of the nave.
Look up to admire the frescoes that cover the vaulted ceiling. Spot angels, cherubs, saints and other ecclesiastical characters. At the rear of the nave is a flamboyant altarpiece framed by artistic stained-glass windows.
The church stands on Plac Mariacki and is a short walk from the Main Market Square. Kraków Glówny railway station is 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) northeast. Combine your time here with a visit to other major Old Town attractions. Among them are the Church of St. Wojciech, Cloth Hall, the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków and St. Mary’s Basilica.
St. Barbara’s Church is open daily. Photography is allowed. This is an active church so dress appropriately and be respectful of worshippers when visiting. Attend one of the Mass services in Polish that take place on most days.
