St. Andrew’s Church

The oldest in Kraków, this 11th century church is a fine example of Romanesque architecture and a rare 'fortress church' survivor of the 1241 Mongol invasion.

St. Andrew’s Church in Kraków is one of the city’s oldest and best-preserved Romanesque buildings. Built between 1079 and 1098, it served as both a place of worship and a defensive stronghold, with its thick stone walls and narrow windows designed to withstand attacks. The church famously provided refuge for residents during the Mongol invasion of 1241, remaining one of the few structures left standing after the raid.

The exterior retains its medieval character, with twin cylindrical towers crowned with Baroque domes added in the 17th century. Inside, the contrast is striking—the austere Romanesque walls give way to a lavish Baroque interior featuring ornate stuccoes, gilded altars, and paintings. The church is also home to the Poor Clares, a contemplative order of nuns who have lived there since the 13th century.

Despite its fortress-like appearance, St. Andrew’s Church remains a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Kraków, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s medieval past and religious heritage.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Krakow
St. Mary’s Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica is one of Krakow's most iconic landmarks, known for its ornate Gothic architecture & the beautifully carved wooden altarpiece by Veit Stoss.
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle is one of Poland’s most important historical & cultural landmarks, having served as the official residence of the Polish monarchs for centuries.
Wawel Cathedral
Wawel Cathedral is a historic church in Krakow where Polish kings were crowned and buried. It boasts a beautiful Renaissance chapel and an enormous bronze bell.
Cloth Hall
Cloth Hall is a Renaissance-style trading hall in Krakow's Main Market Square which still houses traditional market stalls where artisans sell local crafts.
Church of Saints Peter & Paul
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a stunning Baroque church in Krakow built in the early 1600s and known for its striking statues of the Twelve Apostles.
Planty Park
Planty Park is a beautiful 19th-century park that encircles Kraków’s Old Town, forming a green belt where the city’s medieval walls once stood.

Related Tours

Krakow in a Day: Private Walking Tour including Wawel Castle

Kraków has long been one of Central Europe’s most important cities and a flourishing cultural and political centre. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is remarkably well preserved, and the city is steeped in history, making it a must-visit destination for travellers to the region. Our comprehensive full-day tour is a great way to capture the essence of Krakow, with your knowledgeable local guide making sure you don’t miss a thing.

On this full-day private tour, you will:

  • Spend a full day exploring Krakow with in-depth explanations of its history, culture and key landmarks;
  • Enjoying the undivided attention of a private, licensed tour guide accompanying you throughout your day;
  • Discover the Kazimierz district, a cultural hotspot filled with trendy cafés, art galleries, and historical sites;
  • Gain a deeper understanding of Krakow's Jewish heritage and how it shaped the city;
  • Pass by the Old Synagogue, one of the oldest surviving synagogues in Europe, built in the 15th century;
  • Go through Schindler’s passage, and hear the incredible story that inspired the blockbuster film;
  • Visit Wawel Castle, an impressive Renaissance castle that was the home of the Polish royals for centuries;
  • Admire the rich decoration of the State Rooms, filled with tapestries, paintings, and antique furniture;
  • Spend time in the Wawel Cathedral, Poland's national sanctuary and former coronation site;
  • Journey along the famous Royal Route from Wawel Hill to the Old Town;
  • Go on a guided walk around Krakow’s Old Town, where you will uncover a wealth of stories and incredibly well-preserved historic buildings;
  • Traverse the courtyards of the prestigious Jagiellonian University, whose alumni include the Renaissance polymath Nicolaus Copernicus;
  • Get a closer look at St. Florian's Gate and the city’s original defensive walls;  
  • Wander around the Main Market Square, and admire the Cloth Hall, the Town Hall Tower and other medieval monuments;
  • Step inside St. Mary's Basilica to admire its exquisite altarpiece and learn the legend of its hourly trumpet call;

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Kraków on this full-day private walking tour, designed for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to the city. Led by an expert guide, this in-depth experience takes you through the city’s most significant landmarks, from the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to the grand Wawel Hill and the beautiful, charming Old Town.
Your journey begins in Kazimierz, the historic Jewish Quarter, where centuries of Jewish heritage are woven into the fabric of the district’s synagogues, atmospheric streets, and cultural landmarks. You’ll see the Old Synagogue, one of the oldest in Europe, and walk through Schindler’s Passage, an evocative filming location from Schindler’s List, as your guide shares the compelling stories of Kraków’s Jewish community. Along the way, you’ll discover how Kazimierz has transformed into a thriving artistic hub, filled with trendy cafés, art galleries, and a lively atmosphere.

From there, you’ll head to Wawel Hill, the former seat of Polish kings. You’ll step inside the magnificent Wawel Castle, an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance era, and explore the opulent State Rooms, adorned with historic tapestries, paintings, and antique furniture. Nearby, you'll find the Wawel Cathedral, where your guide can explain how this site of royal coronations and burials is deeply tied to Polish national identity. Before leaving Wawel, you’ll catch a glimpse of the legendary Wawel Dragon, a mythical creature that has captivated locals for centuries.

After an invigorating lunch break at a local restaurant (not included), your tour will continue along the famous Royal Route, a historic path once travelled by Polish kings. This scenic walk takes you deep into the heart of Kraków’s Old Town, a UNESCO-listed treasure, where you’ll be surrounded by beautifully preserved medieval architecture while your guide shares fascinating stories from the city’s past. Your guide will take you to the prestigious Jagiellonian University, one of Europe’s oldest learning institutions, where the great Nicolaus Copernicus once studied. You’ll also get a closer look at St. Florian’s Gate, a historic entrance to the city, and trace the remnants of Kraków’s medieval defensive walls.  

Later, wander through the lively Market Square, home to the iconic Cloth Hall and the towering Town Hall Tower, before stepping inside the breathtaking St. Mary’s Basilica to admire its extraordinary Gothic altarpiece and hear the legend behind the Hejnał Mariacki trumpet call, a melancholy melody that sounds from the tallest tour every hour. 

As the tour comes to an end in the Old Town, your guide will provide plenty of recommendations on where to enjoy a memorable dinner, as well as insider tips on other must-see spots in Kraków, tailored to your interests. This full-day private tour offers a thorough exploration of Krakow, blending fascinating history, cultural insights, and local legends into a truly exceptional experience. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, this tour is the perfect way to uncover the best of Poland’s former royal capital.

x

Guides

Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.

Partners

Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.