Basilica of St. Francis, Krakow

The Basilica of St. Francis dates back to the early 13th century, when the Franciscan Order arrived in Kraków. The church was constructed between approximately 1237 and 1269 and consecrated around 1269. Over the centuries, the building has undergone many changes including expansions in the 15th century and a serious fire in 1850 that destroyed much of the interior prompting major restoration.

On the outside, the basilica retains a simple brick Gothic appearance typical of medieval Kraków buildings. Inside, however, it surprises visitors with a dramatic contrast: in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the celebrated Polish artist Stanisław Wyspiański was commissioned to redecorate the walls and design stained-glass windows. His work transformed the church into one of the city’s most stunning expressions of Art Nouveau — floral and vegetal motifs wrap around the choir and transept while ceilings are dotted with stars and several stained-glass windows filter light in vivid colours. Among them, the most famous window depicts God the Father raising the world; it can be found at the western end of the nave, above the main entrance. It is best seen at the midpoint between the entrance and the main altar.

This blend of medieval structure and colourful, almost dreamlike interior makes the basilica especially compelling. On sunny days, rays passing through the stained glass cast shifting patterns inside, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere. Beyond its art, the basilica holds deeper historical and spiritual resonance: it is the resting place of the medieval nobleman Bolesław V the Chaste (one of its early patrons) and his sister, Blessed Salomea of Kraków.

Another noteworthy feature is a certified copy of the Shroud of Turin, displayed in a side chapel (known as the Passion of Christ Chapel). As you enter the church, it is the first major chapel on the right. The replica of the Shroud is usually displayed on the chapel's inner wall, though the Shroud's position in the chapel can vary temporarily.

The basilica is located within the Old Town, not far from the historic main square. Visiting it offers a quiet — often overlooked — but deeply rewarding experience. It is not surprising that St. Francis was the first church visited by Pope John Paul II upon arriving in Kraków.