Cracow is famous for its churches. Anywhere you go, there are monumental towers or religious objects. It is worth admiring them from the outside – the frequently are exceptionally well-built in terms of architectural design, as well as from the outside, especially due to their rich and splendid decoration scheme. Especially while sightseeing the Old Town, the number of churches may turn out to be simply overwhelming.
The majority of Poles are practicing Catholics.
Masses are organized few times a day every single day, and on Sunday – the religious objects in question are full of worshippers.
If you would like to visit a church, try not to do so while a mass is said, as it is commonly considered to be rude.
From time to time, churchgoers are interrupted by crowds of tourists admiring the church from the inside and taking photos, even during masses. It has to be mentioned that masses are rather for contemplation and prayer, so try to wait till the end of the ceremony to start sightseeing. In some religious object, there are additional labels and notifications in various languages asking tourists to refrain from sightseeing churches during masses.
When is the best moment to visit churches in Cracow?
Avoid Sundays, as several masses a day are said in all churches then.
However, if you decide to do so on the said day, try to follow few simple tips.
Masses typically end at the top of the hour or half past. On Sundays, there are typically no masses between 1 P.M. and 4 P.M. During the week, they are said at 9 A.M. and afterwards – in the afternoon. If mass is said during the week, it takes approximately 30 minutes.
Church visiting is in the majority of cases free of any charge, except of the St Mary’s Basilica and the Wawel Cathedral.
In some churches, you have to make a small donation to reach certain parts of the building, such as the catacombs.
In the majority of cases, next to the entrance to the church, there are small boxes where you can donate some money to renovation and restoration of the building. If you have enjoyed sightseeing, it is typically a good idea to throw several Zlotys in.
