Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

You’re now standing in front of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Built in the 13th century by Franciscan friars from Prague, this is one of the oldest churches in Kraków—and one of the first brick buildings in the city. The Franciscans take their name from Saint Francis of Assisi. They aren’t monks, but members of a mendicant order, meaning they live like Christ—in poverty and evangelical simplicity, relying on the generosity of the faithful to survive. The interior is colourful and full of beauty. This was actually a favourite place of Pope John Paul II, who served as bishop of Kraków before becoming pope in the Vatican. Inside, you’ll find a commemorative plaque on the bench where he used to sit.