Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Holy Trinity Church, a beautiful 13th-century basilica built by Dominican friars. Admire the works of art within, some of which are hundreds of years old, and then visit the monastery next door.
Set along a street of shops and pleasant cafés, the Dominican church provides a dramatic break from the surrounding architecture. It has been rebuilt and reconstructed several times over the centuries. Much of the building was destroyed during the fierce fire that raged through the city in July 1850. The neo-Gothic style that is seen today dates back to restoration work after the inferno.
Once inside, look for the surviving relics of the original interior. This includes a stone epitaph of Leszek II the Black, a 13th-century Polish prince. Head toward the main altar and study the painting of the Virgin with child that’s behind it. Surrounding the altar is a rich collection of statues of religious figures and more paintings of Jesus.
Explore the chapels, most of which survived the fire. Go to the Rosary Chapel for the painting of the Lady of the Rosary. According to devotees, it is said to have healing powers. Inside the Chapel of St. Hyacinth, view the sarcophagus that contains the relics of the saint.
An additional feature not to miss is the adjoining monastery. Stroll through the 14th-century Gothic cloister and look at the stone epitaphs mounted on the walls. Many date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Stop by the monastery’s treasury to see the alabaster sculpture of Our Lady with Child that is believed to have belonged to St. Hyacinth.
Holy Trinity Church is in Plac Dominikański just south of the Main Market Square in central Kraków. The church is open daily and admission is free. On Sundays, it is closed to tourists unless they are attending services.
