St. Andrew's Church, Krakow
Nestled modestly within Krakow's historic district is the Church of Saint Andrew, a hidden gem overshadowed by the grandeur of the neighboring Church of Saints Peter and Paul. While it might not immediately captivate attention like its illustrious counterpart, the Church of Saint Andrew holds within its walls a precious piece of the city's history.
Exhibiting a quietly elegant pale Romanesque facade, Saint Andrew's Church stands as one of Krakow's ancient edifices. Its origins trace back to the 11th century, a creation attributed to Palatine Sieciech, a notable figure of medieval governance. The church proudly stands today as an exemplary model of pristine Romanesque architecture, a testament to its enduring preservation. A touch of modern Baroque flair was bestowed upon its tower rooftops in the early 17th century, a delicate addition that harmonizes with the existing structure.
Beyond the unassuming exterior, the church's interior unfolds into a realm of captivating contrast – a lavish Baroque aesthetic that ensnares the senses. This transformation was orchestrated in the early 18th century by Baltazar Fontana, an accomplished sculptor and stucco artist of Italian descent. Adorning the walls with intricate paintings is the hand of Karol Dankwart. Noteworthy beyond its artistry, the Church of Saint Andrew also stands as a sanctuary, a haven sought by those seeking refuge during times of military strife. A resilient survivor, it stood steadfast during the onslaught of the Mongol invasion, defying the destruction that befell many other structures.
Why You Should Visit:
Like most churches in Krakow, this has its interest and charm, and it might even have some have concerts in the evening (circa 8pm) which enhance the experience.
Tip:
Avoid mass times when you should not visit.
Exhibiting a quietly elegant pale Romanesque facade, Saint Andrew's Church stands as one of Krakow's ancient edifices. Its origins trace back to the 11th century, a creation attributed to Palatine Sieciech, a notable figure of medieval governance. The church proudly stands today as an exemplary model of pristine Romanesque architecture, a testament to its enduring preservation. A touch of modern Baroque flair was bestowed upon its tower rooftops in the early 17th century, a delicate addition that harmonizes with the existing structure.
Beyond the unassuming exterior, the church's interior unfolds into a realm of captivating contrast – a lavish Baroque aesthetic that ensnares the senses. This transformation was orchestrated in the early 18th century by Baltazar Fontana, an accomplished sculptor and stucco artist of Italian descent. Adorning the walls with intricate paintings is the hand of Karol Dankwart. Noteworthy beyond its artistry, the Church of Saint Andrew also stands as a sanctuary, a haven sought by those seeking refuge during times of military strife. A resilient survivor, it stood steadfast during the onslaught of the Mongol invasion, defying the destruction that befell many other structures.
Why You Should Visit:
Like most churches in Krakow, this has its interest and charm, and it might even have some have concerts in the evening (circa 8pm) which enhance the experience.
Tip:
Avoid mass times when you should not visit.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Krakow. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
St. Andrew's Church on Map
Sight Name: St. Andrew's Church
Sight Location: Krakow, Poland (See walking tours in Krakow)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Krakow, Poland (See walking tours in Krakow)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Krakow, Poland
Create Your Own Walk in Krakow
Creating your own self-guided walk in Krakow is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Krakow Introduction Walking Tour
A unique entry on the list of the World Heritage Sights, Krakow is a recognized center of the academic, artistic and cultural life of Poland. Established in the 7th century as a tiny hamlet at the top of the Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River, it is one of the country's oldest cities. Over the course of the next fifteen centuries it has evolved into the nation's second-largest... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical House Museums Tour
Well-preserved historical buildings can often tell the stories of their city more vividly than any history book. Krakow, the old capital and cultural center of Poland, for many years, has been the home of many important Poles. Today, their former residences have been converted into house museums where visitors can learn about their inhabitants and see what life was like in the past.
One such... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
One such... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Krakow, the center of religious life in Poland, was once considered “the Northern Rome” for its multitude of churches. Alongside the new temples continuing to appear in the city today, these remarkable sanctuaries, holding deep historical and cultural significance, still remain the most attractive and interesting to look at.
By far the most iconic of these is the Basilica of Saint Mary. A... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
By far the most iconic of these is the Basilica of Saint Mary. A... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Jewish Heritage Tour in Krakow
The Jewish community has been an integral part of Krakow since the late 13th century. On the eve of World War II, there were 60,000 Jews living in the city, mostly in the historic Kazimierz neighborhood, which accounted for a quarter of the local population. The old town square in Kazimierz was the center of Jewish life.
During the war, the Nazis separated ethnic Jews from the rest of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
During the war, the Nazis separated ethnic Jews from the rest of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles