St Joseph’s Church

Saint Joseph's church of Podgórze, a neo-Gothic spire in Cracow

Standing high above a lively square, the magnificent neo-Gothic Saint Joseph's church dominates the Podgórze district. Its tall red-brick spire is one of the most recognisable landmarks of this bank of the Vistula. The Cracow audio-guided tour stops here to recall that, before the war, Jews and Catholics lived here together.

A neo-Gothic jewel of 1905

The present church dates from 1905, but the site rests on older chapels. A neo-Gothic red-brick building, it stands out by its tall spire and its richly carved altar. Its imposing presence in the heart of Podgórze recalls that this district, before the creation of the ghetto during the Second World War, was a place of coexistence between communities.

What to see

From the outside, the church impresses by its slender outline and its spire dominating the market square of Podgórze. Inside, the carved altar and the neo-Gothic decor are worth the visit. It is also an excellent landmark to explore Podgórze, a history-laden district where the Ghetto Heroes Square and other major memorial sites of Cracow are located.

Practical information

Saint Joseph's church lies on the market square of Podgórze, south of the Vistula, in Cracow, reachable on foot and by tram. A working place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but opening hours vary with the season and celebrations, to be checked before coming.

When was Saint Joseph's church built?

The present neo-Gothic building dates from 1905, raised on the site of older chapels, on the market square of Podgórze.

Where is Saint Joseph's church?

In the Podgórze district, south of the Vistula, where its tall spire dominates the market square, near the memorial sites of the ghetto.