Around the quieter side of Saint Mary’s Square

A reason to pause here

Walking around the side of St Mary’s changes the view: the big market square gives way to brick walls, smaller doorways and St Barbara’s Church.

The former burial ground beside the basilica

Saint Mary’s Square occupies a former cemetery used from the Middle Ages into the late eighteenth century. Under Austrian administration, churchyard burials were moved away from densely inhabited areas. Kraków’s Rakowicki cemetery opened in 1803.

The square also includes the seventeenth-century House of the Prelates and the Hipolit House, now associated with a museum branch. We would read the side of Saint Mary’s with that history in mind, rather than see the space only as a shortcut between churches.

Change the angle on Saint Mary’s

The gallery moves around brick walls, entrances and the passage beside the basilica, with Saint Barbara’s nearby. We like how a few steps from the Main Market Square change what is visible: side windows and door surrounds replace the familiar front towers.

Look down at the paving as well as up at the masonry. Then choose whether to continue around the buildings or add one interior visit, with time for that church’s own arrangements.

Plan the visit

Walk through the public square on foot and keep narrow passages and church doors clear. Basilica tours, services and nearby museum visits have separate access. Check their current pages before counting on an interior; the exterior walk works well as a short, flexible part of an Old Town day.