Saints Peter and Paul Church: Kraków’s First Baroque Church

Halfway along Grodzka Street, on the Royal Route between the Main Market Square and Wawel, stands the Church of Saints Peter and Paul — the first Baroque church in Kraków and one of the most striking, fronted by a railing of twelve stone apostles. Inside, a swinging pendulum quietly proves that the Earth turns. For the wider picture, see our Kraków travel guide and Royal Route walk.

The apostles and the façade

Built for the Jesuits in the early 17th century, Saints Peter and Paul introduced the Baroque style to Kraków, modelled on the great Jesuit churches of Rome. Its most memorable feature is the row of twelve monumental statues of the apostles along the front railing — Baroque copies of the weathered originals — that make the church instantly recognisable from the street.

The Foucault pendulum

Under the dome hangs a Foucault pendulum, one of the longest in Poland, used to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. On scheduled days a short demonstration shows how the plane of the pendulum’s swing appears to turn over time — a quietly spellbinding piece of physics in a Baroque setting. Check the current demonstration times if you want to catch it.

Inside

The interior is calm and harmonious — white walls, restrained stucco and a soaring dome — a contrast to the gilded exuberance of some of the city’s other churches. A crypt below holds the tombs of notable figures, and concerts of early and classical music are sometimes held here, making good use of the fine acoustics.

Practical tips

• Entry. The church is generally free to enter outside services; the Foucault pendulum demonstration runs on set days and times — check on arrival.
• Find it on Grodzka Street, a short walk south of the Main Market Square towards Wawel.
• Combine it with the tiny Romanesque St Andrew’s Church next door and the rest of the Royal Route.
• Dress respectfully — it is an active church, and visits pause during Mass and concerts.

Frequently asked questions