Since the baptism of Poland in 966, the Catholic faith and the Church began to play an important role in Poland. There are over 10,000 Catholic parishes in Poland. The church is usually placed in the center of Polish cities and used to be the most important part of it. Even small villages have their churches. Krakow's churches are more famous and recognizable, so in this article, I will focus on unique churches near Krakow. 

Looking at the picture above, you're probably wondering what a beautiful old monastery this is. It is the Benedictine Monastery in Tyniec is so close that you can easily get there, even by Krakow's public transport. The Benedictine Monastery in Tyniec is the oldest surviving monastery in Poland. The Monastery and Church of St. Peter and Paul is located on a limestone monastery hill on the banks of the Vistula River, and its construction probably began in the mid-11th century. Today, in addition to the abbey and the church, you can also visit the Abbey Museum and visit the library of the Abbey Publishing House.

A little further from Krakow is the Marian-Passion Sanctuary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska where you can see this beautiful altar. One of the objects in Poland that is inscribed on UNESCO world heritage. The complex includes a cathedral and a monastery, as well as 42 chapels and nearby churches. It is often called Polish Jerusalem. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a unique monument. It's worth adding this place to your list.

In Wadowice, near Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, you can see this unique church. It's a town where John Paul II was born and raised. At John Paul II Square in Wadowice, there is a beautiful Basilica of the Sacrifice of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where Karol Wojtyła was baptized. The church is neo-baroque. It's worth going in to see the rich interior design.

If you prefer old wooden churches, our last choice should interest you the most. In 2003, another unique piece of Poland was added to the UNESCO list. Unique wooden churches are located in small villages: Binarowa, Dębno Podhalańskie, Lipnica Murowana, and Sękowa (as well as churches in Haczów and Blizne in the Podkarpackie Province). The churches located closest to Krakow are the Church in Dębno, the Church of Michael the Archangel, the Church in Lipnica Murowana,  and the Church of St. Leonard. These churches have historical value and unique architectural styles (they combine Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles).

Every church is worth visiting. Which one will you choose to see?

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