Papal Window in Krakow. A spot honoring John Paul II’s legacy

Kraków is a city rich in history and traditions, attracting not only regular tourists but also pilgrims following in the footsteps of the Polish Pope, John Paul II. One of the most important attractions for fans of Saint John Paul II is the Papal Window, located in the Bishop’s Palace in Kraków. Where is the Papal Window in Kraków? On which street? What is the address, and do you need to buy a ticket?

Where is Papal Window in Krakow?

First, let’s make it clear. What is the address of the Papal Window? If anyone asks, the Papal Window in Kraków is at Franciszkańska 3. The famous window is one of the windows of the Bishop’s Palace, the seat of the Metropolitan Curia in Kraków.

The window is located above the portal with the coat of arms of the Vatican. The palace in its current form dates mainly from the 19th century but retains some fragments even from the Baroque era.

The Papal Window is located on the first floor of the Bishop’s Palace at Franciszkańska 3 in Kraków. How to get to the window? From the Main Market Square, simply walk down Wiślna or Bracka Street, and you’ll be at the palace in just a few minutes. In the courtyard of the Bishop’s Palace, you can see one of the many monuments of Pope John Paul II located in Kraków.

The Bishop’s Palace and Karol Wojtyła

The Bishop’s Palace in Kraków is one of the places where the future pope lived. Karol Wojtyła lived here after being elected bishop in 1964 until his election as pope in 1978.

John Paul II stayed in the curia building at Franciszkańska 3 during his visits to Kraków. He first spoke from the window of the Bishop’s Palace during his first apostolic journey to Poland in 1979.

“When I used to be here in Kraków, I was a quite decent man. I never climbed out of windows. And now, what has become of me?” – joked Pope John Paul II on June 6, 1979.

John Paul II’s last apostolic journey took place on August 16-19, 2002. The Pope arrived at the Bishop’s Palace from Balice Airport and appeared in the famous window around 9:20 PM. He addressed the faithful again on August 17, 2002, around 7:30 PM, and the next day as well.

“I thank you very much for these meetings under the window, as in the old days, and now. You are a different youth, but the habits are the same. Good habits!” – said John Paul II during his last visit to the palace window.

The Bishop’s Palace in Kraków was also visited by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, who spoke from the same window as John Paul II.

On April 2, 2005, after the death of Pope John Paul II, a solemn Mass was held in front of the Bishop’s Palace window, and a vigil was held there. To this day, the faithful gather under the Papal Window for vigils on the anniversary of John Paul II’s death. The vigil usually begins at 8:00 PM and ends at 10:00 PM, attracting several thousand faithful.

The Papal Window today

Usually, a photo of Pope John Paul II was placed in the window at Franciszkańska 3. In 2018, a mosaic made of Venetian glass was unveiled there on October 16, 2018. The mosaic was created by Magdalena Czeska. The Pope is depicted in white robes, and next to his image are flowers identical to those on the robe of Our Lady of Kalwaria.

The Papal Window in Kraków is one of the most important places to visit when exploring the city in the footsteps of John Paul II. The attraction does not require tickets and is accessible 24 hours a day. On the anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death, events honoring the Polish Pope take place under the Papal Window, making it a must-see during April visits to the city.