Churches & monasteries

St Nicholas Basilica in Bochnia

St Nicholas Basilica in Bochnia is a Gothic church from the 15th century and the town’s most important sacred monument. It stands on St Kinga Square near the market, in a place closely connected with Bochnia’s mining history. The interior combines a medieval structure with furnishings and paintings created over several centuries.

What to see

The basilica contains 16th–20th-century polychrome decoration, 17th–19th-century furnishings and the venerated image of Our Lady of Bochnia. Look for elements designed by Jan Matejko, including the decoration of St Kinga’s Chapel, stained glass and choir stalls. The image of Our Lady was crowned with papal crowns in 1934.

History and bell tower

The parish has medieval origins, while the present late-Gothic church was rebuilt after a fire around the middle of the 15th century. The interior was Baroque remodelled in 1655, and the building was restored at the beginning of the 20th century under Tadeusz Stryjeński. It has held the title of minor basilica since 1997 and has also been a collegiate church since 2003. The wooden bell tower, part of the Wooden Architecture Route, was rebuilt in 1990–1993.

Practical information

This is an active church, so access to the interior may depend on services and events. Check the parish website for the current Mass schedule before travelling. Admission to the church is free. Combine the basilica and bell tower with a walk through central Bochnia, the Saltworks Gardens or the Bochnia Salt Mine.