Landmarks

Rakowicki Cemetery

Rakowicki Cemetery at 26 Rakowicka Street is Kraków’s oldest municipal cemetery and an important place in the city’s history. It was laid out in 1801–1802 on what was then the outskirts, after burials beside churches were banned. The first funeral took place in January 1803. Today it is an active cemetery as well as a large complex of historic tombs, chapels and avenues.

Important places

At the centre stands the Neoclassical Chapel of the Resurrection, built in 1861–1862 and funded by Anna and Ludwik Helcel. People buried here include Jan Matejko, Wisława Szymborska, Helena Modrzejewska, Ewa Demarczyk, Brother Albert and Ignacy Daszyński. Look also for the Wojtyła family tomb and the military and insurrection quarters. The cemetery is especially interesting to visitors exploring Kraków’s history and funerary art.

Military cemetery and the city’s heritage

In 1920 a military section was set aside as war cemetery no. 388. The Wojtyła family tomb contains the graves of the parents and brother of St John Paul II.

Practical information

The cemetery has been listed in the register of monuments since 1976, under no. A-584. Admission is free. According to the Municipal Cemetery Board, gates are open April–September 7:00–20:00 and October–March 7:00–18:00; hours may be extended around major holidays. This is an active burial site, not a museum: keep quiet, do not step on graves and allow for ongoing ceremonies. Before a walk, use the official plan or grave locator.