Churches & monasteries

Poor Clares Monastery in Stary Sącz

The Poor Clares Monastery in Stary Sącz is one of the town’s most important monuments and a key heritage site of the Sącz region. St Kinga, a duchess who later became a nun, founded it in 1280. The complex stands on a slope above the Poprad, beside the medieval town centre, and has been a Polish Monument of History with the old town since 2018. It is a key site of St Kinga’s heritage.

Church and monastic treasures

The Gothic Church of the Holy Trinity and St Clare was consecrated in 1332. After an 18th-century fire it received a Baroque interior, including polychrome decoration, Baltazar Fontana’s high altar and a striking roof turret. In St Kinga’s Chapel, see the Gothic statue of the saint from around 1470, her relics and the grille separating the chapel from the nave. The Jesse Tree pulpit and the Gothic palm-shaped pillar in the former chapter-house chapel are also worth finding.

Walls, gatehouse and Poprad views

The monastery preserves four wings with cloisters around a garth, an entrance gate and fragments of its defences. The outside route reveals medieval walls, a tower and loopholes, with views towards the Poprad valley from selected points. A visit combines the monastery with the Market Square and Dom Kingi.

Practical information

The Poor Clares are an enclosed community, so not every room is open to visitors. Visit the church outside services and check current access arrangements and Dom Kingi opening details before travelling. Allow an hour for the church and walls.