Divine Mercy Shrine in Krakow: chapel, basilica and tower

The Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki, at ul. Siostry Faustyny 3, lies in Łagiewniki, outside the Old Town. It is made up of the convent buildings, with the chapel that holds the miraculous image of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St Faustina, and the new Basilica of Divine Mercy. The sisters write that millions of people from all over the world come here on pilgrimage.

What the Divine Mercy Shrine in Łagiewniki is

The convent belongs to the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. St Sister Faustina Kowalska lived and died here, and the sisters write that Christ passed on the message of Divine Mercy through her. Two images of Merciful Jesus should not be confused. The image painted by Adolf Hyła, with the words "Jezu, ufam Tobie" (Jesus, I trust in You), hangs in the side altar of the convent chapel. The basilica has a different image, by Jan Chrząszcz, above a tabernacle shaped like a globe.

History of the Divine Mercy Shrine

The convent was built at the end of the 19th century with funds from Prince Aleksander Lubomirski, and on 20 August 1891 Cardinal Albin Dunajewski consecrated its Chapel of St Joseph. Sister Faustina died here on 5 October 1938; John Paul II beatified her on 18 April 1993 and canonised her on 30 April 2000. On 7 March 1943 Fr Józef Andrasz blessed the first image of Merciful Jesus by Hyła, and on 16 April 1944 the second, made to fit the niche of the side altar, which soon became known for graces. In 1968 Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John Paul II, added the chapel to the archdiocese's list of shrines, and on 1 November 1992 Cardinal Franciszek Macharski raised it to the rank of the Shrine of Divine Mercy. The sisters recall that Wojtyła, while working at the nearby Solvay works, came to the chapel to pray before the image.

John Paul II blessed the basilica's cornerstone, brought from Golgotha, on 7 June 1997. On 17 August 2002, during his last pilgrimage to Poland, he consecrated the basilica and entrusted the world to Divine Mercy in it; since 6 March 2003 it has been a minor basilica. Benedict XVI came on 27 May 2006 and Francis on 30 July 2016.

What to see at the Divine Mercy Shrine

• The convent chapel: beneath the altar lies a small white marble coffin with the relics of St Faustina, and part of the relics is set in the marble kneeler in front of the altar. The image by Hyła hangs in the side altar.
• The Basilica of Divine Mercy: designed by Witold Cęckiewicz and shaped like a ship. The stained glass above the choir shows the sun with a radiant cross over the sea. In the lower part are five chapels furnished as gifts from Churches in European countries.
• The viewing tower: more than 75 metres high, with a panorama of Krakow and, when visibility is good, of the Tatras. You go up by the stairs (315 steps) or by a lift that people with disabilities can also use. Above its entrance stands a monument to St John Paul II as a pilgrim of peace, holding a dove.
• The carillon: 9 carillon bells hang in front of the basilica.
• St Faustina's room: the room where she died is now an oratory behind the enclosure, open to pilgrims only once a year, on 5 October.

Divine Mercy Shrine Mass times, prayer and visits

The shrine does not publish visiting hours for the basilica or the chapel. On Mondays, except holidays, the chapel with the image and St Faustina's tomb is closed to pilgrims from 7:30 to 12:00 for cleaning. Every day at 15:00 the Hour of Mercy prayer and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy are said in the chapel and in the basilica, and on Sundays and holidays there is a Mass in English in the chapel at 12:00. For all other services, see the schedule on the shrine's website. The hours of the viewing tower are not published there either, so check them before you go.

Only the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy guide pilgrims around the shrine, and they also give talks about St Faustina. On arrival, go to the information point below the Chapel of the Passion, opposite the basilica, or to the convent gatehouse. By the coach park, in St Sister Faustina's House, the sisters run a restaurant serving home-style buffet lunches. We do not guide at the shrine, organise talks or book groups with the sisters. Details checked in October 2026; confirm them, and the schedule of services, on the website of the Divine Mercy Shrine.

Getting to the Divine Mercy Shrine in Łagiewniki

The shrine is in Łagiewniki, outside the Old Town. The Bridge of Mercy leads from it to the Sanctuary of St John Paul II and to a tram stop. There are car and coach parks on the shrine grounds.

Tips for pilgrims visiting the Divine Mercy Shrine

Plan around the Monday morning closure of the chapel if you want to pray at St Faustina's tomb, and arrive before 15:00 if you wish to join the daily prayer. If you are interested in places connected with John Paul II, our Wadowice John Paul II tour is a separate trip. For other churches in the city, see our guide to churches in Krakow, and for planning the rest of your stay, our Krakow travel guide.

Divine Mercy Shrine Krakow: frequently asked questions

What time is the English Mass at the Divine Mercy Shrine?

On Sundays and holidays at 12:00, in the convent chapel with the image of Merciful Jesus.

When is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy prayed in Łagiewniki?

Every day at 15:00, the Hour of Mercy, both in the chapel and in the basilica.

Where is St Faustina buried?

In the convent chapel of the shrine: her relics rest in a white marble coffin under the altar.

What is the address of the Divine Mercy Shrine in Krakow?

Ul. Siostry Faustyny 3, in Łagiewniki, outside the Old Town.

Are there guided tours of the Divine Mercy Sanctuary?

Yes, but only by the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. Ask at the information point opposite the basilica or at the convent gatehouse.

Photo: Zygmunt Put Zetpe0202, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.