Golgotha Podgórska - hidden garden serenity and zen Feelings
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| St. Joseph’s Church, Podgórze with powerful sculpture of Christ in Gethsemane, arms raised in anguish |
Dominating the heart of Podgórze’s main square, St. Joseph’s Church is one of Kraków’s most striking examples of neo-Gothic architecture. Designed by Jan Sas-Zubrzycki and completed in 1909, the church’s red-brick façade, ornate detailing, and sculptural flourishes make it an unmissable monument in this historic district. But did you know there is a tranquil garden haven right beside the church?
Read on to find out more.
St Joseph's Church: A vertical statement
Firstly, a quick word about the church itself.
Hogging the skyline is the central tower, soaring to an impressive 80 metres. Flanked by two smaller towers, this spire is not merely decorative. Us mere mortals cannot help but be wowed by it's imposing presence, almost striking you down with faith and wonder. Its design echoes the iconic tower of St. Mary’s Basilica in Kraków’s Old Town but is much spikier! At night, the tower is beautifully illuminated, casting a warm glow over Podgórze and offering a dramatic silhouette against the limestone cliffs of Krzemionki. It is also slightly reminiscent of the titles at the start of a Disney film: if Disney had a thing for Gothic saints and limestone.
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| St. Joseph’s Church, Podgórze |
Interestingly, beside the church stands the 1832 belfry, the last remnant of the original temple that once occupied the site. This modest structure, built in a classicist style, was preserved when the earlier church was dismantled due to structural issues. Today, it serves as a quiet historical counterpoint to the grandeur of the newer building.
The garden: a place of peace and reflection
Behind the church though, nestled against the pale limestone rocks of a former quarry, lies a tranquil garden that feels worlds away from the bustle of the main square in the Old Town. This space has been thoughtfully developed into a landscape park and sculpture garden, offering benches, shaded seating areas, and a gentle invitation to pause and contemplate.
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| Bell tower of Saint Joseph church in Kraków-Podgórze and the Golgotha Podgórska |
At its heart is Golgotha Podgórska, This is a truly lovely area with installations by Professor Wincenty Kućma. One of the most evocative statues is a powerful sculpture of Christ in Gethsemane, arms raised in anguish. This marks the beginning of the Stations of the Cross which are carved into natural rock shelves, blending with the terrain. Above them, a gallery of over 20 expressive sculptures tells stories of faith, resilience, and Polish history. The figures—some solemn, others dynamic—create a contemplative atmosphere that resonates with visitors of all backgrounds. If faith isn't your thing, it offers a lovely haven to simply chill and read a book.
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| St. Joseph’s Church, Podgórze with powerful sculpture of Christ in Gethsemane, arms raised in anguish |
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| Golgotha Podgórska and St. Joseph’s Church |
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| Stations of the Cross carved into natural rock shelves |
Where the cliff weeps: A hidden spring beside Golgotha Podgórska
There’s also a lovely, lesser-known spot tucked just beside Golgotha Podgórska —a small courtyard where a natural spring trickles gently down the limestone cliff. While it doesn’t appear in most guidebooks, locals and curious wanderers know it as a peaceful nook that adds a touch of zen serenity to the adjacent sculptural garden.
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| Spring cascading down limestone cliff and feelings of zen |
This courtyard sits at the base of the Krzemionki cliffs, which form the dramatic backdrop to the church’s garden. The spring itself emerges from the rock face and flows down in a quiet cascade. The sound of the water tinkling adds a meditative layer to the space—perfect for sitting, sketching, or pretending you’ve stumbled into a secret monastic retreat.
Click on the film clip below to experience some of this tranquility.
Where is this wonderful haven?
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| St. Joseph’s Church, Podgórze and s lovely refreshment stop below |
All images are copyright R Mac Photography. If you wish to purchase any, visit this link:-
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