St. Anne's Church

St. Anne’s Church stands on Krakowskie Przedmieście beside Castle Square, close to Warsaw’s Old Town. Its neoclassical façade, with Corinthian columns and statues of the Four Evangelists, looks restrained beside the richly decorated Baroque interior. Look for the frescoes, gilded altars, side chapels and memorials, then climb the bell tower for views across the Old Town, Castle Square and the Vistula. Organ concerts add music to the church’s role as a place of worship and a stop on the Royal Route.

A neoclassical façade and Baroque interior

At Krakowskie Przedmieście 68, St. Anne’s Church sits beside Castle Square and near the entrance to the Old Town. Its exterior and interior have changed over time. The church was completed in 1530, and its façade was later reconstructed and redecorated several times, with the last change noted in 1788. World War II caused damage, followed by post-war repairs.

The façade is neoclassical, with Corinthian columns beneath a plain pediment. Statues of the Four Evangelists stand in its niches. Inside, the decoration shifts to a more elaborate Baroque style. Take time to look at the frescoes, gilded altars, pink details on the walls and ceiling, side chapels, sculptures and memorials connected to Polish history.

Views from the bell tower

The church’s bell tower has an open viewing platform with a 360-degree panorama. From here, you can see Castle Square and the Old Town rooftops, including views towards the Royal Castle and the Vistula. The platform is at a lower height than the Palace of Culture, giving a closer view of the surrounding historic centre.

Many visitors spend around 10 to 15 minutes on the platform. Late afternoon is a good time to see the light fall across the façades. Tickets in advance are recommended for the tower. The church also holds organ concerts, so check its website if you would like to include one in your visit.