Warsaw’s Old Town is one of the most visited places in the city – full of colorful tenement houses, historic monuments, and charming cobbled streets. But if you truly want to feel its spirit and wonder what to see in Warsaw Old Town, you must dig a little deeper – literally. The underground crypts of St. John’s Archcathedral are among the most moving and historically significant sites in the city. And that’s just the beginning – the area is full of small, unique museums, churches, and viewpoints that make for a memorable cultural walk.
The Underground of St. John's Cathedral – Where Polish History Rests
Located on Świętojańska Street, St. John’s Archcathedral is the spiritual heart of Warsaw and one of the most important churches in Poland. Beneath it lie crypts where the most prominent figures of 20th-century Polish history are buried – presidents, generals, Nobel Prize winners.
Among those buried in the cathedral are:
🕯️ Gabriel Narutowicz – first president of the Second Polish Republic, assassinated just five days after taking office.
🕯️ Ignacy Jan Paderewski – world-renowned pianist and composer, as well as Polish Prime Minister, who played a key diplomatic role in Poland regaining independence.
🕯️ Henryk Sienkiewicz – Nobel Prize-winning author of Quo Vadis and The Trilogy, whose works boosted Polish national identity.
🕯️ Ignacy Mościcki – president and chemist, one of the architects of Poland’s interwar industrial growth.
🕯️ Stanisław Wojciechowski – second president of Poland, who resigned after Piłsudski’s May Coup.
🕯️ Kazimierz Sosnkowski – Polish general, minister, and Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces in exile during World War II.
The atmosphere is quiet and solemn – a place of reflection rather than exhibition.
Watch the video:
The underground of St. John’s Archcathedral in Warsaw – the resting place of Polish statesmen.
Where Are the Hearts of Famous Poles?
While many important figures are buried in St. John’s Cathedral, the hearts of some Polish icons are kept in other churches nearby:
🔹 The heart of King Jan III Sobieski rests in the Capuchin Church on Miodowa Street.
🔹 The hearts of Fryderyk Chopin and Władysław Reymont are kept in the Holy Cross Basilica on Krakowskie Przedmieście.
What Else to See in Warsaw Old Town?
If you’ve already visited the crypts, it’s time to explore more of Old Town. Here are some unique and worthwhile attractions:
🏛 Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum
Located at 16 Freta Street – the birthplace of the double Nobel laureate. The museum features personal items, lab equipment, and photographs.
Located at Piwna Street – showcasing historical pharmacy interiors, old medicine containers, and scientific instruments.
🏛 Museum of Dollhouses, Games and Toys
Now at 15 Podwale Street, this museum exhibits over 150 historical dollhouses and thousands of toys. A nostalgic treat for all ages.
🏛 Museum of Warsaw
Located on the Old Town Market Square – presents the history of the city through everyday objects, photographs, and maps. Don’t miss the rooftop viewpoint.
St. Anne's Church and Its Tower Viewpoint
Just next to Castle Square stands St. Anne’s Church, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Warsaw. Climb its tower viewpoint for a stunning panorama of Old Town, the Vistula River, and Warsaw’s skyline. It’s a must-see photo spot!
Visiting the Cathedral Crypts – Practical Info
Entrance is located on the left side of the nave.
Admission is inexpensive and helps fund cathedral maintenance.
Visit takes around 20-30 minutes.
Opening hours may vary – check the cathedral’s official website before visiting.
Summary – What to See in Warsaw Old Town?
If you truly want to experience the heart of Warsaw’s history, start with the crypts of St. John’s Archcathedral. Then explore nearby museums, churches, and viewpoints. Warsaw’s Old Town is more than just a picturesque backdrop – it’s a living testimony to the nation’s past and resilience.