The church looks unimpressive today – it is a small building consisting of a presbyytery (the part for the clergy, housing the altar) and a nave (the part for the faithful). Supported by buttresses, the irregularly shaped walls give it an unusual character but provide no clue as to its oldest fate.

The church is the smallest and, at the same time, one of the oldest churches in Kraków. Archaeological research shows that there was a rotunda here, dating back to the 10th century. The inconspicuous church is located on the slope of Lasota Hill in the vicinity of Krakus Mound, which was probably the site of a pagan cult. It can therefore be assumed that the church had an evangelistic function in that area.

The church was built in the 12th century. It was first mentioned in writing in 1254. It was decided to build it of stone in a style that would become known as ‘Romanesque’. Father Mikołaj Drozdowski renovated the church in the 16th century. In the 17th century, brothers at the monastery of the Holy Spirit took responsibility for the church.

Contemporary archaeological work has uncovered dozens of burials outside and inside the church, dating from different periods. The oldest graves do not have coffins, so the dead were probably buried in shrouds.

The Church of St Benedict is currently closed to the faithful and visitors. Visitors can only come here every Saturday in June, July, August and September.