Kęty preserves a well-preserved, regular medieval street layout dating from the late 14th century. It is complemented by collections in historic and monastic settings, religious art, and cycling routes through forests and fields and along bodies of water. When planning your trip, you can focus on different themes, from city history and sacred heritage to outdoor activities.

Street Layout and Collections at the Rynek

The medieval street layout gives Kęty a distinctive point of reference for its urban history. The Muzeum im. Aleksandra Kłosińskiego complements this by showing how everyday life and local crafts are reflected in its collection. The museum is housed in a historic townhouse at Rynek 16.

On display are household items and objects used to prepare food, as well as clay vessels from local pottery centers. Another part of the museum’s collection consists of historic handmade toys by local craftsmen. The collection thus brings together objects from everyday domestic life and works from the local craft tradition.

A tourist information office is located at Rynek 13, inside the Miejsce Aktywności Mieszkańców. Check the latest opening information before your visit.

Marian Image and Church Art

The Parish Church of St. Margaret and St. Catherine in Kęty was built as the first shrine to St. John Cantius in Poland and worldwide. It draws pilgrims to the miraculous image of Our Lady of Kęty. The image is dated to the first quarter of the 15th century, follows the Byzantine Hodegetria type, and comes from the so-called Kraków school.

The Church of St. John Cantius in Kęty was expanded into its present-day Baroque church in 1715, in response to growing devotion and pilgrimages. Its furnishings are Late Baroque. The main altar contains the 1722 painting “Vision of St. John of Kęty.” A wax sculpture of St. John Cantius was donated in 1767 by professors of the Kraków Academy in memory of his canonization.

Monastic Heritage and Visit Planning

The Reformed Franciscan monastery complex is a valuable monument of 18th-century sacred architecture. The Franciscan church houses a polychrome Pietà from the first quarter of the 15th century. The Muzeum Klasztorne is located in the monastery and offers another place to explore Kęty’s religious heritage.

Visits to the monastery museum are scheduled on selected Sundays after Mass at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Check before your trip whether these visiting hours are still in effect. The monastery complex also hosts an annual celebration of the Franciscan Portiuncula Indulgence, which draws thousands of worshippers. If you are planning to travel for it, check the specific event dates.

Quest and Cycling Routes

The historical quest walk “Z Kantym po Kętach” takes you along streets adjoining the market square. Cantius accompanies participants as the city’s patron saint, who was born in Kęty. The outdoor quest is designed to be available at any time. Its starting point is about 0.6 km on foot from Kęty railway station.

The route “Szlak Śladami Kęckich Świętych, Błogosławionych i Świątobliwych” was also created in Kęty. Confirm that the route is currently accessible before setting out. Cyclists can enjoy long cycling routes that form part of the Ziemia Oświęcimska cycling network. They often follow quiet roads through forests and fields, along rivers and between ponds. As individual sections may change, it is advisable to check the current route before setting off.

When looking for a hotel in Kęty, the focus of your trip may be the deciding factor: the street layout, collections and church art offer different interests from routes through the surrounding countryside.

Discover more destinations: Łęki, Nowa Wieś, Skidzin, Grojec, Jawiszowice, Brzeszcze, Bielany, Zator.

Return to the overview of the region: Oświęcim.