The story begins in Wadowice...

An amazing story that changed the fate of the world. One can hardly deny how Pope John Paul II left his mark in history. Hailed as the “the coolest” Pope ever, he had a wonderful personality that made him popular not just among Catholics but people from other faiths as well. Born and raised in Wadowice, a small town near Krakow, John Paul had a humble beginning. Today in this little town one can still feel his presence and the love of the inhabitants for him, still proud that this great man was born on their land.

His home allows us to get to know his roots deeper. It shows his origins - his childhood, his life in a modest and steeped in prayer apartment, with windows looking at the church. There, on the church wall, little Karol looked at the sun clock and the inscription: "Time is running out, eternity is waiting".

The war was the pre-dawn of Karol's youth, who had to leave his beloved home. He set out on a journey that we now have the opportunity to metaphorically follow.

What will you see when visiting the John Paul II Museum in Wadowice?

• family home, authentic objects used by household members, souvenirs,
• exhibits related to the stay of Wojtyła in Krakow - student years, war times, and later the priesthood,
• Karol's photos and notes related to his passions: acting and poetry (did you know, that he wanted to become an actor? He really was the coolest!)
• clothes and items related to his election as Pope,
• Memorabilia of the pontificate and all the most important moments: assassination, pilgrimages, world youth days and many others,
• Multimedia solutions available in the museum make the journey even more interactive.

In addition, we provide a pickup from the hotel and the assistance of an English-speaking driver during the tour.
Visiting the Museum includes live guide.

Son, Actor, Poet...

May 1920 - in a small apartment Emilia gives birth to her second son - Karol. 
He is a healthy and happy child. He likes to play soccer with friends (he is the goalkeeper). Little Karol observes his parents - kneeling, praying, especially the rosary. He is also choirboy at his church as well.

He faces his first share of a hard time at the age of 6 when he lost his mother who was 45 years old at the time. How difficult must it be for a little kid? The only company he had was only his father’s as his brother was at a medical school in Krakow. Unfortunately, his brother caught the Scarlet Fever from a patient and passed away. 

Karol decided to study Polish Philology at Jagiellonian University. He loved literature and theatre. Hiking with friends was his favorite thing to do. The World War II started when he was 19 years old - he had to do physical labor at the quarry to support himself and his ill father. To continue his passion he started underground theater with his friends. He was only 21 when his father died and Karol from now on did not have anyone left.

Priest, Bishop, Pope

Young Wojtyła started to attend underground divinity school. His friends were shocked - Karol, who wanted to be an actor, a poet, who loved playing soccer and hiking became a priest! From the start, he loved spending time with youth, teaching and raising them. He quickly earned his doctorate, he became a professor at University and his lectures were very popular amongst students. 

His story continues: he becomes the youngest bishop in Poland, then a cardinal.

In 1978 he was chosen to become a Pope - he was the first non-italian Pope for 455 years! It was truly unbelievable for everyone at the time and what a shock it was when a Polish Pope started to speak perfect Italian. 27 years of the world being astonished by his approach and his achievements. His papacy was and forever will be truly an astonishing story of a man, who changed the world.