The town was founded more than 1000 years ago, close to the important commercial routes, running from Kraków to Sandomierz.

After coming under temporary rule of Great Moravia and Bohemia, these lands were incorporated into Poland by Duke Mieszko I in 990.

The town was allegedly sacked in 1135 by a Ruthenian raid under Volodymyrko Volodarovych, although all primary sources from that time are unreliable, and show signs of exaggeration and invention.

The gypsum baptismal font situated beneath the church foundations became a scientific sensation and the subject of heated discussions soon after its discovery.

It most likely served as a font for collective baptising in the 9th century and was regarded one of the earliest finds of its kind on Polish soil.

In the years 1166–1173 the town was the capital of the Duchy of Wiślica and hosted a large palatial complex consisting of two residences and round chapels.

The excavated floor of the burial crypt in its vicinity is a priceless work of Polish art in the Romanesque style.

Located in the burial crypt of the 12th-century church, so-called Slab of Orants is a gypsum panel with engravings filled with black paste mixed with charcoal.

Two buildings located next to the basilica were erected for Jan Długosz in the 15th century in the late Brick Gothic style with some traces of early Renaissance architecture.

In around 1460 he founded the belfry and a building for 12 canons and 12 assistant curates, a rare monument of medieval residential complex.

His son, king Casimir the Great built the towns fortified walls with three gates and the castle which was later pulled down.