St. Mary's Basilica
Situated on one of the sides of Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica (Kościoł Mariacki) was founded in the fourteenth century in a Gothic style. It is one of Krakow’s most prominent tourist attractions nowadays.
About the Basilica
St. Mary’s Church has a grandiose façade flanked by two different sized bell-towers. The tallest tower, adorned with a gilded crown since 1666, is known as “Hejnalica”. In the past, it rang when the city doors opened and closed every day, or when the city was under attack or when a fire broke out.
Nowadays, the bell plays the “Hejnal Mariacki” on every hour with a trumpet. The melody is always abruptly stopped to commemorate the trumpet player that was killed when he tried to alert the citizens that Kraków was being besieged.
One of the highlights of the interior of the church is a wooden 12-meters-long fifteenth-century altarpiece by the artist Veit Stoss. It has over 15 carved figures and is the largest in Europe.
Unmissable
St. Mary’s Basilica is one of the most representative symbols of Krakow and is worth visiting.
In summer, visitors can climb to the observation deck of the Hejnalica Tower. The deck offers stunning views of the city. Travellers can also visit the room in which the trumpet player was killed.
Schedule
Every day: 11:30am - 6pm (with exception of special days).
Price
Basilica:
Adults: zł 15 (US$ 3.80)
Students and Seniors (over 65 years old): zł 8 (US$ 2)
Tower:
Adults: zł 15 (US$ 3.80)
Students: zł 10 (US$ 2.50)
Transport
On foot from the Main Square
Nearby places
Rynek Underground (88 m) Stare Miasto (117 m) Main Market Square (120 m) 19th Century Polish Art Gallery (121 m) Town Hall Tower (191 m)
