(AKA Bazylika Mariacka)
St. Mary’s Basilica, also known as the St. Mary’s Church or Kościół Mariacki in Polish, is one of the most iconic and stunning landmarks in Kraków, Poland. It’s a must-visit for anyone traveling to this historic city. Here’s a description to help you imagine your visit:
St. Mary’s Basilica is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that dates back to the 14th century. Its soaring twin towers dominate the skyline of Kraków’s Main Square, making it a prominent and easily recognizable structure. The exterior is adorned with intricate details, including statues, decorative spires, and beautiful stained glass windows.
Upon entering the basilica, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking interior that’s equally impressive. The church’s vast, open space features a high vaulted ceiling adorned with colorful frescoes. The star attraction is undoubtedly the stunning altarpiece, known as the Altarpiece of Veit Stoss. This wooden masterpiece is considered one of the most significant pieces of late Gothic art in Europe.
One unique aspect of St. Mary’s Basilica is the daily trumpet call that sounds from one of its towers. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and is played every hour. You may notice one of the calls abruptly cuts short. It serves as a tribute to a legendary trumpeter who was said to have been shot in the throat while warning the city of an impending attack by the Tartars.
For those who are up for a bit of adventure, you can climb one of the basilica’s towers to get a panoramic view of Kraków. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the city, including the Main Square and the historic district.
St. Mary’s Basilica in Kraków is a remarkable fusion of history, art, and spirituality. Its incredible architecture, stunning interior, and rich traditions make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kraków. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a place of tranquility and beauty, St. Mary’s Basilica will leave an indelible impression on your visit to Kraków.
The Veit Stoss Altarpiece
The altarpiece at St. Mary’s Basilica is a true work of art. The 15th century altarpiece took an astounding twelve years to carve. The artist, Veit Stoss, has quite the interesting story and the altarpiece itself had its own adventure during WWII.
If you’d like to read about this amazing story, here is a good article.
Visit Notes
An incredible church that deserves a visit. The art and architecture in this church are simply breathtaking and you will struggle to take it all in. I had to tear myself away when I realized the rest of my party were sitting in a pew (somewhat) patiently waiting for me to finish.
You will pay to enter the church and you will pay an additional fee to climb the Bugle Tower. If you wish to climb the tower, check the website for details on times. At this time, you cannot purchase tickets online in advance, you must purchase them on site. Also, they limit the number of people who can go up at once.
Details
plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
11:30 – 18:00
Attraction opening days and times can change with no warning.
Always double-check information with the official website before making any plans
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