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St. Mary’s Basilica

Keeping watch over Europe’s second largest market square for the last seven centuries, the imposing Gothic spires of St. Mary’s Basilica have become a veritable symbol of Kraków itself and a focal point in the stories that make up the city’s mythic and historical past.

St Mary's Basilica and Rynek

From the red-brick exterior to the yellow specked starry murals of the inside ceiling art, the magnificent, meticulously carved altar piece and the curiously mismatched towers of the church’s façade, this is a building that oozes with elegance and mystery; at once both awe-inspiring and thought provoking, and indelibly submerged in legends of this Slavic town.

You can get tickets for St. Mary’s Basilica before you even arrive in Poland via Get Your Guide, as well as take part in a tour of Kraków which includes a visit to the church and other key attractions. This is the best way to understand more about what you are looking at. The KrakowCard also gives access in addition to almost 40 other attractions.

Originally built in the 13th century, the basilica seen today is a 14th century reconstruction that was made necessary by the invading Mongol armies that left Kraków in ruins in 1259. Aside from the red medieval frontispiece and Gothic decorations that have become typical features of Polish cathedral architecture, visitors are reminded every hour of the church’s central place in Cracovian history, when a single trumpeter plays the so called Hejnal Mariacki from atop of St. Mary’s tallest tower. This short trumpet tune pays homage to the now legendary Polish townsman that warned the city of an impending Mongol attack in the 13th century. Kraków was saved, but the trumpeter’s tune was cut short, just as it is today to commemorate the untimely demise of the city’s heroic saviour who was promptly shot in the neck by a Mongol archer.

Kraków Holiday Essentials

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But, as with most things Kraków, the legends don’t stop there. The two towers that form the frontal façade of the church tell another story. Their glaringly mismatched heights supposedly stem from a gruesome fratricide that quickly ended construction. The story goes that two brothers were engaged as architects (one on each tower) and, as one began overshadowing the other, jealousy set in. In a moment of dark inspiration, the jealous party murdered his brother but then promptly threw himself off the taller tower when he realised just what he had done.

The interior of the church is a blue and gold patchwork of elegant decoration and Gothic arches. Here, the focal point is the magnificent wooden altarpiece at the church’s far end, carved over 12 years by the German sculptor Veit Stoss and completed in 1489. Hailed as the best example of 15th century wood carving art, the hinged triptych altarpiece is an elaborate series of religious depictions decorated in gold. Its twelve panels tell the story of the life of Mary, while the largest, central section shows the twelve apostles witnessing the death of Jesus’ mother and her subsequent ascension to heaven.

There is perhaps no building in Kraków more entwined in the city’s story than the Basilica of St. Mary. It is the jewel of Kraków’s Old Town, and stands as a symbolic architectural reminder of the long history, medieval beginnings and religious zeal that are the characteristic backbones of this Polish metropolis. Whether coated with a dusting of Cracovian snow, or enjoyed with a cold Polish beer in the sun from the market square below, the crevices and corners of this beautifully crafted building never fail to impress.

Where Is This Place Located?

Find this location on the Visit Kraków Google map:
  • Open the Visit Kraków map
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  • Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
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Map pins are color coded:

  • YELLOW: Kraków Sightseeing
  • GREEN: Kraków Transportation
  • DARK RED: Restaurants in Kraków
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We have more suggestions on our Kraków Sightseeing page, and our Two-Day Kraków Itinerary, Three-Day Kraków Itinerary and our Four-Day Kraków Itinerary pages, along with lots of suggestions for Things To Do In Kraków. You may want to invest in a KrakowCard to give you cheap access to lots of Kraków attractions and unlimited travel around the city.

 

Things To Do In Krakow

Start Planning Your Kraków Trip Now!

:: Find available Kraków hotels on Booking.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.

:: Wondering where to stay in Krakow before you book your hotel? See our comprehensive guide to the city's most convenient areas for visitors.

:: Find the cheapest flight to Kraków with 12go - one search will show you the prices and times from scores of airlines for your trip. A real timesaver.

:: Book an airport transfer to take you hassle-free direct from the airport to your hotel with the driver meeting you in Arrivals.

:: Find out how to get your phone set up with a SIM card in Kraków.

:: Make sure you don't forget to bring any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Kraków.

:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

:: Get a KrakowCard 1-, 2- or 3-day pass that gives entry to almost 40 of the Kraków's fantastic attractions and unlimited use of the city's bus and tram network.

:: Need inspiration? Check our Kraków Itineraries for two-day, three-day, and four-day trips, as well as our Things To Do In Kraków guide for ideas of where to do and what to do.

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Kraków Itineraries

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  • Kraków Two Day Itinerary
  • Kraków Three Day Itinerary
  • Kraków Four Day Itinerary
  • Kraków Food Tours
  • Kraków Drink Tours
  • Kraków Walking Tours
  • Kraków River Cruises
  • Kraków Events Calendar

Kraków Museums

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Kraków Day Trips

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  • Zakopane – Kraków Day Trip
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  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Kraków

Kraków Hotels

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Kraków Airport

  • Kraków Airport Guide
  • Getting From Kraków City Centre To Kraków Airport
  • Getting From Kraków Airport To Kraków City Centre

Kraków Essentials

  • Kraków Basics
  • Packing List For Kraków 2023
  • How Much Money Do I Need For Kraków?
  • Where To Get A SIM Card In Kraków
  • KrakowCard Museum and Travel Pass
  • Shopping In Kraków
  • Why You Need Travel Insurance For Poland
  • Guide To Staying Safe In Kraków
  • How To Deal With An Emergency In Kraków

Explore Kraków

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  • Getting Around in Kraków
  • Kraków Food and Drink
  • Michelin Restaurants In Kraków
  • Jewish Kraków
  • Galeria Krakowska
  • Kraków Climate – The Best Time To Go To Kraków
  • Polish Currency – a practical guide for your trip to Kraków
  • Kraków Piano Recitals
  • Kraków Public Holidays
  • Christmas In Kraków
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Kraków Districts

  • Kraków Old Town Area Guide
  • Kazimierz Area Guide
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Kraków Maps

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  • Map Of Recommended Hotels In Kraków
  • Map Of Museums Included With the KrakowCard
  • Kraków Shopping Map
  • Kraków Nightlife Map
  • Zakopane Map

Beyond Kraków

  • Visit Zakopane – Poland’s Outdoor Activity Capital
  • Guide To Mt. Gubałówka – Zakopane
  • How To Travel From Kraków To Other Polish Cities
  • How To Travel From Kraków To Neighbouring Countries

Visit Warsaw

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Visit Gdańsk

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Visit Łódź

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Krakow Essentials

  • Kraków Basics
  • Packing List For Kraków 2023
  • How Much Money Do I Need For Kraków?
  • Where To Get A SIM Card In Kraków
  • KrakowCard Museum and Travel Pass
  • Shopping In Kraków
  • Why You Need Travel Insurance For Poland
  • Guide To Staying Safe In Kraków
  • How To Deal With An Emergency In Kraków

Krakow Trip Planning

  • First Time In Kraków
  • Things To Do In Kraków
  • Kraków Two Day Itinerary
  • Kraków Three Day Itinerary
  • Kraków Four Day Itinerary
  • Kraków Food Tours
  • Kraków Drink Tours
  • Kraków Walking Tours
  • Kraków River Cruises
  • Kraków Events Calendar

Krakow Airport Guide

  • Kraków Airport Guide
  • Getting From Kraków City Centre To Kraków Airport
  • Getting From Kraków Airport To Kraków City Centre

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