Posted by St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow is the city’s landmark and one of the most important churches in all of Poland. The basilica is one of the top sights in Krakow. St. Mary’s Church, also called St. Mary’s Basilica in German, is located directly on the central square Main Market Square, the largest city square in Europe (approximately 200 x 200 meters). The two towers of unequal height are striking. A great attraction for tourists is also a trumpeter who plays every full hour on top of the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica.
About the different high towers there are different stories. Often we hear that in past centuries a guard stood on top of the tower. He guarded Krakow and tried to see approaching enemies ahead of time. But he could not look completely in all directions, because the other tower would have obscured one direction. Therefore the higher tower for the city guard. The high tower of St. Mary’s Church has a height of 81 meters, the other one is only 69 meters high, so 12 meters lower.
A watchman on the tower existed mainly in the late Middle Ages. In 1241 the city watchman discovered hostile Tatars coming to Krakow. As a warning, the watchman played on his trumpet. However, an arrow from a Tartar hit the tower guard. The trumpeter died in the middle of the song. To this day, the song is played every hour on the hour, up to the point where the trumpet guard died. So even today’s trumpeters play only a part of the piece “Hejnal” every hour and then break off.
The interior of St. Mary’s Church
The interior of the church is beautiful. The biggest sight is the world famous high altar. The altar is by Veit Stoß and was made around 1480. It is made of old wood (carved
by Zygmunt Put, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, link
The high altar is gigantic, over 140 square meters. Some figures have a height of over 2.5 meters.
You pay around 4 euros to enter the church. The entrance is on the right side of the church when viewed from the market square. Tickets are available in a ticket shop in the house opposite.
St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow was built mainly in the 15th century in the Gothic style. The full name of St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow is “The Assumption of the Virgin Mary”. The church has been a minor basilica since 1970.
St. Mary’s Church’s organ is also famous. It has been renovated in recent years and fitted with a new organ.
The most important sights in St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow
Altarpiece by Veit Stoss
The main altar is a magnificent Gothic wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss between 1477 and 1489. It is the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world, showing scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The many small details and the figures make it one of the finest examples of medieval art in Europe.
Church towers
The two towers of the basilica are of different heights, with the northern tower being the tallest at 80 metres. It served as a watchtower for the city. The northern tower is famous for the trumpeter who plays the Hejnal Mariacki, a traditional trumpet call, every hour.
Hejnal Mariacki (Trumpet Call)
Description: A famous tradition in Krakow is the hourly call from the higher tower of the basilica, which is interrupted in the middle of the note in honour of a 13th century trumpeter who was shot while warning of a Mongol invasion. This tradition is broadcast live every day at noon on Polish Radio and is a very well-known part of Krakow’s cultural heritage.
Stained glass windows
The interior of St Mary’s Basilica is bathed in coloured light thanks to the beautiful stained glass windows, particularly those from the 14th century. These windows provide a spectacular play of light that illuminates the interior with vibrant colors.
Ceiling of St. Mary’s Basilica with Stars and Sky
The vaulted ceiling of the basilica is painted in a deep blue and dotted with golden stars. The heavenly images create a peaceful and divine atmosphere and give the church visitor the impression of looking up into the sky.
Paintings by Jan Matejko
Inside the basilica you will find wall frescoes painted by the well-known Polish painter Jan Matejko in the 19th century. Matejko is one of Poland’s most famous artists, and his colorful and detailed murals enhance the beauty of the church’s interior.
Organ St. Mary’s Basilica Krakow
The basilica has a beautifully decorated organ built in the 19th century that is used for concerts and services. The powerful sound of the organ fills the vast space of the basilica and underlines its sacred atmosphere.
Confessional
Kraków’s St. Mary’s Basilica has a baroque confessional that is intricately carved and gilded.
Chapels
Numerous chapels line the interior of the basilica, each with unique altars, sculptures and artwork.
