Churches & monasteries
St Mary’s Basilica in Kraków stands beside the Main Market Square and is one of the city’s most recognisable symbols. The Gothic church is known for Veit Stoss’s altarpiece, the hourly hejnał trumpet call and its rich furnishings. It remains a place of worship, so tourist sightseeing follows set hours and uses a separate entrance.
The central masterpiece is the late-Gothic altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss between 1477 and 1489. This monumental polyptych contains numerous figures and scenes from the lives of Mary and Christ. Also notice the star vaults, wall paintings created under the direction of Jan Matejko, and the side chapels and altars.
The taller tower is 81 metres high and sounds the hejnał every hour. The melody breaks off halfway through, recalling the legend of a trumpeter warning the city of a Tatar attack. Polish Radio also broadcasts the signal nationwide at noon. From outside, compare the unequal towers and their role in the panorama of the Market Square.
The basilica can be visited Monday to Saturday 11:30–18:00, and Sundays and public holidays 14:00–18:00. On weekdays the altarpiece is opened at 11:50. The donation brick costs 20 zł or 10 zł reduced and is sold at the visitor point at 7 Mariacki Square, which closes 15 minutes before sightseeing ends. Tourists should use the southern entrance and remain quiet. Allow 45–60 minutes.
Niedziele i dni świąteczne: zwiedzanie od 14:00; ołtarz Wita Stwosza otwierany ok. 11:50 (pn-sob) i 14:10 (nd). Kasa w punkcie przy pl. Mariackim 7 zamykana 15 minut przed końcem zwiedzania. W dni szczególne (uroczystości, koncerty) godziny bywają zmieniane.
Bilet ulgowy dla uczniów 7–18 lat, studentów 19–26 lat i seniorów 65+. Bilety wyłącznie w punkcie informacyjnym przy pl. Mariackim 7, bez rezerwacji online.
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