St. Mary's Church in Krakow - a worthy symbol of the city

The famous St. Mary's Church in Krakow is one of the most important symbols of Krakow. Standing at the Market Square, the Minor Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a pearl of Polish art and architecture, visited by crowds of tourists from around the world. As the origins of the temple date back far into the past, to the Middle Ages, and fragments of the Romanesque temple have been preserved in the ground floor, the St. Mary's Church in Krakow lies on the Romanesque Route.

St. Mary's Church is a must-see!

St. Mary's Church in Krakow is definitely a must visit. We visit Krakow almost every year and we always go to this magnificent temple, but we do not always visit its interiors. Entrance to the famous altar is payable. It is also worth climbing the Hejnalica tower at least once, with a beautiful view of Krakow! This is the tower from which the signal is played. Visiting it is also payable and available to children from 8 years of age.

The altar of Wit Stoss

The St. Mary's Church in Krakow has always been a temple of the Krakow bourgeoisie. The most notable here is the famous Gothic St. Mary's Altar by Wit Stoss, built in the form of a triptych. It depicts in the main scene the Dormition of the Mother of God and Her Assumption. This is an outstanding work of art. 

It is true that the whole interior of the temple delights! The church was thoroughly renovated at the end of the 20th century, thanks to the generosity of tourists. Visiting the presbytery takes place for a fee. The back of the church can be seen free of charge.

St. Mary's Tower

From the higher tower of the St. Mary's Church, called Hejnalica, a hejnał sounds every hour. It is ripped off suddenly because it refers to a legend. She says that a long, long time ago, a hejnalist, seeing the Tatars heading for the city, began to play to warn the inhabitants of the impending extinction. However, he did not finish the melody, because the arrow of one of the Tartars pierced his body.

The tower, from which a live swarm resounds to this day, can be climbed up many winding stairs for a fee. There is a beautiful panorama of Krakow from above.

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Practical information

Current visiting hours and ticket prices can be found on this website:
www.mariacki.com Church:
Mon-Sat 11.30-18.00 Sun 14.00-18.00
Tickets: normal PLN 15, reduced PLN 8
Available at the visitor service point Plac Mariacki 7

Hejnalica IV-X Tue-Sat 9.10−17.30 break 11.30−13.10
Sun 13.10−17.30
Tickets: normal PLN 20, reduced (8–18 years) PLN 12

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Main Market Square 1 (St. Mary's Square), Krakow
tel. 12/ 422-05-21

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What's worth seeing in the area?

If you have already visited this attraction, it is also worth visiting several other interesting ones places nearby. Within a radius of 100 kilometers you will find many interesting places places that can diversify your stay in this part of Poland.

• Kazimierz in Kraków, distance: 1.1  km
• Krakowskie valleys, distance: 18.8  km
• Błędowska Desert, distance: 42  km
• Gródek Park in Jaworzno, distance: 48  km
• Eagle's Nest Trail, distance: 51.5  km
• Castle in Żywiec, distance: 67.3  km
• Bobolice Castle, distance: 69  km
• Kapias Gardens in Goczałkowice Zdrój, distance: 71.8  km
• Olsztyn Castle, distance: 89.9  km
• Rysy, distance: 98.7  km