St Mary's Basilica
St Mary's Basilica
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsChurches & Cathedrals
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Tuesday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Friday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
2:00 PM - 5:45 PM
About
One of the most famous of Poland's churches, this Gothic structure features two striking towers of different heights and surprisingly richly decorated insight, mostly thanks to the vibrant polychromy by great Polish artist Jan Matejko. The greatest masterpiece is though the Main Altar by Veit Stoss - a late Gothic illustration for St. Mary's and Jesus life, including scenes of Mary's death and Assumption. Please note that the church, including Main Altar, is currently under long maintenance and renovation works, which may be of some inconvenience.
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Neighborhood: Stare Miasto
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- MaciekWarsaw, Poland4 contributionsMust see in KrakówIf you are in Kraków you have to see this beautiful gothic church. The most characteristic place in it’s interior is the Veit Stoss’ altar with these stunning ornaments. St. Mary’s Church is the place which everybody should see while being in this lovely city.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 24, 2023
- PeteFredericksburg, Virginia1,200 contributionsThe Pope’s ChurchMy understanding is that The Pope gave sermons here before he became Pope. It’s a magnificent example of Gothic Architecture that sits adjacent to the main market square. The whole market square is a well planned area to accommodate many many people. In 2010, the funeral procession from the Basilica to the Castle must have been dramatic and historic.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 8, 2023
- petergab10Melbourne, Australia673 contributionsStunning and well worth a visit insideSt Mary's Basilica is one of the Centrepoint's of Krakow Old Town across from the Main Market Square a brick gothic church. And the place you will hear the trumpeter play his bugle call from the top of the church on the hour. Look up and when he finishes the crowd waves, and he does the same back its a touching moment. Personally, l have always thought the church looks beautiful and from the outside l have taken many photos of it. And was amazed when l walk in for the first time early in the morning when a mass was taken place it was a moving moment. On the right hand side of the church there is a visitor's entrance which opens at 11.30am which you must buy a ticket before entering the church. You can buy a ticket from church ticket office which is opposite the entrance door for 15 zloty. Walking into the church l did not know where to look as you are taken back by its beauty from its Architecture, Ceilings, Sculptures, Paintings, Stain glassed windows, Veit Stoss altarpiece is stunning to see and definitely a highlight. At this time, you are allowed to take photos which l did in a respectful way.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten January 23, 2024
- Nicola g26 contributionsStunningSimply stunning. We had walked passed this beautiful church a few times amazed by the architecture from the outside of the building then we were passing as there was a service one evening and decided to go in. First time a church has wowed and amazed me. It was just a very moving moment. We sat there for some time taking in the beautiful architecture. And not really being people that go to church I could not believe the affect st. Mary’s had on us. Please visit this beautiful amazing church.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 29, 2024
- Shawn W9 contributionsVisit 2024Was confused about where to buy the ticket at first because directions weren't clear, but after purchasing, I found the process rather easy. We visited when the outside was under construction but was still very admirable and beautiful with stunning architecture. Once inside, the ceiling really took us by surprise simply with how the navy blue was bright and affective. The statues and delicate fittings was magnificentVisited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 19, 2024
- Seasoned by SamWallasey, United Kingdom199 contributionsWell worth a visit- no booking requiredA little confusing to get tickets, but it’s just at the ticket office over the road, then you go in through a side door as the main door at the front is for prayer only. The areas tourists can explore are just absolutely stunning. Lovely way of spending an hour or so, just a shame there is currently scaffolding up the front- will have to visit again!!Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 29, 2024
- Everywhere is on the list…Amsterdam, The Netherlands851 contributionsRegalI’m not really one for this kind of activity but it was definitely worthwhile the visit. The inside is breathtaking. The intricate detail of the art is sublime and the high level ceilings are awesome. Many people praying whilst we were there with authenticates the experience.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 14, 2024
- CP.Pinhal Novo, Portugal105 contributionsStunning placeIt was a surprise to visit this basilica, where gothic style is so so rich! The altar is the main attraction although the full building is rich in details! I would try to get in time to see the opening of the altar - it’s a special moment to visit the basilica!Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 1, 2024
- Marcin BielikKrakow, Poland10 contributionsMary's BasilicaWe visited St. Mary's Basilica in Kraków, and it was absolutely breathtaking! The church is beautiful inside and out. The altarpiece by Veit Stoss is incredible and so detailed. We were lucky to hear the trumpet call from the tower, which happens every hour. It was a special moment for our family. Inside, the stained glass windows and the ornate decorations are stunning. My kids were amazed by the colors and the history. We spent a good amount of time just taking in the beauty and the peaceful atmosphere. St. Mary's Basilica is a must-see if you’re in Kraków. It’s right on the Main Square, so it’s easy to find. We all felt moved by the visit and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 14, 2024
- ANGELO VMilan, Italy4,742 contributionsStunningly beautiful basilica"Kościół Mariacki" (Mary's Church) is in Krakow main square (Rynek Główny), and is part of the UNESCO heritage site "Historic Centre of Kraków" since 1978. It is in Brick Gothic style, and it was built in the 14th century, over an older church founded in 1222. Side chapels were added in the 15th century, and in the 18th century the interior was rebuilt in the late Baroque style. In 1887–1891 the neo-Gothic style was introduced, and new murals and stained glass windows were added, by Polish artists Jan Matejko, Stanisław Wyspiański and Józef Mehoffer. The main altar has a stunning wooden altarpiece that was carved between 1477 and 1489 by sculptor Veit Stoss.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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alehope30
116 contributions
Aug 2020
Bazylika Mariacka is a church faced on the wonderful Rynek Glowny (the main square). Inside is rich of elements and artistic works. It deserves a visit.
You have 2 ways of entry. You can go through the main access in front of the church and it is free entry. This is done in order to allow people which only want to pray. You can't go around the church (there is barrier) and if the security think you want to visit the church and just don't pay, they will invite you to go out (my guide told me sometimes it is happened).
The second way it would be the right way for tourists, you enter beside the church, you can go around and the admission is 10 PLN.
It is your choice which way, anyway church is very nice.
You have 2 ways of entry. You can go through the main access in front of the church and it is free entry. This is done in order to allow people which only want to pray. You can't go around the church (there is barrier) and if the security think you want to visit the church and just don't pay, they will invite you to go out (my guide told me sometimes it is happened).
The second way it would be the right way for tourists, you enter beside the church, you can go around and the admission is 10 PLN.
It is your choice which way, anyway church is very nice.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicky
Halesowen, UK427 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
I’m not religious at all, but we decided to go & have a look around as we’d seen it was popular.
The ticket office is across from the entrance & there are two ways in, one for tourists & one for those who pray, tourists should not use this entrance.
It is absolutely stunning inside, I didn’t know where to look first.
I’d recommend anyone to go & see it firsthand as pictures just don’t do it justice.
The ticket office is across from the entrance & there are two ways in, one for tourists & one for those who pray, tourists should not use this entrance.
It is absolutely stunning inside, I didn’t know where to look first.
I’d recommend anyone to go & see it firsthand as pictures just don’t do it justice.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarcusHurley
Calne, UK10,787 contributions
Sep 2021
This is a beautiful building in the main square of Krakow old city. The ticket office is on the right hand side as you face the main doors - you can buy a ticket for either the church itself or the tower but be aware that the tower one doesn't cover the church too, you need both. Tower tickets are timed entrance as it is a narrow staircase with very limited room at the top.
The main church is ok in a very gaudy and gilt way, if you like bling then you'll love it otherwise it's rather over the top! The altar is a superb carving but again, the gold paint spoils it in my opinion and it would look far better in naked wood.
The tower has around 270 steps and some of the staircases are narrow but there are impressive views over the top. We were in the tower longer than the actual church but it was certainly worth the £7 it costs to do both.
The main church is ok in a very gaudy and gilt way, if you like bling then you'll love it otherwise it's rather over the top! The altar is a superb carving but again, the gold paint spoils it in my opinion and it would look far better in naked wood.
The tower has around 270 steps and some of the staircases are narrow but there are impressive views over the top. We were in the tower longer than the actual church but it was certainly worth the £7 it costs to do both.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike C
Guildford, UK1,078 contributions
Aug 2020
Well worth a visit, standing on one side of the main Rynek square. Apart from going into the basilica the unique thing about this building is the tower and the trumpeters. A trumpeter sounds out every hour on the hour, 24 hours a day from the very top of the tower. It is a historical tradition to mark the trumpet warning of invaders and at the end of the trumpeting the tune ends abruptly ever time to mark the moment when the trumpeter was silenced by being hit by an arrow fired by the invaders. You can buy a ticket to go up the tower and at the top there is a great view.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pawel_hbg
Sopot, Poland16,816 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
Saint Mary's Basilica is undoubtedly one of Krakow's most famous and most spectacular landmarks. It towers are visible from all over the city.
A more well-known legend tells the story of a brave city guard who saved Kraków from a Tatar invasion in the 13th century. The high church tower served as a watchtower in those days, where a trumpeter stood guard, signalling the opening of the city gates every morning and their closing every evening, and warning the townspeople of fire or invasion. When the Tatar hordes were crossing Europe and burning cities in their wake, the Krakow trumpeter spied them in the distance and sounded the signal to close the gates; in the middle of a note, a Tatar arrow pierced his throat, and the melody was broken. To this day, that same tune - "the hejnal" - is played every hour from the four sides of the tower, broken off at the same point in memory of the brave guardsman.
A more well-known legend tells the story of a brave city guard who saved Kraków from a Tatar invasion in the 13th century. The high church tower served as a watchtower in those days, where a trumpeter stood guard, signalling the opening of the city gates every morning and their closing every evening, and warning the townspeople of fire or invasion. When the Tatar hordes were crossing Europe and burning cities in their wake, the Krakow trumpeter spied them in the distance and sounded the signal to close the gates; in the middle of a note, a Tatar arrow pierced his throat, and the melody was broken. To this day, that same tune - "the hejnal" - is played every hour from the four sides of the tower, broken off at the same point in memory of the brave guardsman.
Written June 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel&Amy
Rotorua, New Zealand309 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A really stunning church in the centre of Kraków. We paid student prices (which apply to ALL students, not just EU citizens of Polish residents). Per person it was 5zl. Full priced tickets are 10zl. Unfortunately there are renovations world underway and so we didn’t get the greatest views of the main alter and a few other little things. We did however have a wonderful time admiring the unique colours and patterns that we haven’t seen elsewhere in Europe.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana G
Sydney, Australia416 contributions
Jul 2019
Great big beautiful church.
So much history involved. The fireman play the bugle to symbolise the sounding of the alarm to close the gates. He abruptly cuts off at the end as the original bugler was shot with an arrow through the throat before he could finish.
This is done at 11am, 12pm & 1pm.
So much history involved. The fireman play the bugle to symbolise the sounding of the alarm to close the gates. He abruptly cuts off at the end as the original bugler was shot with an arrow through the throat before he could finish.
This is done at 11am, 12pm & 1pm.
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Family P
Barnsley, UK5 contributions
Jan 2020
The colours inside were vivid and very decorative, bright blue colours high up in ceiling decoration. Christmas decorations were still up which also added to the atmosphere. The hourly bell toll and bugle call is also quite unique. A little work going on in one end of the building with scaffold present at the present time. Well worth a visit.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mickdw
Market Weighton, UK24 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This is a great church with some stunning features inside. I’m not a religious person but really enjoyed looking around inside.
Having some restoration work done so some exhibits are covered but definitely worth an hour walking around
Having some restoration work done so some exhibits are covered but definitely worth an hour walking around
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SiriLak Tour.
Katunayake, Sri Lanka131 contributions
Mar 2019
Tall great architectural building gives a proud looks to the old city , I would like to sit next to it , Each hourly the church plays the trumpet and notice the time which is quite attractive to tourists .. This happens on the highest floor of the church . in side the church doesn't allow to take pictures and its really nice to watch . during the prayers it's not allow to visit .
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Am I able to purchase tickets online in advance? I can only find links to group tours etc rather than just entrance tickets.
Written September 13, 2023
I'm not sure but the ticket office is directly opposite the basilica anyway...
Written September 24, 2023
I am going in October, is it normally busy with long queues. especially now that it has to be socially disanced inside so less people allowed in at once? Should I book in advance or do you think it will be OK?
Written September 22, 2020
I have just come back last weekend and krakow was overall very quiet. I would suspect you won’t need to book. We got in no problem.
Written September 23, 2020
Do they celebrate a solemn high Mass in Latin here? And do they accept walk ins?
Written June 27, 2020
Hej. I do not think so. All in Polish.
Written June 28, 2020
Hi there
My boyfriend and I have krakow booked for next week 18-22 March. We are supposed to be travelling from Dublin.
We are not sure whether to continue with the trip, or cancel it due to corona virus. Are most tourist places still open? I’m aware museums are starting to close etc. Just wondering if it will be worth it for us to go as we wanted to visit Auschwitz etc.
We were planning to fly out of Warsaw and get the train from krakow to Warsaw.
If anyone could provide us with some information that would be great
Written March 11, 2020
Today as we are leaving everything is closed. Auschwitz is closed for 2 weeks.
Written March 12, 2020
Can some one tell me if the bugle tower is open in march. The website english say closed 1 part of March. does that mean its open again from 2nd march.
Says this
January and February. I part of March - closed
Written March 6, 2020
To be honest it's difficult to be certain that the tower will be open. The day that we went it was closed, even though all the information said it was open! I suggest you e-mail the official Krakow Tourist Information Office (Magiczny Krakow) However, as the previous answer noted, Poland has now reported a confirmed case of COVID-19 and legislation is underway to give the prime minister additional powers to combat the virus, so measures may be put in place to restrict access to some places - who knows? But there are presently no travel restrictions in place, so I hope all goes smoothly with your trip.
Written March 7, 2020
I would like to climb the bell tower in November on a Friday. Is it necessary to buy the timed ticket early in morning, or should there be openings if I show up later in the afternoon?
Written September 17, 2019
Would be best to buy the ticket soon as the bell tower opens for business that morning. Tickets are very limited so you should try and capture at the soonest opportunity, as there is a certain allocation for the whole day.
Written September 17, 2019
Hi, i’m visiting soon and i’d like to know i there are any restrictions on women’s clothing e.g not showing shoulders so i can dress appropriately, thanks :)
Written August 13, 2019
It was warm when we visited and I had a short sleeved t-shirt on and so did most people.
There seemed to be many people in shorts too especially men.
I hope this helps a little.
Written August 13, 2019
Hello,
Is credit card accepted if I want to buy ticket at the counter? Or do we need cash?
Thanks in advance :)
Written May 22, 2019
I believe it is cash only. Local currency. It is kind of a pain to get the tickets. But all worth it once you step inside and see the altar opening. I took pics, video etc. Which was nice as it is not allowed at Wavel Castle. No flash is allowed - I believe.
Written July 9, 2019
Impossible de pouvoir rentrer dans la basilique aujourd'hui
Written October 13, 2018
je ne sais pas , les heures de fermetures sont tôt
Written October 15, 2018
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