St. Mary's Basilica is not a cathedral, but it is one of Krakow's most important and recognisable monuments — a place that blends medieval craftsmanship with city legends and modern customs. If you plan to visit, a few facts and stories will make the experience richer and more interesting.
1. The Hejnał mariacki (bugle call) is played from the taller tower (the so‑called hejnał tower) toward the four cardinal directions — the melody breaks off in the middle, recalling the legend of the trumpeter struck by an arrow during a Tatar attack.
2. In practice the hejnał is played every hour, and the performance at 12:00 is broadcast on the radio and has become a symbol of Krakow.
3. The tradition of playing the hejnał has medieval roots; originally such melodies served as civic signals.
4. The taller tower is about 81–82 m high, the shorter about 69 m — that difference is the origin of the popular legend about two mason brothers.
5. The legend of the two brothers explains the towers' uneven heights and attempts to explain a knife hanging in the Cloth Hall — this story is deeply rooted in local folklore, though its historical basis is doubtful.
6. There really is a knife in the Cloth Hall as a reminder/element of the legend; its presence and original meaning have changed over the centuries.
7. Inside the basilica is the Wit Stwosz (Veit Stoss) altarpiece — the largest late‑Gothic sculptural work in Poland, made between 1477 and 1489.
8. The Wit Stwosz altarpiece is enormous (sources give various figures, but it is several metres high) and contains over 200 sculptures; the figures are very realistic and, according to researchers, modelled on inhabitants of medieval Krakow.
9. The cost of making the altarpiece in the 15th century was estimated at 2808 florins — an enormous sum at the time, often cited as evidence of the city’s great commitment to sacred art.
10. During World War II the altarpiece was looted by the Germans; it was found after the war in the ruins near Nuremberg and returned to Poland in 1946 — a well‑known story of art restitution.
11. The altarpiece has been subject to numerous conservation programmes; in recent years detailed condition surveys, monitoring and preservation work have been carried out.
12. The west window of the basilica contains stained glass designed in the late 19th century by Stanisław Wyspiański and Józef Mehoffer — an important Young Poland accent in the church’s sacred space.
13. The Wyspiański/Mehoffer windows were not created at once as a single, uniform project; research and debates over authorship of particular panels are ongoing among art historians.
14. The lower tower served as the belfry — it housed, among others, a historic bell known as ‘Half‑Sigismund’ (Półzygmunt) from the 15th century, important for local ringing traditions.
15. The bell tower contains several historic bells with different founders and tones; some are rung according to traditional schedules (for example at specific hours or days of the week).
16. Today’s hejnał players come from various backgrounds — for many years fire brigade members have often served in this role, and the hejnał has become a ceremonial element of city life.
17. The hejnał has had interruptions in some years (for example during major mourning events or wars) — such pauses are part of the changing practice of the tradition.
18. St. Mary's Basilica is an active parish — Masses are held regularly, and access to some monuments (for example parts of the altarpiece) may be limited because of liturgies and ceremonies.
19. Visits to the altarpiece and interior are organised: opening hours, rules and ticket prices (for example information about access to the towers) are provided by the basilica; check current hours before your visit.
20. Access to the tower can be limited for safety and organisational reasons: some levels have age restrictions (for example children under a certain age may not be allowed) and group size limits apply.
21. Proposing on the basilica tower has become a popular — though risky — custom; remember that tower access follows regulations, so spontaneous plans may require prior arrangements.
22. Many anecdotes and small miracles surround St. Mary's — from bell stories and local superstitions to tales about historic donors and their fates.
23. A common tourist mistake is treating the basilica only as a photo backdrop — take a moment of silence, study the altarpiece and stained glass carefully, and read the short descriptions by key exhibits.
24. Look for everyday details in the altarpiece and windows — they show elements of medieval Krakow life: this is not only sacred art but also a document of the era.
25. If you want more behind‑the‑scenes stories about St. Mary’s and Krakow, a private guide can tailor the route to your interests, take you through museums and help with reservations — it’s often more convenient than exploring on your own.
On entering the basilica, first direct your gaze to the main Wit Stwosz altarpiece — stand slightly to the side to take in the whole composition. Then move toward the windows and view the stained glass, and if time allows, look for small sculptural details, inscriptions or memorial plaques. The altarpiece is opened according to a fixed schedule, so check the hours when the elaborate central display is shown before your visit.
Visit the side chapels and pay attention to plaques, epitaphs and smaller paintings — they often tell local stories and are sources of curiosities not found in guidebooks. Also remember respect: the basilica is a place of worship, so quiet behaviour and modest dress are appreciated.
The legend of the trumpeter struck by an arrow carries strong emotion and is commonly repeated as the explanation for the broken‑off melody — however historians point out there are many versions and the reliability of individual details is debated.
The tale of two brothers building the towers is an example of a city origin myth: it explains the unequal tower heights with a dramatic story. In practice there are no direct contemporary sources confirming every element of the legend, but as part of Krakow folklore it remains vivid and contributes to the Market Square atmosphere.
St. Mary's Basilica is open to visitors during set hours; the Wit Stwosz altarpiece is displayed at specific times, and the bell tower (tower) is accessible to visitors under rules that include age limits and maximum group sizes. Check the basilica’s current information before you arrive.
Tower access is often ticketed (the parish publishes current prices and rules). In practice: phone or email reservations are useful in high season; only small groups may climb the tower and safety limits apply.
Avoid planning tower visits during major Masses or ceremonies — access may be limited or closed. If you want quiet time and better photos, arrive right after opening or in the late afternoon.
Treating the basilica only as a photo spot — spend a moment of silence and study the works attentively.
Trying to climb the tower without checking hours/restrictions — always check rules and opening times on the basilica’s official information before you go.
Inappropriate dress while visiting — this is still a place of worship, especially during Mass; bring a cover for your shoulders and avoid very short shorts.
Relying only on short versions of legends — many stories lack documentary confirmation; if you care about facts, consult the basilica’s information or museum materials.
Is the altarpiece always open for close viewing? - The altarpiece is shown at set times; during liturgy or ceremonies the display may be changed.
Can I take a child up the tower? - Some levels have age restrictions and safety limits; check current rules before your visit.
Is the hejnał played every day? - Yes, the hejnał is played regularly, with occasional pauses for exceptional situations or ceremonies.
Where do I buy a ticket for the tower? - Ticket and reservation information is available from the basilica’s official visitor point.
You can recognise facial features of actual medieval Krakow residents in many figures of the altarpiece — Wit Stwosz likely used live models for some characters.
The knife in the Cloth Hall was replaced over the centuries — it is not a single unchanged artifact but a recurring symbol that keeps the legend alive among tourists and locals.
After the war the Wit Stwosz altarpiece returned in parts and required complex reconstruction and conservation — this modern chapter is a significant part of its recent history.
Visit historic and well‑rated venues near the Main Market Square: Wierzynek (famous and historic), Café Camelot (cozy café with a good reputation) and Szara (a highly rated Market Square restaurant). Make reservations at peak times — popular places fill up quickly.
If you want traditional Polish food near St. Mary’s, choose restaurants recommended in reviews and rankings — this helps avoid tourist traps with average quality.
A private guide can tell behind‑the‑scenes stories about the altarpiece’s conservation, the fate of items taken during the war and iconographic details you might miss on your own.
Professional guiding also helps with logistics: booking tickets, choosing the best visiting hours, reserving a table at a restaurant and organising transport between sites.
Private guiding is also convenient for families with children, seniors or visitors with limited mobility — the route can be adapted to the group’s needs.
Check opening hours and any restrictions on the basilica’s official information before you arrive.
Come right after opening or in the late afternoon if you want to avoid the biggest crowds and have better conditions for photos.
If you plan to climb the tower, book in advance or come outside peak hours; remember about age limits and group size limits.
Photos taken from street level can look flat — try changing perspective (for example focus on close details, stained glass or sculptures).
Avoid using flash inside during services or when there are many people; natural light from the windows gives the best effects.
Respect worshippers — photographing during Mass or while people pray is unethical and often prohibited.
Comfortable shoes (stairs and uneven surfaces), a bottle of water, a light shoulder cover, a camera or phone with charged battery, a notebook or app to note curiosities, and a relaxed attitude for sightseeing.
If you want not only to see but also to understand: yes. A guide will help read the altarpiece’s iconography, tell backstage stories about works taken during the war, and ease navigation in liturgical and tourist contexts. You won’t waste time searching for information — the guide will do it for you and, if you wish, can also assist with bookings and logistics.
The basilica is an active parish — respect those praying and don’t disturb services with flash photography or loud conversations.
Don’t leave valuables unattended in the Market Square; as in any popular tourist spot, pickpockets can operate.
If you plan a professional photo session with a tripod or a larger crew, contact the basilica staff in advance to ask about rules.
The Main Market Square offers many attractions within a short walk: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Adam Mickiewicz monument, numerous museums and cafés. Plan a coffee break at one of the recommended places or a short walk along Floriańska Street toward the Barbican.
If you stay longer in Krakow, consider visiting Wawel and the National Museum — the historical and artistic context there complements what you learn at St. Mary’s.
If you found this text helpful, share it with friends or on social media — a simple recommendation can make someone’s Krakow trip easier to plan.
If you’d like to tour with a guide, I recommend using the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz (details and offers are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website). Małgorzata can plan the route, book tickets, pick well‑rated restaurants and handle logistics and transport — making your Krakow visit stress‑free and enjoyable.
