St. Mary’s Basilica is more than a symbol of Kraków — it concentrates history, art and urban legend in a single church on the Main Market Square. If you have only one hour, you can still see the most famous treasures: the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece, parts of the interior with chapels and polychromes, and experience the unique sound of the hejnał — all within a short, well-planned walk. This guide will lead you step by step so you can enjoy the visit without rushing and with respect for the place.
0–10 min - Start from the outside: walk around the church, notice the asymmetry of the towers and the Gothic mass. This is a good moment for photos from the Market Square and from the side toward the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice).
10–20 min - Examine the south portal and facade details; recall the legend of the two brothers who built the towers — it adds flavor to the visit.
20–45 min - Enter through the tourist entrance (south side). Buy a so‑called "donation-ticket" (cegiełka) at the visitor service point at Plac Mariacki 7, view the chancel and the main Veit Stoss altar and the most important chapels. Spend most of your time at the altarpiece — it is a masterpiece of Gothic carving.
45–55 min - If the tower schedule and weather allow, go up the tower (entries are limited) — the view over the Market Square and Old Town is a great end to the visit.
55–60 min - Finish your walk by the outer wall, listen for the hejnał if it is the full hour, or head for a quick coffee in one of the nearby cafés.
The two unequal towers are the first sign: the taller north tower has a different function than the lower south tower, which served as the belfry. Look at the facade facing the Market Square — Gothic vaulting, brick construction and the main portal create the building’s character.
On the north facade you can also spot decorations and coats of arms that recall the wealth and role the church played in the medieval city. From there you can best observe the flow of life on the Market Square and imagine the former market area around the church.
Don’t forget to look down — under the floor lie traces of earlier building phases, and some local descriptions mention Romanesque remains a few meters below today’s pavement.
Tourist entry is from the south side — the main portal on the Market Square is reserved for worshippers. Visitor access is based on donation-tickets (so-called cegiełki) bought at the visitor service point (Plac Mariacki 7) — prices are usually symbolic and vary by category (regular/reduced).
Visiting hours are adapted to the liturgical schedule: generally the basilica is open to visitors from late morning to late afternoon, but check current hours before you go — especially on holidays and during special ceremonies. The visitor desk closes slightly before the end of visiting hours.
Please keep silence and moderate behavior during the visit. Photography for private use is usually allowed, but flash and tripods should remain stowed; professional photo shoots require permission from the administration.
Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece - a wooden triptych that is one of the finest works of Gothic sculpture in Europe. Spend the most time here, observing scenes from the life of Mary and the tiny, richly detailed painted and gilded figures carved over centuries.
Polychromes on the ceiling and walls - including starry vault motifs and painted elements referenced by artists such as Jan Matejko. The interior combines sculpture and painting in a harmonious Gothic composition.
Side chapels and stalls - notice fine woodcarving details, heraldic symbols of the founders and epitaphs. Each chapel has its own story; many contain historic tombstones and paintings.
Climbing the taller tower of St. Mary’s rewards you after a few minutes on narrow stairs: the panorama of the Market Square, the Old Town roofs and the view toward Wawel is unforgettable. Entries are limited — groups start periodically and places are sometimes restricted for safety and weather reasons.
The hejnał mariacki is played from the tower every hour and the sound experience is part of the city ritual. The traditional melody suddenly stops — a reference to the legend of the trumpeter who was wounded by enemy fire. Even if you don’t go up the tower, try to hear the hejnał while standing on the Market Square.
Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon outside peak times — you’ll avoid the longest lines and see the altarpiece in more natural light. Avoid visiting the interior during Mass — parts of the church may be closed to tourists then.
Dress: remember this is an active church — cover your shoulders and knees. If you travel light, bring a small shawl or scarf you can drape over your shoulders.
Payments: the visitor desk at Plac Mariacki 7 sells the donation-tickets; have small change or a card. If you want to go up the tower, get your ticket as early as possible because availability and advance reservations are limited.
After the visit, relax with a good coffee or a meal at one of the well-rated restaurants by the Market Square. To feel Kraków’s atmosphere, consider Restauracja Wierzynek — a historic venue with a long tradition and elegant surroundings. For a quick coffee, there are trusted cafés around the Square — ideal for summarizing the walk and planning the next attractions.
If you prefer something less formal, you’ll find small cafés and stalls with local snacks nearby; obwarzanki and pierogi around the Market are practical options for visitors on a tight schedule.
Arriving at the busiest time without a plan — use morning or late-afternoon slots when there are fewer people.
Entering through the main portal without checking rules — the Market Square entrance is intended for worship; tourists should use the south entrance and buy a donation-ticket at the visitor desk.
Rushing past the Veit Stoss altarpiece — the work is full of small scenes and details; allow time to appreciate the carving and the stories on each wing.
Where to buy a ticket/donation-ticket? - At the visitor service point on Plac Mariacki 7. The desk closes a short time before visiting hours end, so plan your purchase in advance.
Can you go up the tower? - Yes, tower entries are organized at set times and have limited places; minimum age for children may apply (for example, around 8 years).
Is photography allowed? - Yes, for private use, without flash and tripods; professional sessions need permission from the basilica administration.
Is the visit paid? - Visiting the tourist part requires a donation-ticket; fees and hours can change, so check information before your visit.
Under the church floor there are fragments of earlier temples — including Romanesque remains that show how long this site has played an important religious and civic role.
The Veit Stoss altarpiece is not a single simple piece — it is an elaborate triptych with hundreds of small figures and scenes that together tell a long religious and social story of the late Gothic era.
The hejnał is cut short suddenly in memory of the legendary trumpeter who was struck while sounding the alarm — a simple but powerful symbol of Kraków’s history.
If this guide helped you plan your visit, share it with friends or on social media — it may help others who also have only an hour for St. Mary’s.
If you want to explore Kraków without stress and with local support, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata can advise on trip planning, guide you through museums and interesting spots, and help organize logistics: transport, booking accommodation, restaurant tables and tickets. Contact details for Małgorzata are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — write to her and she will help you plan the perfect day in Kraków. Thank you for reading and enjoy your visit!
