Yes — St. Mary’s Basilica is one of those Kraków places that combine art, history and local tradition. Inside you’ll find a Gothic masterpiece: the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece, and from the higher tower the hejnał is played every hour — a short, distinctive melody that has been a city symbol for centuries.
Climbing the tower is not only a chance to hear the hejnał “live,” but also an excellent viewpoint over the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the rooftops of the Old Town. For many visitors it’s one of the most memorable attractions in the centre.
Tickets for visiting the basilica interior and for ascending the tower are sold as donation-tickets (commonly called “cegiełki”). They are purchased only at the visitor service point at Plac Mariacki 7 on the day of the visit — there is usually no option to reserve them online in advance.
Prices vary with season and ticket type. Typically a donation-ticket to visit the interior costs roughly 10–18 PLN (reduced and full fares), while the tower ticket is often slightly higher (for example around 15–20 PLN). It’s best to carry small cash and expect minor price differences rather than rely on a single fixed amount.
If you have doubts about current rates or eligibility for concessions (students, seniors, Large Family Card, etc.), ask at the visitor service desk at Plac Mariacki 7 or call them on arrival — the staff will confirm up-to-date prices and rules.
Visiting hours for the tourist part of the basilica and the tower schedule do not always match. Generally the interior is open to tourists during daytime (often afternoons on weekdays and shorter hours on Sundays), while tower ascents run on a schedule — frequently every 30 minutes during the high season.
In some periods (especially off-season in autumn and winter) the tower may be temporarily closed or have limited entries due to weather or safety. Plan your visit with flexibility and check hours on the day you arrive.
Tower visits take place in groups (usually a maximum of a dozen or so people per ascent). The ascent is by stairs, so be prepared for a climb — it is not always suitable for visitors with limited mobility. For safety there may be age or health restrictions.
At the top the bugler (hejnalista) has a dedicated position and plays the hejnał, opening windows toward the four cardinal directions. The hejnał is played on the hour and the experience is brief but very authentic — the melody is suddenly cut off in keeping with tradition.
Important: entry to the tower and visiting the basilica interior are usually two separate activities and require separate donation-tickets. Make sure which ticket you are buying.
The main highlight inside is the Veit Stoss altarpiece — an impressive, richly carved work of sacred art. Also worth noticing are the polychrome paintings, side chapels and historic architectural details that tell the church’s story across centuries.
Part of the church is reserved solely for prayer and is not available to tourists as part of the paid visit — please respect these areas and keep quiet when they are used for religious services.
Confusing the tower entry with the interior visit. They’re two separate things — when buying a donation-ticket make sure what it covers.
Arriving at the “last minute” expecting to get in immediately. Tower ascents have limited places and tickets are sold only at the visitor point on Plac Mariacki 7. If your schedule is tight, plan ahead and allow extra time.
Forgetting the dress and silence rules. The basilica is an active place of worship — respect it by covering shoulders and not disturbing services.
Wear comfortable shoes for stairs, bring a bottle of water and a camera without a large tripod — tripods and professional photo gear may require permission. Remember to cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
If you want to hear the hejnał at a specific hour, arrive a few minutes early — groups enter at set times and the hejnał is often played just after the group reaches the tower top. Keep in mind the tune is short and ends abruptly by tradition.
Can children go up the tower? There are usually age restrictions for safety (for example children must be above a certain age) — check at the visitor point.
Can I reserve entry online? Generally donation-tickets are bought only at the desk on Plac Mariacki 7 on the day of your visit; online reservations are often unavailable.
Is the hejnał played live? Yes — the hejnał is performed live by the bugler on duty in the tower.
The hejnał ends abruptly — this commemorates the legend of the trumpeter who was warning the city of a Tatar attack and was suddenly struck mid-note. Although a legend, the interrupted form is preserved to this day.
For many years the hejnał melody was broadcast on radio, and the tune from the tower became a recognizable symbol of Kraków both in Poland and abroad.
From the tower the bugler opens four windows and plays toward the four directions — a tradition symbolizing vigilance and protection of the city.
Around the Main Market Square you’ll find many well-reviewed restaurants and cafés. To avoid tourist traps, choose places with high ratings and positive reviews — popular options include cafés serving quality coffee and restaurants offering traditional Polish dishes as well as modern regional cuisine.
If you plan to stay in the centre, pick a hotel or guesthouse near the Old Town — this allows peaceful mornings on the Square and quick access to the basilica. When booking, check guest reviews and the location in relation to the attractions you want to visit.
St. Mary’s Basilica and the hejnał from the tower are classic parts of a Kraków itinerary — plan your visit so you have time for both the interior with the Veit Stoss altarpiece and the tower ascent. Remember separate donation-tickets, limited places and seasonal changes in hours.
If you’d like help planning your visit, I can assist — but the most practical local support is offered by the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata can advise on trip planning, help with reservations (accommodation, restaurants, tickets where possible) and lead tours of Kraków, museums and other attractions. Contact details for Małgorzata are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
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