St. Mary's Church is one of the most recognizable places in Krakow - an icon of the Main Market Square that combines centuries of history, art and local traditions. A visit here is a quick lesson in what Krakow is: royal and urban history, Gothic architecture and everyday customs that still live in the city.
For corporate groups, a visit to St. Mary's is a great program item: it's easy to fit a short visit (30-60 minutes) or a longer presentation combined with the Royal Route and stories about the city. It's also an excellent team moment - a short, memorable stop that stays with conference participants, delegations or teams on an integration trip.
As a licensed guide since 2012 I have led thousands of guests through this place and I know how to present the most important facts so they engage both people who have already been to Krakow and those seeing the city for the first time. My tours combine reliable information with anecdotes and energy that make the group engage with the visit.
St. Mary's has two characteristic towers: the lower one serves as a belfry, the taller one is the tower from which the hejnał is played every hour. This is often the most memorable element - the sound of the hejnał playing over the Square reminds listeners of the city's history. (Practical tip: if you plan to keep the group at the Square on the hour, we can synchronize the narration with the moment of the hejnał.)
I tailor visits to the schedule and interests of each group to make the most of the available time.
The hejnał is a short melody played each hour from one of St. Mary's towers - a sound many visitors immediately associate with Krakow. The hejnał is played on a trumpet and takes the form of an abruptly cut-off signal, which has become part of the local legend.
The legend about the interrupted hejnał tells of a trumpeter who noticed an enemy raid and broke off the melody to warn the city. This story is often told during tours - it serves as an entry point to talk about medieval customs, the defense of the city and the role of signals in urban life.
Beyond the legend, the hejnał also has a symbolic and ceremonial function - it is part of local identity and the daily soundscape of the Main Market Square. For corporate groups the moment of the hejnał is a perfect time for a group photo or a short pause to listen to history live.
It creates a shared, atmospheric moment that often becomes a highlight of the visit.
During a short meeting at St. Mary's I talk about the main elements: the façade, the portal, the interior of the basilica, the great altars and how the church developed over the centuries. I also mention the church's role in the city community and curiosities you won't find in dry guidebooks.
For groups that choose to enter the interior, I point out the most important highlights: the Veit Stoss altarpiece, the chapels, elements of sacred art and architectural details. Depending on time and the group's interest, I also share curiosities about the building's architecture and restoration.
If the group wants, the visit to St. Mary's can be combined with a short walk along the Royal Route - the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Town Hall Tower, the Barbican - and the program can be wrapped up in 1.5-2 hours. This is a convenient option for delegations with limited time who still want to feel the atmosphere of the city.
I can include short stops for photos and brief rest breaks to keep the pace comfortable.
I specialize in guiding small and medium corporate groups - from project teams to conference delegations. Programs for companies are prepared individually to match the goals of the trip: integration, a concise overview of the city's history, cultural elements or a thematic route (for example stories about kings, city legends or a culinary route).
For companies I offer flexible time options: short 30-60 minute visits at the Square (with history and the hejnał), standard 1.5-2 hour routes covering the main points, or longer 3-4 hour programs including entries to attractions. Everything is adapted to the group's schedule and pace.
In the corporate offer I also help with practical matters: reserving tickets to attractions, logistical suggestions for large groups, the option to order headset systems for participants, and combined programs that include lunch or a meeting space after the tour.
I can prepare a tailored proposal and cost estimate based on your group's size and expectations.
I run tours in Polish and English. I have held a Krakow guide license since 2012 and have many years of experience working with different groups - from school groups to corporate delegations. I have guided thousands of visitors.
Indicative prices (examples, to be confirmed at booking): for small groups (up to about 35 people) standard rates start at a few hundred PLN for 1-2 hours; for larger groups prices are often calculated per person. Promotional periods and company packages may be available - please ask when booking. Note: entrance tickets to monuments - e.g., entry to the interior of St. Mary's - are usually not included in the guiding fee and are charged separately.
The simplest way to organize the tour is to agree on time and meeting place (often the Main Market Square), the route and the number of participants; I take care of the guiding and assistance with any reservations and ticket purchases. For the comfort of larger groups I can provide or help arrange a sound system/headset sets.
Prices and availability depend on the season and exact requirements - early contact helps secure preferred dates.
Starting point: we usually meet at the Main Market Square - a convenient location for delegations and close to most conference hotels. The exact meeting point is set at booking to make arrival and gathering easier.
Duration: if your conference schedule is tight, I recommend 60-90 minutes - enough time to show the main sights and tell a few engaging stories. Longer routes (2-4 hours) are ideal when you want to include entries to monuments or add thematic elements.
Large groups: for very large teams it is worth considering splitting into smaller subgroups or using headset sets - this ensures listening comfort and a better experience. I will help plan this logistics so everything runs smoothly.
Weather and Plan B: Krakow's weather can be changeable, so I have ready alternative routes that use interiors and museums if rain prevents walking around the Square.
I can also advise on transport options, nearby parking and meeting points to streamline group arrival.
Do you speak English? - Yes, I guide in Polish and English. If you need another language, let me know - I'll check the availability of translation.
Are tickets included? - Normally the guiding fee does not include entrance tickets to museums and monuments; I can help purchase and reserve tickets for the group.
Where is the best time to plan for the hejnał? - The hejnał is played every hour. If you want to hear it live, schedule your stay at St. Mary's to coincide with the top of the hour - it's short but very impressive.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? - Parts of the route along the Market Square and the Royal Route are accessible, but some monuments have limited access (stairs, narrow passages). Before booking we discuss the group's needs and choose the most comfortable option.
How to book and how far in advance? - It's best to get in touch in advance, especially for larger groups and specific times. For short-notice requests it's still worth trying - often a suitable slot can be found if there are no conflicts.
Do you offer themed or bespoke tours? - Yes, I design thematic tours on request and adapt content to your group's interests.
If you would like to organize a visit to St. Mary's and the Market Square for your corporate team - write or call to arrange details: tel. +48 501 962 037, email: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. After receiving your information I will prepare a route proposal, an indicative cost estimate and a logistical plan.
A few practical tips: include a short photo break at the Square, synchronize the hejnał with your program and remember participants who may need a slower pace. A well-planned, concise visit can be one of the best points of a corporate program in Krakow.
I invite you to contact me - I will gladly prepare a program for your group and tailor the route to your expectations. With a guide you can experience the visit as more than just checking an item off the list - it's an opportunity to feel the city's atmosphere and return home with a memorable story to tell.
I look forward to helping you plan a memorable visit.
