The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as St. Mary’s Basilica, stands on the eastern corner of Kraków’s Main Market Square and is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. It is a Gothic basilica with two asymmetrical towers, from the taller of which the famous hejnał is played every hour.
The building has medieval roots (first mentions go back to the 13th century) and reached its final Gothic form in the 14th–15th centuries. The interior is a treasure trove of art: the Veit Stoss altarpiece, polychromes, stained glass and richly decorated side chapels. The church is part of Kraków’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can access certain parts of the church and the trumpeter’s tower; please respect rules of silence and note that there are separate entrances for tourists and worshippers.
The main reason to go inside is the impressive altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) — a monumental late-15th-century reredos carved in limewood, polychromed and gilded. The altarpiece contains roughly 200 sculpted figures depicting scenes from the lives of Mary and Christ.
The work amazes with sculptural detail, expressive figures and grand composition — it is one of the most important late-Gothic sculptural masterpieces in Europe and is best appreciated close up from the chancel. Remember that the altarpiece is displayed to visitors at specific times (check practical info before you go).
Seeing the altarpiece is a moment for quiet and concentration — it’s worth spending a few calm minutes rather than rushing in just to take a quick photo.
The Hejnał mariacki is a short melody played every hour from the taller tower of St. Mary’s. Legend says the tune broke off suddenly when a trumpeter was struck by an arrow while warning the city of an attack. That dramatic moment has become part of the tradition — the melody is customarily interrupted mid-phrase.
Today the hejnał is both a daily tradition and a city symbol. It is played toward the four cardinal directions and at many public events; the trumpeter stands watch on the tower to perform it. Hearing the hejnał from the Main Square — especially on the hour — is a must-do when visiting Kraków.
You can approach the tower to listen, but note that access to the tower is available at set hours and with limits on the number of visitors per entry.
The basilica’s interior is more than the Veit Stoss altar: look for polychromes based on designs by Jan Matejko (with Józef Mehoffer and Stanisław Wyspiański), Gothic stained glass in the chancel, ornately carved stalls, side chapels and numerous epitaphs and tombstones of Kraków burghers.
The best times to visit are morning (shortly after opening) or late afternoon (before closing) — these moments are often less crowded. The main altarpiece is shown to visitors at set times; the chancel is generally opened to tourists during morning and afternoon visiting hours — check current opening times before your visit.
Access to the trumpeter’s tower is separate — seasonal days and hours apply (during the season entries are typically available Tuesday–Sunday), you climb by stairs, there’s a per-entry limit on visitors and children under 8 are usually not allowed. The tower may be closed in bad weather.
Tourists should use the southern entrance — the entrance from the Market Square leads to the worship area and is reserved for the faithful. Visitors are asked to keep quiet and respect the liturgical space.
Visiting the basilica requires a symbolic contribution (a so-called "cegiełka"). Typically there are two categories: a standard and a reduced (concession) contribution. Entrance to the trumpeter’s tower usually requires a separate donation. Tickets and visitor contributions are sold at the designated on-site point by Mariacki Square; purchases are made in person and standard online reservations are not generally available.
The ticket desk closes a few minutes before the end of visiting hours, so allow time when planning your visit.
Many visitors assume everything inside the church can be seen at any time — the altarpiece is displayed at specific hours and the tower may be closed outside the season or in poor weather. Check opening hours before you set out.
Another frequent mistake is entering through the main (worship) entrance and taking up space intended for prayer — use the visitor entrance (south side) and remain quiet. Don’t block passageways and avoid using flash when taking photos where flash is prohibited.
Avoid buying “tickets” from third parties on the Market Square — contributions are purchased at the official visitor point. Children below the minimum age are not admitted to the tower for safety reasons (usually under 8 years old).
Arrive shortly before opening or near closing time to enjoy a quieter moment. If you want to hear the hejnał, stand in the Main Square on the hour; if you plan to climb the tower, be ready for stairs and a short period of standing in a group.
Wear comfortable shoes and respect the church’s dress code — on some days liturgies or ceremonies may limit access to parts of the interior. If in doubt, ask the staff at the visitor point by Mariacki Square 7.
The tower admits a limited number of visitors per entry (often up to about 15 people) and entries run roughly every half hour during the season, so expect queues. Also note the tower can close in bad weather.
Around the Market Square you’ll find many places for a meal or coffee. Trusted options include Wierzynek (for lovers of historical atmosphere and a special-occasion meal), Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish cuisine in a cozy cellar), Café Camelot (an arty café perfect for dessert or coffee) and Charlotte (bakery and bistro with a wide selection of bread and breakfast).
If you want a quick local lunch or a milk-bar style meal, there are several places near the square offering typical Polish dishes at reasonable prices. After visiting, pick a table with a view of the Market Square and relax while watching the city life.
Keep in mind that restaurants directly on the Market Square tend to be pricier than those a few streets away — if you want to save, stroll down the side streets adjacent to the square.
The polychromes decorating the interior were created from designs by Jan Matejko with cooperation from Józef Mehoffer and Stanisław Wyspiański — a blend of historical painting and Young Poland expression that isn’t always immediately obvious to visitors.
Veit Stoss’s altarpiece is carved in limewood and contains a huge number of figures — it’s not just single sculptures but an elaborate narrative scene that’s best viewed sector by sector so you don’t miss details.
The towers are unequal not only in height but in function: one served defensive and observation roles while the other is where the hejnał is sounded. That functional difference explains the facade’s asymmetry.
Is entry to the church paid? - Yes, visiting the basilica involves a symbolic contribution; the tower requires a separate donation.
Can I take photos? - Photos are usually allowed but without flash and with respect for people praying; some interior areas may have additional restrictions.
Can I go up the tower at any time? - No. The tower is open seasonally and at set times with a limited number of visitors per entry; access can be cancelled in bad weather.
Can I attend Mass? - Yes, the Basilica is an active parish and Masses are held; on liturgical days parts of the interior may be closed to tourists.
Respect the place: quiet, appropriate clothing and consideration for worshippers will make your visit pleasant and stress-free. Plan ahead, allow time for the altarpiece and the tower, and give yourself space to study details you might miss during a quick pass-through.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media to help others plan their visit to Kraków. If you’d like a more personal tour of St. Mary’s Basilica and the Main Square area, consider booking a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your visit and have a great time exploring!
