St. Mary's Basilica stands in the middle of the Main Market Square like a living lesson in medieval architecture and urban tradition. It combines a great sculptural masterpiece — the Veit Stoss altarpiece — with a daily, world-famous musical signal: the hejnal. Even if you don't go inside, the façade and towers form one of the most recognisable images of Kraków, and the sound of the bugle every hour is an experience you won't forget quickly.
If you want to feel the place more deeply — read on: you'll find practical visiting hours, tips for climbing the tower, historical curiosities and suggestions for places to eat around the Market Square.
If you plan to visit with a private guide, you can contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz (details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com) — a guide who knows the basilica's stories and hidden details well.
The Veit Stoss Altarpiece (the Altar of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) is the main reason most visitors enter the basilica. This multi-part, late-Gothic sculptural work from the late 15th century is full of detail, figures and biblical scenes — it rewards slow, careful looking because the most interesting things reveal themselves gradually.
The interior also hides richly decorated side chapels, polychromes and early stained glass that are worth exploring after you pass through the presbytery. Furnishings and carved details often contain symbolic meanings that benefit from explanation — so a leisurely visit brings the most satisfaction.
Remember to notice the bells and tower elements and the baroque–gothic furnishings, which together tell a layered story about the church's and the city's history.
The hejnal mariacki has been Kraków's signature sound for centuries. It is played on the hour from the higher tower of the church and traditionally breaks off abruptly — part of the legend tells of a trumpeter struck by an arrow while warning the city during a Tatar raid. The custom of playing the hejnal is old, and since the 20th century the noon performance has been broadcast nationally, which strengthened its status as a city symbol.
To hear the hejnal live, stand on the Main Market Square between St. Mary's and the Town Hall Tower or right by the church — choose a spot with a clear view of the small window from which it is played. The tune is brief, so be ready — a great moment for a photo or a recording, but remember to be respectful to the place and other listeners.
The legend of the interrupted hejnal has many versions and less romantic explanations, but regardless of historical accuracy, today the hejnal remains the most important sonic emblem of Kraków.
Climbing the tower is a great way to see the Old Town panorama and feel the Market from above. Visitors can reach a viewing point by stairs — roughly 271 steps to climb to the main viewing level, and the effort is well worth it for the views.
Tower visits take place in limited groups, usually every half hour, and places are restricted for safety and comfort (typically a dozen or so people per climb). Tickets for the tower are purchased at the visitor service point on Mariacki Square on the day of your visit. In high season queues are common — if you really want to go up, arrive early in the morning.
The tower may be closed seasonally or in bad weather; check opening information on the day you visit. For safety reasons, children below a certain age may not be allowed to enter. Bring comfortable shoes and avoid the climb if you have serious mobility issues or a fear of heights.
Tourist access to parts of the basilica operates at defined hours: typically Monday–Saturday around 11:30–18:00, while Sundays and holidays may have shifted times (for example opening after midday). The visitor desk closes a short time before the end of visiting hours.
Tourist entrance is usually from the south side; the main entrance facing the Market Square is primarily for worshippers attending Mass and prayer — the parish asks visitors to use the appropriate doors.
Visitors pay symbolic admission fees (so-called entry donations) used for maintenance and conservation. There are usually full and reduced rates (for children, students and seniors). Tower access is often a separate charge. Prices and hours can change — check current details locally or on the basilica's official visitor page on the day of your visit.
The basilica is an active church, so silence and modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) are expected during visits. Photography is generally allowed but without flash; some chapels may prohibit photography altogether.
Avoid entering areas reserved for worshippers during services. If you want to photograph the altar or the interior, turn off flash and do not use a tripod without permission. The visitor service desk can advise on day-specific restrictions.
On hot days the interior is often cooler, while the tower can be windy and significantly colder than the street. Wear comfortable shoes for the stair climb and reconsider the tower visit if you have health or mobility concerns.
The Veit Stoss altarpiece uses several types of wood — oak for the main structure, larch for backgrounds and linden for finely carved details — one reason the work has survived and still amazes with its intricacy.
During World War II the altarpiece was disassembled and taken by the occupiers; it was later recovered in Bavaria and, after conservation, returned to the basilica. This episode is one of the many stories that show how close the work came to being lost.
The hejnal has inspired many adaptations and recordings — beyond the Tatar arrow legend it has been given new life in modern media and daily broadcasts, remaining a living urban tradition and a symbol of the city's identity.
The Old Town around St. Mary's is full of cafés and restaurants ranging from historic venues to modern bistros. If you prefer well-known, highly regarded spots, consider places such as Wierzynek (a historic restaurant in the Market Square) or the Noworolski Café inside the Cloth Hall — both are classic choices for a taste of local atmosphere.
After intense sightseeing, sit down for a good coffee or try a restaurant serving traditional Polish dishes or contemporary regional cuisine. If you’d like recommendations matched to your budget and taste, I can suggest specific places.
Keep in mind that restaurants right on the Market Square are often pricier than those a few streets away; if you value value-for-money, check reviews before you go.
Showing up without checking opening hours — result: queues, a closed altar area or no opportunity to climb the tower. Tip: check visiting hours on the day you go and arrive early.
Using the main entrance during Mass or treating the church like an ordinary tourist attraction — result: disturbing a service and an awkward situation. Tip: use the tourist entrance from the south side and respect prayer zones.
Using flash and tripods without permission — result: a reprimand or being asked to leave certain parts of the church. Tip: photograph without flash and ask staff about special photography needs.
Do I have to pay to enter St. Mary's Basilica? Yes — tourists typically pay an entry donation for the parts of the basilica open to visitors. Different full and reduced rates may apply.
When is the hejnal played? The hejnal is played every hour on the hour; the most famous broadcast takes place at noon, but the signal sounds throughout the day.
Can I go up the tower without reservation? Climbs run in limited groups and tickets are sold at the visitor desk on the day of the visit. In peak season it's best to arrive early because places are limited.
Can I photograph the altarpiece? Photography is usually allowed without flash; some chapels may ban photos, so follow staff instructions.
St. Mary's Basilica is best explored slowly: allow a moment of quiet at the altarpiece, look for details in Veit Stoss's carvings and climb the tower to see the Market from a different perspective. This blend of art, history and urban tradition creates a unique experience.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media to help others plan a great visit to Kraków. If you’d like a guided walk that highlights secrets and overlooked details, consider contacting private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Enjoy your visit and many beautiful discoveries on the Main Market Square!
