St Mary's Basilica
St Mary's Basilica
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsChurches & Cathedrals
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Tuesday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Friday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
2:00 PM - 5:45 PM
About
One of the most famous of Poland's churches, this Gothic structure features two striking towers of different heights and surprisingly richly decorated insight, mostly thanks to the vibrant polychromy by great Polish artist Jan Matejko. The greatest masterpiece is though the Main Altar by Veit Stoss - a late Gothic illustration for St. Mary's and Jesus life, including scenes of Mary's death and Assumption. Please note that the church, including Main Altar, is currently under long maintenance and renovation works, which may be of some inconvenience.
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Address
Neighbourhood: Stare Miasto
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See what travellers are saying
- trishGlasgowGlasgow, United Kingdom22 contributionsLots to see and do .Stayed at Santi hotel just behind the main market square . Quirky old boutique hotel and third time staying there . Great location and huge rooms . Trams run outside the hotel which can be a bit noisy if your on a first floor front facing room but not bothersome elsewhere . Krakow is beautiful but bars and restaurants on main square can be expensive . Go to back streets or Jewish quarter . Visit auschwitz and the salt mines and also Schindlers factory . Great place to visit and people friendly and helpful if you get lost . Did most of it on foot so take comfy shoes . Massive shopping mall beside Glovny train station is worth a visit . Love this place and will be sure to go back to krakowVisited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 25 March 2023
- Jane SOmagh, United Kingdom222 contributionsSt Mary’s Basilica krakowWe were too early for the tower, opens 1st April however if you have the chance to visit please do. The decoration is amazing.. blows your mind religious or not.. The viet Stoss altar is a must see and an information leaflet is provided . Very busy .. £15 polish zloty around £3.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 March 2023
- Traveller162014Leeds, United Kingdom1,039 contributionsA PilgrimageMy friend and I came here to pay our respects, both on Saturday and Sunday morning during our stay in Krakow. On both occasions, Mass was ongoing, so we listened intently amongst the crowds of fellow Christians. The building, inside and out, is simply beautiful. It is well worth a visit.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 March 2023
- Bertie1224Northamptonshire, United Kingdom527 contributionsAmazing buildingArchitecturally a very impressive space. Huge stained glass windows and a beautiful ceiling. We wanted to go up the tower but could not see how. Thought it opened on 1 April? Bugler from the tower window is lovely to listen to outside. An amazing space.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 8 April 2023
- Abovetheclouds2,442 contributionsGothic masterpiece especially the altar.I have to admit the first time I saw this from the outside, I thought 'is that it?' but look closer and from afar and then go inside. A delight particularly the Gothic altar which is quite spectacular. I went twice. The second time was on Easter Sunday during mass. Quite something. Always busy. Located in the main Square in the heart of the Old Town. The trumpet call is played on the hour (not sure if this is all the time but I managed to catch it a few times). I would read up or take a guide book with so you know what to look out for.Visited April 2023Travelled soloWritten 9 April 2023
- BridstowPeterborough, United Kingdom903 contributionsOutstandingWe were in Krakow at Easter time. As a busy working cathedral it took us a number of attempts to get into St. Mary’s Basilica. We are glad that we persisted. This is a stunning place. As with any such place it comes with a peace and calmness that enables your senses to make the most of the awesomeness of the building, its contents and general ambience. There is so much to see that it is worth taking the time to make the most of this. Aside from walking around we found ourselves just sitting enjoying the peacefulness and taking in the sights. As the crowds come and go this approach allowed us to enjoy our visit so much more.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 April 2023
- Sand MPerth, United Kingdom751 contributionsBeautifulThis is a beautiful building on the outside but even better inside. The altar is just spectacular. They still use this for service . There is also a bugler who plays daily. It took us 2 days to figure out where it comes from and it is from the tower of this building. Very traditional apparently.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2023
- AmandaJaneC69Wokingham, United Kingdom61 contributionsDefinitely worth going insideWorth going inside and looking round and tickets were very cheap. If you want to go up the tower you have to get there early as the tickets were sold out in the afternoon. Very ornate church inside but very interesting seeing the craftmanship. Look up at the towers on the hour, as the bugler sounds the hour every hour.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 July 2023
- edward w17 contributionsGood for wheelchair usersUnlike Wavel Cathedral there is good wheelchair access into this church. No problem getting around despite the crowds and the interior is a joy to behold. The staff here are helpful to the disabled and compare most favourably with the poor response to wheelchair users at the CathedralVisited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 July 2023
- Richard MHampstead Norreys, United Kingdom871 contributionsStunning basilica, tower views and buglerAn absolutly stunning basillica with a sumptious interior. The colours were incredible and it was a lovely place to visit. We also climbed the tower to the viewing room at the top. This gave stunning views over the city. Every hour the trumpeter sounds the old tune that warned of invasion including stopping where, as rumnour has it, the original bugler was killed. They do this every hour at each of the four compass points. They will even wave afterwards. Lovely.Visited July 2023Written 29 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
6,931 reviews
Excellent
4,976
Very good
1,615
Average
264
Poor
47
Terrible
28
Nick N
Portsmouth, UK1,652 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
What an amazing church, a must visit when you’re in the area. The sheer size inside will blow you away. Lots to see and free English translation plan to use.
Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lenard M
Tartu, Estonia9 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
I'm not big on church visits for several reasons, but this was a spur-of-the-moment, what-the-heck we're already here decision to visit, and I can say I was stunned by the magnificence of the basilica. No matter how you feel about religion, Catholicism, and the role of the church in Polish history and society, well, leave that aside and go marvel at a cultural wonder.
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly
37 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful
Intersesting fact: Used in the film Schindler's List when the young men are bartering for shirts and show polish at the new the beginning of the film.
Intersesting fact: Used in the film Schindler's List when the young men are bartering for shirts and show polish at the new the beginning of the film.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola g
18 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Simply stunning. We had walked passed this beautiful church a few times amazed by the architecture from the outside of the building then we were passing as there was a service one evening and decided to go in. First time a church has wowed and amazed me. It was just a very moving moment. We sat there for some time taking in the beautiful architecture. And not really being people that go to church I could not believe the affect st. Mary’s had on us. Please visit this beautiful amazing church.
Written 29 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joeluc_Lucjoe
Oxfordshire, UK261 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We visited thus several times due to it looking very beautiful outside and in. Architecture and paintings are amazing. I would recommend a visit. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pub Monster Neil
Liverpool, UK679 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
St Mary's Basilica ( Kosciol Mariacki ) is the most beautiful church in Poland, a landmark of not just Krakow but of the country of Poland.
A stunning example of Polish Gothic architecture, the original church was destroyed in the Mongol invasion of Poland but then rebuilt between 1290-1300 ,under the reign of Casimir III The Great this church was completely rebuilt between 1355-1365 to give us the stunning looking church we see today ,walking onto Plac Mariacki you cannot fail to be impressed by this awesome looking church with its 80 metre high tower ,from the tower the " Hejnal Mariacki " or trumpet signal is sounded on the hour 24 hours a day 365 day a year and hence the tower gained its nickname " The Bugle Tower " ,day or night this tower is stunning to view ,its one of the most photographed buildings in Poland, if you're planning a holiday to Krakow it's a church that should be at the top of you're lists to visit.
A stunning example of Polish Gothic architecture, the original church was destroyed in the Mongol invasion of Poland but then rebuilt between 1290-1300 ,under the reign of Casimir III The Great this church was completely rebuilt between 1355-1365 to give us the stunning looking church we see today ,walking onto Plac Mariacki you cannot fail to be impressed by this awesome looking church with its 80 metre high tower ,from the tower the " Hejnal Mariacki " or trumpet signal is sounded on the hour 24 hours a day 365 day a year and hence the tower gained its nickname " The Bugle Tower " ,day or night this tower is stunning to view ,its one of the most photographed buildings in Poland, if you're planning a holiday to Krakow it's a church that should be at the top of you're lists to visit.
Written 13 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
petergab10
Melbourne, Australia600 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
St Mary's Basilica is one of the Centrepoint's of Krakow Old Town across from the Main Market Square a brick gothic church. And the place you will hear the trumpeter play his bugle call from the top of the church on the hour. Look up and when he finishes the crowd waves, and he does the same back its a touching moment. Personally, l have always thought the church looks beautiful and from the outside l have taken many photos of it. And was amazed when l walk in for the first time early in the morning when a mass was taken place it was a moving moment.
On the right hand side of the church there is a visitor's entrance which opens at 11.30am which you must buy a ticket before entering the church. You can buy a ticket
from church ticket office which is opposite the entrance door for 15 zloty. Walking into the church l did not know where to look as you are taken back by its beauty from its Architecture, Ceilings, Sculptures, Paintings, Stain glassed windows, Veit Stoss altarpiece is stunning to see and definitely a highlight. At this time, you are allowed to take photos which l did in a respectful way.
On the right hand side of the church there is a visitor's entrance which opens at 11.30am which you must buy a ticket before entering the church. You can buy a ticket
from church ticket office which is opposite the entrance door for 15 zloty. Walking into the church l did not know where to look as you are taken back by its beauty from its Architecture, Ceilings, Sculptures, Paintings, Stain glassed windows, Veit Stoss altarpiece is stunning to see and definitely a highlight. At this time, you are allowed to take photos which l did in a respectful way.
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith H
Atherton, UK118 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Absolutely stunning and a must see, the outside does not do it justice, so ornate and beautiful. We left it till our last day to do having walked around it several times, wave to the trumpeter on the hour 👋
Written 23 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriel Cohen
Antwerp, Belgium10 contributions
Nov 2023 • Business
While in Krakow and not visiting the basilica would be a sin. It was spectacular and relaxing. It is definitely a must while in Krakow.
Written 8 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hayley C
7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Absolutely stunning. Never seen anything like it. So reasonably priced. Stunning - would really recommend
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abby E
5 contributions
Am I able to purchase tickets online in advance? I can only find links to group tours etc rather than just entrance tickets.
Sand M
Perth, UK751 contributions
You don’t need to book in advance. There is a small booth outside it but there are also tourist places where you can book most of the attractions
gordon m
Blackburn, UK15 contributions
I am going in October, is it normally busy with long queues. especially now that it has to be socially disanced inside so less people allowed in at once? Should I book in advance or do you think it will be OK?
KatySarah
Stoke-on-Trent, UK104 contributions
I have just come back last weekend and krakow was overall very quiet. I would suspect you won’t need to book. We got in no problem.
Christian W
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Do they celebrate a solemn high Mass in Latin here? And do they accept walk ins?
pawel_hbg
Sopot, Poland9,999 contributions
Hej. I do not think so. All in Polish.
Shannon
Dublin, Ireland21 contributions
Hi there
My boyfriend and I have krakow booked for next week 18-22 March. We are supposed to be travelling from Dublin.
We are not sure whether to continue with the trip, or cancel it due to corona virus. Are most tourist places still open? I’m aware museums are starting to close etc. Just wondering if it will be worth it for us to go as we wanted to visit Auschwitz etc.
We were planning to fly out of Warsaw and get the train from krakow to Warsaw.
If anyone could provide us with some information that would be great
efa d
Dungannon, UK33 contributions
Today as we are leaving everything is closed. Auschwitz is closed for 2 weeks.
Drew-Diligence
East Midlands, UK1,146 contributions
Can some one tell me if the bugle tower is open in march. The website english say closed 1 part of March. does that mean its open again from 2nd march.
Says this
January and February. I part of March - closed
lupabianca
Matlock, UK240 contributions
To be honest it's difficult to be certain that the tower will be open. The day that we went it was closed, even though all the information said it was open! I suggest you e-mail the official Krakow Tourist Information Office (Magiczny Krakow) However, as the previous answer noted, Poland has now reported a confirmed case of COVID-19 and legislation is underway to give the prime minister additional powers to combat the virus, so measures may be put in place to restrict access to some places - who knows? But there are presently no travel restrictions in place, so I hope all goes smoothly with your trip.
snsmith27
Basel, Switzerland1,061 contributions
I would like to climb the bell tower in November on a Friday. Is it necessary to buy the timed ticket early in morning, or should there be openings if I show up later in the afternoon?
DanielD525
London, UK1,312 contributions
Would be best to buy the ticket soon as the bell tower opens for business that morning. Tickets are very limited so you should try and capture at the soonest opportunity, as there is a certain allocation for the whole day.
Mia
1 contribution
Hi, i’m visiting soon and i’d like to know i there are any restrictions on women’s clothing e.g not showing shoulders so i can dress appropriately, thanks :)
cheshire3131
Runcorn, UK609 contributions
It was warm when we visited and I had a short sleeved t-shirt on and so did most people.
There seemed to be many people in shorts too especially men.
I hope this helps a little.
Здравствуйте. А есть расписание органных концертов по вечерам?
Нина Л
St. Petersburg, Russia88 contributions
Органные концерты обычно проходят в костеле Петра и Павла, это в 5 минутах пешком от Главного Рынка (площади)
ymanvitha
Grand Rapids, MI45 contributions
Hello,
Is credit card accepted if I want to buy ticket at the counter? Or do we need cash?
Thanks in advance :)
Robert F
Los Angeles, CA96 contributions
I believe it is cash only. Local currency. It is kind of a pain to get the tickets. But all worth it once you step inside and see the altar opening. I took pics, video etc. Which was nice as it is not allowed at Wavel Castle. No flash is allowed - I believe.
Romestant A
Nîmes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France2 contributions
Impossible de pouvoir rentrer dans la basilique aujourd'hui
HENRI K
Bondy, France95 contributions
je ne sais pas , les heures de fermetures sont tôt
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Frequently Asked Questions about St Mary's Basilica
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