St Mary's Basilica
St Mary's Basilica
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
Read more
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.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Stare Miasto
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,969 within 3 miles
Attractions
483 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Jakub MoleskyKrakow, Poland7 contributionsLovely!Very beautiful church which is a must see attraction in Krakow. Located in the city center so there is no excuse for you not to go here. Every hour they have a guy playing a trumpet in one of the towers. This church has a rich history. I recommend joining one of the free walking tours and hearing some of the stories about this building.Visited July 2019Written May 3, 2020
- Rachel GLeicester, United Kingdom33 contributionsAmazingWhile not being a Catholic, the church is one of the most beautiful buildings in krakow. Listen carefully for the bells and the trumpets that play on the hour and check out the story behind it! The building inside is stunning with golden arches and the pews are still intact which makes it a wonderful place to pray. It's 5 zloty for students and 10 zloty otherwise, definitely worth it for a chance to see one of krakow most iconic figuresVisited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 29, 2020
- Ann-Marie_London_UKLondon, United Kingdom320 contributionsClimb to the top!We got a ticket to climb to the top. Not too difficult takes about 10 minutes. It is worth it for the wonderful views you get of the main square when you reach the top. Tickets are purchased from a little shop next to the basilica. If you are on limited time you should arrive early, as they only let limited people go up in 30 minute intervals. I arrived at about 12 and couldn't climb until 2pm - when i had arrived for the climb all tickets for the day were sold out. Well worth it if you like views.Visited December 2019Written January 1, 2020
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.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,892 reviews
Excellent
4,945
Very good
1,607
Average
264
Poor
47
Terrible
28
Jakub Molesky
Krakow, Poland7 contributions
Jul 2019
Very beautiful church which is a must see attraction in Krakow. Located in the city center so there is no excuse for you not to go here. Every hour they have a guy playing a trumpet in one of the towers. This church has a rich history. I recommend joining one of the free walking tours and hearing some of the stories about this building.
Written May 4, 2020
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.
Rachel G
Leicester, UK33 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
While not being a Catholic, the church is one of the most beautiful buildings in krakow. Listen carefully for the bells and the trumpets that play on the hour and check out the story behind it! The building inside is stunning with golden arches and the pews are still intact which makes it a wonderful place to pray. It's 5 zloty for students and 10 zloty otherwise, definitely worth it for a chance to see one of krakow most iconic figures
Written February 29, 2020
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.
Ann-Marie_London_UK
London, UK320 contributions
Dec 2019
We got a ticket to climb to the top. Not too difficult takes about 10 minutes. It is worth it for the wonderful views you get of the main square when you reach the top. Tickets are purchased from a little shop next to the basilica. If you are on limited time you should arrive early, as they only let limited people go up in 30 minute intervals. I arrived at about 12 and couldn't climb until 2pm - when i had arrived for the climb all tickets for the day were sold out. Well worth it if you like views.
Written January 1, 2020
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.
alehope30
121 contributions
Aug 2020
Bazylika Mariacka is a church faced on the wonderful Rynek Glowny (the main square). Inside is rich of elements and artistic works. It deserves a visit.
You have 2 ways of entry. You can go through the main access in front of the church and it is free entry. This is done in order to allow people which only want to pray. You can't go around the church (there is barrier) and if the security think you want to visit the church and just don't pay, they will invite you to go out (my guide told me sometimes it is happened).
The second way it would be the right way for tourists, you enter beside the church, you can go around and the admission is 10 PLN.
It is your choice which way, anyway church is very nice.
You have 2 ways of entry. You can go through the main access in front of the church and it is free entry. This is done in order to allow people which only want to pray. You can't go around the church (there is barrier) and if the security think you want to visit the church and just don't pay, they will invite you to go out (my guide told me sometimes it is happened).
The second way it would be the right way for tourists, you enter beside the church, you can go around and the admission is 10 PLN.
It is your choice which way, anyway church is very nice.
Written August 29, 2020
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.
Nicky
Halesowen, UK434 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
I’m not religious at all, but we decided to go & have a look around as we’d seen it was popular.
The ticket office is across from the entrance & there are two ways in, one for tourists & one for those who pray, tourists should not use this entrance.
It is absolutely stunning inside, I didn’t know where to look first.
I’d recommend anyone to go & see it firsthand as pictures just don’t do it justice.
The ticket office is across from the entrance & there are two ways in, one for tourists & one for those who pray, tourists should not use this entrance.
It is absolutely stunning inside, I didn’t know where to look first.
I’d recommend anyone to go & see it firsthand as pictures just don’t do it justice.
Written February 2, 2020
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.
MarcusHurley
Calne, UK9,426 contributions
Sep 2021
This is a beautiful building in the main square of Krakow old city. The ticket office is on the right hand side as you face the main doors - you can buy a ticket for either the church itself or the tower but be aware that the tower one doesn't cover the church too, you need both. Tower tickets are timed entrance as it is a narrow staircase with very limited room at the top.
The main church is ok in a very gaudy and gilt way, if you like bling then you'll love it otherwise it's rather over the top! The altar is a superb carving but again, the gold paint spoils it in my opinion and it would look far better in naked wood.
The tower has around 270 steps and some of the staircases are narrow but there are impressive views over the top. We were in the tower longer than the actual church but it was certainly worth the £7 it costs to do both.
The main church is ok in a very gaudy and gilt way, if you like bling then you'll love it otherwise it's rather over the top! The altar is a superb carving but again, the gold paint spoils it in my opinion and it would look far better in naked wood.
The tower has around 270 steps and some of the staircases are narrow but there are impressive views over the top. We were in the tower longer than the actual church but it was certainly worth the £7 it costs to do both.
Written September 22, 2021
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.
Mike C
Guildford, UK1,166 contributions
Aug 2020
Well worth a visit, standing on one side of the main Rynek square. Apart from going into the basilica the unique thing about this building is the tower and the trumpeters. A trumpeter sounds out every hour on the hour, 24 hours a day from the very top of the tower. It is a historical tradition to mark the trumpet warning of invaders and at the end of the trumpeting the tune ends abruptly ever time to mark the moment when the trumpeter was silenced by being hit by an arrow fired by the invaders. You can buy a ticket to go up the tower and at the top there is a great view.
Written September 4, 2020
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.
pawel_hbg
Sopot, Poland9,993 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
Saint Mary's Basilica is undoubtedly one of Krakow's most famous and most spectacular landmarks. It towers are visible from all over the city.
A more well-known legend tells the story of a brave city guard who saved Kraków from a Tatar invasion in the 13th century. The high church tower served as a watchtower in those days, where a trumpeter stood guard, signalling the opening of the city gates every morning and their closing every evening, and warning the townspeople of fire or invasion. When the Tatar hordes were crossing Europe and burning cities in their wake, the Krakow trumpeter spied them in the distance and sounded the signal to close the gates; in the middle of a note, a Tatar arrow pierced his throat, and the melody was broken. To this day, that same tune - "the hejnal" - is played every hour from the four sides of the tower, broken off at the same point in memory of the brave guardsman.
A more well-known legend tells the story of a brave city guard who saved Kraków from a Tatar invasion in the 13th century. The high church tower served as a watchtower in those days, where a trumpeter stood guard, signalling the opening of the city gates every morning and their closing every evening, and warning the townspeople of fire or invasion. When the Tatar hordes were crossing Europe and burning cities in their wake, the Krakow trumpeter spied them in the distance and sounded the signal to close the gates; in the middle of a note, a Tatar arrow pierced his throat, and the melody was broken. To this day, that same tune - "the hejnal" - is played every hour from the four sides of the tower, broken off at the same point in memory of the brave guardsman.
Written June 10, 2020
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.
Daniel&Amy
Rotorua, New Zealand301 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A really stunning church in the centre of Kraków. We paid student prices (which apply to ALL students, not just EU citizens of Polish residents). Per person it was 5zl. Full priced tickets are 10zl. Unfortunately there are renovations world underway and so we didn’t get the greatest views of the main alter and a few other little things. We did however have a wonderful time admiring the unique colours and patterns that we haven’t seen elsewhere in Europe.
Written February 5, 2020
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.
Ana G
Sydney, Australia431 contributions
Jul 2019
Great big beautiful church.
So much history involved. The fireman play the bugle to symbolise the sounding of the alarm to close the gates. He abruptly cuts off at the end as the original bugler was shot with an arrow through the throat before he could finish.
This is done at 11am, 12pm & 1pm.
So much history involved. The fireman play the bugle to symbolise the sounding of the alarm to close the gates. He abruptly cuts off at the end as the original bugler was shot with an arrow through the throat before he could finish.
This is done at 11am, 12pm & 1pm.
Written April 13, 2020
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.
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, Poland9,993 contributions
Hej. I do not think so. All in Polish.
Shannon
Dublin, Ireland20 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, UK1,046 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
Canton of Zurich, Switzerland1,050 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, UK583 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, Russia87 contributions
Органные концерты обычно проходят в костеле Петра и Павла, это в 5 минутах пешком от Главного Рынка (площади)
ymanvitha
Grand Rapids, MI44 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
mark29london
london9 contributions
Hi, phil426. What would you like to know about this attraction? Hi 'Ruthy', When did you visit the Basilica - I've read that it is closed throughout September...
JDfromTitusville
Titusville, FL141 contributions
we were there in august, we heard nothing about it closing in september
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingSt Mary's Basilica, Krakow
Frequently Asked Questions about St Mary's Basilica
- St Mary's Basilica is open:
- Sun - Sun 2:00 PM - 5:45 PM
- Mon - Sat 11:30 AM - 5:45 PM
- We recommend booking St Mary's Basilica tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 90 St Mary's Basilica tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near St Mary's Basilica:
- (0.06 mi) Hotel Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only
- (0.05 mi) Tango House Bed & Breakfast
- (0.08 mi) The Bonerowski Palace
- (0.11 mi) Venetian House Aparthotel
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Pod Roza
- Restaurants near St Mary's Basilica:
- (0.02 mi) Bianca
- (0.02 mi) Bulldog Bar
- (0.02 mi) Circus Family
- (0.03 mi) Cafe Bar Magia
- (0.03 mi) Castor coffee club
St Mary's Basilica Information
| Excellent Reviews | 4,946 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 1,607 |
| St Mary's Basilica Photos | 5,269 |





























































































