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St. Mary's Basilica, Krakow

4.7
#4 of 61 in Historic Sites in Krakow
Architectural Building · Church
Featuring two prominent towers, the red brick St. Mary's Basilica dominates the main square of the city's Old Town. Built in the early 13th century, the church features the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world, carved by German sculptor Veit Stoss. The masterpiece was claimed by the Nazis and moved to Germany during World War II. Recovered and restored after the war, it now sits behind the church's high altar. Admire the bottom of the central panel, which depicts the death of Jesus' mother. On the hour, you can hear the trumpet signal play from the top of the taller tower. Make St. Mary's Basilica a part of your Krakow vacation plans using our Krakow trip planner.
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Tours to St. Mary's Basilica

FROM $141 BOOK WITH VIATOR Krakow Private Walking Tour with Schindler's Factory
4.9
Duration: 5 hours
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FROM $22 BOOK WITH VIATOR Krakow Old Town Guided Walking Tour
4.7
Duration: 3 hours
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FROM $50 BOOK WITH VIATOR Krakow City Sightseeing by Electric Car
4.2
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tours from $50 »

St. Mary's Basilica reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
6,787 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By UriusT
    One tall brick church, slender like a dancer yet rigid like a stiffy. It is what it is. Architecturally remarkable in its height and slenderness as mentioned, it graces the square below. It looks...  more »
  • By christinehO2119BL
    Stunning church. Absolute gorgeous architecture and kept very clean. Within walking distance from the market and is surrounded by lots of other churches and buildings of interest  more »
  • By KatySarah
    Well worth a visit and only 10 zloty per person! Beautiful stained glass and altar. The altar is under reconstruction but you could still see beautiful details.  more »
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Google
  • By Moody Boles
    Wonderful church and a must-see attraction in Krakow. I really like the fact of playing the trumpet every hour. Make sure to wave back at the trumpeter for good luck.
  • By Hannah Tulloch
    Incredibly beautiful. At the moment the famous carving is being renovated so is mostly covered. You also you can't go to the top of the tower at the moment.
  • By Masher Ali
    Beautiful set in a corner of the square. It is free to go in to pray, but if you want to go in and walk about you need to buy a ticket for 10 zloty from the ticket shop near to the basilica. The cost is well worth it ,as inside is really beautiful. The ceiling is amazing, as are all the figures and workmanship
  • By Chris Ledger
    The historic religious heart of Krakow. Beautiful, ornate, crafted interior - altars, pews, carvings, screens, vaulted ceiling....etc.. To enter you need to get a visitors ticket from the building across the short road at the side.
  • By Lydia He
    Beautiful gothic basilica with some baroque additions. Painted on every inch of the walls and ceiling, it really is quite the sight to behold. It’s a shame that the altar is still under reconstruction, or it would have been much more splendid.
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