- Poland
- Things to do in Krakow
- St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary’s Basilica, located in Krakow’s iconic Rynek Główny (Main Market Square), is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Built in the 14th century, the church features twin asymmetrical towers, a hallmark of its design. Inside, visitors are awed by the breathtaking wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss, vibrant stained glass windows, and richly decorated interiors. Every hour, the sound of the "Hejnał Mariacki," a traditional trumpet call, is played from the taller tower, a tribute to the city’s history.
St. Mary's Basilica Tours & Excursions
Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Guided E-Scooter City Tour with Food Tastings
€69.00
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Krakow - Poland
From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Hotel Pickup
€36.00
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Krakow - Poland
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow
€57.00
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Krakow - Poland
From Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau Self-Guided Tour
€35.00
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Krakow - Poland
From Krakow: Zakopane & Chocholow Thermal Pools
€105.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Zakopane Tatra Thermal Pools & Local Tasting Tour
€105.00
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Krakow - Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour: A Day of Reflection and History
€28.00
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Krakow - Poland
Auschwitz & Wieliczka Salt Mine: A Full Day of History and Reflection
€103.00
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Krakow - Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau & Guided Tour from Krakow: A Deep Dive into History
€44.00
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Krakow - Poland
Tatra Mountains and Zakopane: Your Perfect Day Trip
€352.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Thermal Pools and Hotel Pickup
€90.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Extreme Shooting Range with Hotel Transfers
€71.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Jewish Quarter and Schindlers Factory Guided Tour
€50.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Energylandia Theme Park Full-Day Access w/ Transfer
€132.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer
€84.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Zakopane Day Tour with Optional Thermal Baths
€88.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow St Marys Basilica Visiting with Short Guided Walk
€25.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Shooting Range & Hotel Transfers - Soldier 25 Shots
€93.00
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Krakow - Poland
Kraków: Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup
€83.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour
€11.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow St Marys Church and Rynek Underground Museum Tour
€49.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Extreme Off-Road Quad Bike Tour with BBQ Lunch
€140.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Schindlers Factory Guided Tour
€36.00
starts from
Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Schindlers Factory, Jewish Ghetto, & Salt Mine Tour
€131.00
starts from
Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer
€83.00
starts from
Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Rynek Underground & Wawel Castle, Cathedral Tour
€80.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Wawel Castle, Cathedral, Salt Mine, and Lunch
€136.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Schindlers Factory, Ghetto and Plaszow Camp Tour
€69.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Guided Tour of Wawel Hill and St Marys Basilica
€75.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Kazimierz, Schindlers Factory, & Ghetto Guided Tour
€60.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow Wawel Hill, St Marys Church & Underground Museum
€93.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Nowa Huta Communist Experience Guided Tour
€48
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Krakow - Poland
Discover Kraków: Explore History by Electric Golf Cart
€23.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Traditional Dunajec Rafting and Mountain Chairlift
€90.00
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour
€70.00
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The Basics
St. Mary’s Basilica is open to visitors for worship and sightseeing, with an entrance fee required for the latter. Guided tours are available for those who want to delve into the church’s history and artistic significance. The basilica also holds regular services, and it’s recommended to check the schedule if you’d like to attend mass. The church’s highlight is the wooden altarpiece, a stunning work of medieval craftsmanship depicting the life of the Virgin Mary. Climbing the taller tower offers panoramic views of Krakow’s Old Town.
Krakow: Guided E-Scooter City Tour with Food Tastings
Krakow - Poland
Glide through Krakow's historic streets on an e-scooter, exploring iconic landmarks like Wawel Castle and Florian's Gate. Enjoy a 3-hour adventure, combining sightseeing with delicious Polish food tastings.
€69.00
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From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Hotel Pickup
Krakow - Poland
Step back in history with a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, including hotel pickup from Krakow. This moving experience combines expert guidance, convenience, and unforgettable insights.
€36.00
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Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow
Krakow - Poland
Explore the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine, 135 meters underground. Discover salt sculptures, the Chapel of St. Kinga, and enjoy a Chopin performance in this historic, underground world.
€57.00
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Things to Know Before You Go
Photography is not permitted inside St. Mary’s Basilica, so prepare to take in the beauty with your eyes rather than your camera. Modest attire is recommended when visiting, as it is a place of worship. To avoid long lines during peak tourist seasons, consider visiting early in the morning. Tickets to the basilica and tower are sold separately, so plan accordingly if you wish to do both.
How to Get There
St. Mary’s Basilica is conveniently located in the Main Market Square, making it easily accessible on foot from most of Krakow’s central attractions. If you’re staying in the Old Town, it’s likely just a short walk away. Public transport, including trams and buses, stops nearby. If you’re arriving by train or bus to Kraków Główny, the basilica is about a 15-minute walk from the station. Taxi services and rideshare options are also available for those staying farther afield.
When to Get There
St. Mary’s Basilica can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is during the morning hours, especially in the summer when crowds tend to gather later in the day. If you want to witness the hourly "Hejnał Mariacki" trumpet call from the tower, try to time your visit accordingly. During Christmas, the basilica is beautifully decorated, adding to its charm. Be aware of service times if you plan to explore the church, as access may be limited during mass.
Day Trips from Krakow
A visit to St. Mary’s Basilica is a perfect starting point for exploring Krakow’s Old Town. After admiring the basilica, you can stroll through Rynek Główny, visit the Cloth Hall, or climb the Town Hall Tower for more stunning views. For a longer day trip, consider combining your visit with a walk to Wawel Castle or a tour of the historic Kazimierz district. Guided city tours often include St. Mary’s Basilica as a key highlight, making it easy to explore in the context of Krakow’s rich history.
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