St. Mary's Basilica

"St. Mary’s Basilica, one of Kraków’s most iconic landmarks, dates back to the 14th century and is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The basilica was built on the site of earlier churches, with construction beginning in 1290 and completed in the 14th century. It’s renowned for its grand altarpiece by Veit Stoss, considered one of the most important examples of Gothic art in Europe. According to legend, the basilica’s twin towers were built by two brothers, each responsible for constructing one tower. The legend says that as they neared completion, the younger brother grew jealous of the taller tower his sibling had built and, in a fit of rage, murdered him. Overcome with guilt, the younger brother took his own life, and the tower remained incomplete. To this day, the two towers stand at different heights, symbolizing the brothers' tragic tale. The basilica is also famous for its hourly bugle call, the Hejnal Mariacki, played from the higher tower to commemorate the legend of the bugler who was shot while warning the city of an attack."

"The centre point of the Main Square, this basilica also holds a lot of history. Every hour, on the hour, you will be able to hear a trumpet call from the top, four times in succession from each of the four sides. The history of this call dates way back to an invasion of Poland in 1241, and is closely bound to the traditions of Krakow."

"Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and the famous altarpiece by Veit Stoss. Try to catch the hourly trumpet signal from the tower."