Tartar invasions of the 13th century left the original church in a heap of ruins and construction began on St. Mary’s using the existing foundations. It doesn’t matter how many times you see it, the altarpiece, stained glass windows of the nave, and the blue, starred ceiling will take your breath away. The magnificent altarpiece was for 12 painstaking years the principal work of the 15th century German artist Veit Stoss (aka Wit Stwosz), and depicts the Virgin Mary’s Quietus among the apostles. Surrounding the altar are polychrome paintings by Matejko, Mehoffer and Wyspiański. Several local legends are attached to St. Mary’s. The architect of the smaller tower murdered his brother (the architect of the taller), apparently jealous that his structure was shorter and less elaborate. Racked with guilt he then committed suicide by throwing himself off the roof of the cathedral. Nowadays the taller tower is home to one of Kraków’s most enduring traditions. The bugle call played on the turn of every hour apparently takes its origins from an event in 1241. Having spotted invading Tartar forces on the horizon, a lone fireman started playing his trumpet to alert the habitants of Kraków. He was shot with an arrow in his neck, abruptly cutting off the tune mid-melody, but the town was roused from its sleep and defended itself. In honour of this event, seven local firemen now have task of tooting the tune every hour. The first written mention of the tradition dates back to 1392, though a local magazine recently claimed the whole custom was invented by an American in 1929.
Admission 6/3zł.
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I have been to Cracow last August and I was greatly fascinated with its beauty. Among the places of interested I have visited St. Mary's Basilica in the Main Square. Its beauty took my breath away and left me speechless. Just before I left this beautiful church I noticed that there are two pulpits, I wonder why as I have never seen a church with two pulpits and I have sisited several basilicas, cathedrals and other churches in different countries. Can anyoneone please let me know why?
A beautiful, fabulous church full of wonderful carvings and pictures. Like all churches in Krakow it is filled with historical interest. Krakow is wonderful if you love fine buildings, restaurants and places to drink and socialise.