St. Mary's Church of the Holy Virgin Mary

St. Mary's Church of the Holy Virgin Mary

St. Mary's Basilica, located on the Main Square, is the most famous temple in Cracow next to Wawel Cathedral. Its history dates back to 1221, when a Romanesque-style parish church was built on the site. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Tartar invasion. Construction of another church - already in the early Gothic style - began in 1290, and its consecration took place in 1320. Today's appearance of both the body of the church and its interior is due to many reconstructions and renovations. One of the most recent was carried out in the late 19th century, under the direction of Tadeusz Stryjeński. It consisted mainly of restoring the Gothic style to the basilica's interior. It was then that the church gained a new painting decoration designed by Jan Matejko, whose executors included his students Stanislaw Wyspianski and Jozef Mehoffer. Two things are most associated with St. Mary's Basilica (the title of basilica minor was bestowed on the church in 1962 by Pope John XXII) - the St. Mary's bugle call played from the church's higher tower and the main altarpiece by Wit Stwosz (completed in 1489), also known as the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary altarpiece. St. Mary's bugle call was played in the Middle Ages before the opening and closing of the city gates, or as a signal to warn of danger (fire, enemy attack). Since 1838 it has been played punctually at noon, and since 1928, after the time signal, it has been broadcast by Polish radio. A visit to St. Mary's Basilica should be planned after 11:30 am, when the altar of Veit Stoss is opened. Although the Poles hid this work by the eminent artist before the war, it was taken by the Germans to Nuremberg. Fortunately, it was not destroyed, while after the war it was recovered. It returned to its place after lengthy restoration work in 1957. Tourists enter the church from the south side. The main entrance is used by the faithful going to prayer. Before visiting St. Mary's Basilica, it is worth taking a virtual tour.

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4

Very good Stay: October 2013

I always wanted to be there, and it worked out.
14.06.2014
Beautiful city,until you want to come back.
03.09.2013
5

Unique Stay: July 2012

A showcase of Krakow - nothing to add, nothing to take away.
11.07.2013

Unique Stay: May 2012

I will be silent on this comment, as I was silent on my stay in this wonderful place. Let the 5* serve as a commentary

29.05.2012

Unique Stay: June 2011

beautiful interior and the altar of Veit Stoss

27.09.2011

Unique Stay: July 2009

A place with the peculiar charm of the old days.

05.07.2010

The Archipresbyterial Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a 14th century Gothic building located on the Main Square in Krakow. In the main altar there are knownhe chiselled altar by the master Wit Stwosz made of linden and oak wood, enriched with polychromy by Jan Matejko. In the 19th century the interior was decorated in neo-Gothic style, with work by Jan Matejko, Stanislaw Wyspianski and Jozef Mehoffer.

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22.12.2007

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Unique based on7opinions

St. Mary's Church of the Holy Virgin Mary

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