[2025 Krakow Attraction] Travel Guide for St. Mary's Basilica (Updated Mar)

🌟Transportation From the airport to the city center, the fare is PLN 17. 💰Currency and Exchange Rate The currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty (PLN), and 1 PLN is approximately 0.21 EUR. 🔌Socket Type European standard socket. ⛪️St. Mary's Basilica This is a very popular church with exquisite decorations. There is a mass every day at noon. It is recommended to enter from the prayer door to see the interior of the church from a distance, and it is highly recommended to buy a ticket to see the details. 🏰Wawel Castle One of the iconic buildings in Krakow, you can enjoy a panoramic view from the bridge on the southwest side of the castle. There is also a "fire-breathing dragon" under the castle that you can check in. 🎨Czartoryski Museum It houses famous paintings such as Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine," and it is recommended to buy tickets on site. 🍰Food Recommendations Sekret Smaku's desserts, Milkbar Tomasza's Irish breakfast, and Urara Sushi's ramen and tea. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations Homestays are a more cost-effective option. 🛍Shopping Recommendations Poland's stuffed buns are delicious. This is the travel guide for this trip to Krakow! I hope you like it!

St. Mary's Basilica is one of the most important churches in Kraków, second only to the Wawel Cathedral within the royal castle. Built on the foundations of a late 13th-century Romanesque church, it was completed around 1320 as a Gothic cathedral. Over the years, both the interior and exterior have undergone numerous renovations and modifications to become the structure we see today, including its most iconic feature: the unequal twin towers. 📜Legend of the Towers: The north tower stands at 82 meters, significantly taller than the 69-meter south tower. The purpose was to allow the north tower, serving as the city's watchtower, to observe enemy attacks without obstruction. However, there is an interesting legend associated with this. It is said that during the construction of the twin towers, the best craftsmen brothers in Poland were hired, with the younger brother responsible for the north tower and the elder for the south tower. Initially, their progress was similar, but as time passed, the younger brother noticed that the south tower was higher and would be completed faster. Driven by jealousy, he killed his brother with a knife and hastily topped the south tower with a dome, making the north tower ultimately taller. Although the younger brother won in appearance, he was overwhelmed by guilt and confessed his crime on the north tower before jumping to his death. 📜Legend of the Bugle Call: As the highest point in the city, the north tower's bugle call was used daily to signal the opening and closing of the city gates and to alert of enemy invasions. Today, even without such needs, a bugler still plays the bugle at every hour. Interestingly, the bugle call abruptly stops, said to commemorate the bugler who was shot in the throat by a Tatar arrow during an invasion, causing the call to suddenly cease. St. Mary's Basilica is a must-visit in Kraków, with its towering spires and resonant bugle calls drawing attention within the ancient city. The crown atop the north tower symbolizes the Polish royal capital, evoking a sense of sorrow for the nation's tumultuous history. Poland has been partitioned multiple times, experiencing three periods of dissolution and three periods of revival. Many cultural artifacts bearing the collective memory of the nation have been lost, and even the national treasure, St. Mary's Altar, was only recovered after World War II, adding to the sense of melancholy. Among the many churches I have visited, St. Mary's Basilica stands out as particularly impressive. Although not as grand as some of the world's renowned cathedrals, its unique and splendid interior is breathtaking. The dazzling starry ceiling highlights the suspended figure of Jesus in the center of the church, a design I have never seen before. Additionally, the medieval stained glass windows of the main altar, the world's largest Gothic altarpiece, and the unique wall colors create an unforgettable scene. 🚗 Transportation: St. Mary's Basilica is located in the heart of Kraków's Old Town. The Old Town is primarily pedestrianized, and it takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from Kraków's main train station to the basilica.

Polish Krakow churches can be described as dreamy. Along the Royal Road, there are countless churches, each ancient church has its own mysterious story, which is fascinating. Among them, these few churches are particularly unique, each worth savoring in detail. Except for the first one, all of these churches are located on the Royal Road, making them perfect for a City walk. 🏞Route: St. Mark's Church~St. Mary's Basilica~St. Barbara's Chapel~Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi~Church of Saints Peter and Paul 1⃣St. Mark's Church (St.Mark's Church) Coming out of the ice cream shop, I was immediately attracted by this ancient medieval church. The highlight is the red brick Gothic exterior altar and the exquisitely carved wooden altar inside, which is particularly quiet It's a 'hidden gem'! 🏘Address: Św. Marka 10, 31-012 Kraków, Poland 🕰Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 17:00 (in fact, not often open) 🚖Transport: Not far from St. Mary's Basilica, about a 3-minute walk 2⃣St. Mary's Basilica (Kosciol Mariacki) This landmark basilica is located at the central market square, with carriages passing in front of the basilica, like a fairy-tale scene. The highlight is the starry dome inside the church, as well as the world-famous wooden altar and the tower. Every hour on the hour, a trumpeter on the tower will play the trumpet, a ceremony that has continued for a thousand years. Tower admission is about 15 zloty (approximately 27 RMB), but the view over Krakow from the top is more than worth it! 🏘Address: plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland 🕰Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 11:30 - 18:00 🚖Transport: Take the tram to Rynek Główny station, about a 5-minute walk 3⃣St. Barbara's Chapel Behind St. Mary's Basilica, St. Barbara's Chapel is a crypt church, with a spooky atmosphere due to the skulls on the north wall of the church. 👉The highlights include the ossuary on the north wall and the sculpture on the left side of the entrance, giving a medieval feel in the chill. 🏘Address: Right behind St. Mary's Basilica 4⃣Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Kościół św. Franciszka z Asyżu) To say that the Basilica of St. Francis is an art sanctuary is no exaggeration. The church's stained glass, meticulously designed by Polish artists, is breathtaking. The highlights are the geometric floral glass on the altar and the eight exquisitely crafted stained glass windows, with delicate colors that are awe-inspiring. Admission is free. 🏘Address: Plac Wszystkich Świętych 5, 31-004 Kraków, Poland 🕰Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 18:00 🚖Transport: Located on the Royal Road, suitable for walking. 5⃣Church of Saints Peter and Paul (Kościół Świętych Apostołów Piotra i Pawła) The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is another stunning church in the old town, an ancient building mixed with Roman and Baroque styles. 👉The highlights are the 12 apostle statues at the entrance and the Pantheon underground. There are occasional organ concerts, tickets are required but not expensive. 🏘Address: Grodzka 52a, 31-044 Kraków, Poland 🚖Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 - 17:00 Transport: Located on the Royal Road, within walking distance.

It was a trip to Krakow Old Town. We visited Wawel Castle, a historic castle residency located in central Krakow. It was the political and cultural heart of Poland during the 16th century. We went there for a quick walk and explored around. 📍Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków We also visited Wawel Cathedral This cathedral is the coronation site of Polish monarchs and the burial place of many national heroes. 📍Wawel 3, 31-001 Kraków We then had our lunch at Pod Wawelem. I would recommend you to try Polish Platter (selection of traditional Polish dishes). The price was considered cheap and the quality of food is great. 📍Świętej Gertrudy 26-29, 31-048 Kraków We also visited the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny). The largest medieval town square in Europe, dating back to the 13th century. 📍Rynek Główny, 30-062 Kraków We also visited St. Mary's Basilica, a Gothic church famous for its wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss. The place was stunning. 📍Plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków We also explored the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a Renaissance building and a major center of international trade in the medieval period. 📍Rynek Główny 1/3, 31-042 Kraków P/s: If you are looking for a place for dinner, I would recommend you to try Szara Gęś. Out of all, my favorite was Duck breast with seasonal fruits. It was really good and I will definitely recommend to you try ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📍Rynek Główny 17, 31-008 Kraków We also explored the Kazimierz District. The historic Jewish quarter of Krakow, known for its rich cultural heritage. Aside from this, we also visited Old Synagogue. The oldest surviving synagogue in Poland. It is now a museum which I found it very unique and interesting. 📍Szeroka 24, 31-053 Kraków We also explored theSchindler's Factory Museum, a museum dedicated to the wartime experiences of Oskar Schindler and the Jews he saved. 📍Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków If you’re a museum lover like me, you can check Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum out! It is the largest of the Nazi concentration and extermination camps, a solemn reminder of the Holocaust. Worth to explore🫶🫶🫶 📍Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-600 Oświęcim ‼️ It's a 1.5-hour drive from Krakow. Consider booking a guided tour if you’re not familiar with the area. This itinerary covers significant historical sites. We really enjoy our time there in Krakow🫶 Enjoy your trip to Krakow! #vacation #trip #getaway

San Gimignano, Italy 🇮🇹 Perched atop a hill, San Gimignano is a Tuscan gem renowned for its striking medieval towers. Lose yourself in its labyrinthine streets, where time seems to stand still, and admire the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, with rolling hills and sun-drenched vineyards weaving a patchwork quilt. #SanGimignano #Tuscany #MedievalTowers Bruges, Belgium 🇧🇪 Fall under the spell of Bruges, a city seemingly frozen in time. Cruise along tranquil canals, admire the picturesque medieval houses lining the banks, listen to the chimes of the Belfry of Bruges, and be transported to a world of romance and wonder. #Bruges #Belgium #Canals Kraków, Poland 🇵🇱 Immerse yourself in the royal splendor of Kraków, where the grand Main Market Square is the heart of the city. Marvel at the Gothic elegance of St. Mary's Basilica, step into the magnificent Wawel Castle, once the residence of Polish kings. #Krakow #Poland #WawelCastle Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany 🇩🇪 In Rothenburg ob der Tauber, step into a fairy tale, as if leaping from the pages of a storybook. Stroll along the well-preserved medieval city walls, let the colorful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets whisk you away to a charming world. #Rothenburg #Germany #MedievalTown

#favouriteitinerary Kraków, Poland’s former royal capital, blends medieval charm with vibrant city life. The heart of the city is Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest medieval square, surrounded by historic townhouses and the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica. A walk through Wawel Castle offers insight into Poland’s royal past, while the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter, reveal a mix of history, culture, and lively cafés. Whether strolling along the Vistula River, exploring underground museums, or enjoying traditional pierogi, Kraków is a city where history meets modern energy.

St Mary’s Bascilica Krakow 07/12/24

Beautiful architectural design inside the St. Mary's Basilica, open to the public and tourists both for tourists tour and mass attending public.

Kraków's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a gem of Polish history. Walking through its cobbled streets, you'll encounter stunning architecture, including the Gothic St. Mary's Basilica, the Renaissance Cloth Hall, and the impressive Wawel Castle. The Main Market Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, buzzes with life, surrounded by charming cafés and shops. The historic atmosphere is palpable, with every corner revealing a piece of Kraków's rich past. Don't miss the chance to explore the narrow alleyways, ancient churches, and vibrant culture that make this area truly unforgettable. #myhiddengems #localguides #instatravel #citywalk

Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland, having been the capital of the country until the end of the 16th century. I traveled to this beautiful city on a cheap WizzAir flight from Oslo, Norway (only 25 Euros). My departure from this city is also by train. I stayed in the premium hostel which cost 14 euros per night. The cost of public transportation as well as food in this city was really reasonable. Best places to visit in Krakow: Krakow's Old Town, St. Mary's Basilica, Wawel Royal Castle and Ghetto Heroes Square #backpacker #timetotravel #backpacking #krakow