St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Church, also known as the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, stands as an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Krakow, Poland. This Gothic church, with its towering spires reaching for the sky, is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city and an important place of worship.

Constructed in the 14th century on the foundations of an earlier Romanesque church, St. Mary's has been a significant witness to the history of Krakow. Its most prominent feature, the two uneven towers, are a distinctive element of the city's skyline. The taller of the two, at 81 meters, houses a famous trumpet signal, the Hejnał mariacki, which is played every hour to the four corners of the world.

The church's interior is as breathtaking as its exterior. The stunning altarpiece, carved by the renowned German sculptor Veit Stoss, is a magnificent example of Gothic art. The intricate wooden altarpiece, which depicts scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, took over a decade to complete and is one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

Visitors to St. Mary's Church can also admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, some of which date back to the 14th century. The star-studded, blue ceiling is designed to resemble the heavens and adds to the church's celestial atmosphere. Regular masses and prayer services are held at St. Mary's Church, and it remains an active part of the religious community in Krakow.