St. Mary’s Basilica

Saint Mary Basilica in Krakow
Saint Mary Basilica in Krakow

St. Mary’s Basilica was originally built in the 13th century, but was later rebuilt to its current gothic style in the 14th century. The church is beautiful both on the inside and the outside, and it is especially known for the wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss, which is the largest in Europe (11×13 metres high). The Basilica in itself is 80 metres high.

A legend is telling us that two brothers were working on building the two towers of the St. Mary’s Basilica. The were competing and they both wanted to make the nicest and the highest tower. It ended up with the one brother killing the other, but after doing this his conscieusness was so bad, that he took his own life as well. Later the smaller tower was built up as well, and that is now 69 metres high.

Tourists are not allowed to enter into the main entrance of the church (only people going to the basilica itself are allowed to do that). Tourists may though enter into the St. Mary’s Basilica through another entrance, but they have to pay a little bit to do so!

The St. Marys Basilica is located at the Main Market Square of Krakow.

Saint Mary’s Basilica pictures