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Book St. Mary's Basilica Tickets - Krakow
- This 90-minute guided tour is perfect for history buffs and first-time visitors, offering a quick yet thorough exploration of Krakow's top attractions.
- Take a guided tour of the famous Market Square, and explore the Renaissance Cloth Hall, a bustling trade center since the 14th century.
- Look up at the Town Hall Tower, a symbol of Krakow's rich political heritage, and learn the tales of power and intrigue that played out within its walls.
- The highlight? A visit to St. Mary’s Basilica. Admire the intricate vaulting, colorful stained glass windows, and the altarpiece – a masterpiece of Gothic art.
- Let a pro guide bring Krakow's history to life! Choose from guided tours in English, German, French, or Polish to suit your preference.
Inclusions
- 1.5-hour guided walking tour of Krakow Old Town
- Entry to St. Mary's Basilica
- English, German, French, or Polish-speaking guide
- Tip: Don’t miss the trumpeter’s call at St. Mary’s Basilica, a centuries-old tradition that sounds every hour from the taller of the basilica's 2 towers.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible. However, some areas of the Old Town may have uneven surfaces.
- Strict Dress Code: Dress modestly to respect the sanctity of the places of worship. Wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders, regardless of your gender.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Stroll through the Old Town of Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the St. Mary's Basilica and Rynek Underground Museum on this guided tour.
- Experience serenity at the tranquil St. Mary's Basilica, and be awed by the iconic wooden altarpiece, carved by famed German sculptor Veit Stoss.
- Check out medieval artefacts and learn historical facts about Krakow, at the Rynek Underground Museum, situated 4 meters below the Main Square.
- Step back in time as you visit the historical 800-year-old Main Square, and listen to magical tales about this place.
- Available in 4 languages, this guided tour is the best way to experience the cultural heritage and rich history of Krakow first-hand.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Krakow Old Town, St. Mary's Basilica and Rynek Underground Museum
- Entry tickets to St. Mary's Basilica
- Entry tickets to the Rynek Underground Museum
- Professional guide
Exclusions
- Visiting exhibitions other than those listed
- Tips
- Tip: While at the Rynek Underground Museum, find out the method to bury vampires!
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
- The tour is available in English, French, German and Polish.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Gear up to unveil Krakow’s history and get to know the best-kept royal secrets on this guided tour of its four iconic landmarks of historical significance.
- Start by visiting the Wawel Castle, which was originally a fortress for Polish kings and is now a museum open to the public to admire the impressive collectibles there.
- While the museum’s collection would’ve impressed you by now, you should also add the noteworthy tapestries by Zygmunt August to your list, before heading to the Wawel Cathedral.
- While in Krakow, you cannot miss St. Mary’s Basilica in the Old Town. At the tallest tower of the Basilica a Bugel call- Hejnal mariacki- plays every hour to honor a mythical trumpeter who was shot for warning the city of Mongol invaders.
- Here is where you will also find the intricately carved Veit Stoss altarpiece which has 200 figurines, dedicatedly chiseled from lime tree blocks.
Inclusions
- Expert local guide: English, German, French, Polish
- Wawel Castle guided tour with access to one permanent exhibition in the castle (Staterooms, Royal private apartments, or Crown treasury subject to availability)
- Access to Wawel Cathedral
- Old Town guided tour with access to St. Mary’s Basilica
Exclusions
- Exhibitions not listed in the experience
- Lunch during the tour
- Tip: Always choose ‘Local currency’ at the ATM, while making a transaction as you can save 3-15% through this method of exchange.
- Strict Dress Code: No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed, knees and shoulders need to be covered. Entry can be refused if one doesn’t comply with these requirements.
- For a unique experience, visit Krakow in June to attend ‘Wianki’, an event that celebrates the shortest night of the year on the banks of the river Vistula.
- Access to Staterooms, Royal Private apartments, or Crown treasury in the castle is subject to availability.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Uncover the stories and secrets of Krakow's spiritual core on a 3-hour guided tour of the Wawel Cathedral, Old Town, and St. Mary's Basilica.
- Get to know about King Casimir’s deadly curse and more from your guide as you explore the Wawel Cathedral, a 1000-year-old tapestry of history.
- Discover the heart of the city’s Old Town at Rynek Główny, where history hums in the Cloth Hall and colorful stalls burst with amber treasures.
- Be awed by the Veit Stoss altarpiece, a masterpiece of wood carving at St. Mary's Basilica in the Main Square.
- Make your exploration of Poland's history unique with a personalized tour tailored for you, available in English, German, French, or Polish.
Inclusions
- 3-hour guided tour of Wawel Cathedral, Old Town & St. Mary’s Basilica
- Expert English, French, Polish, or German-speaking guide
- Entry to Wawel Cathedral
- Entry to St. Mary’s Basilica
Exclusions
- Entry to Wawel Castle
- Tip: Be sure to visit the Wawel Castle’s arcaded courtyard, where sunlight and Renaissance-era columns play together to create geometric patterns on the ground.
- Cathedral access may be limited during services, events, or dignitary visits. Check schedules in advance.
- Strict dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Explore the most historic and prestigious museums in the Polish cultural capital with one handy card.
- Get access to 40 top museums and attractions in Krakow, including St Mary's Basilica.
- Choose the right ticket option to travel for free on the city buses and trams that run day and night.
- See interesting things like vampire burials at the museum underneath the Main Market Square and the famed Oscar Schindler Factory.
- Upgrade your city pass to get up to 3 days of validity and optional access to unlimited public transportation.
Inclusions
- Free access to permanent exhibitions in the listed museums.
- Unlimited public transport for 1, 2, or 3 days (optional)
- Get full details here
Exclusions
- Access to temporary exhibitions in the museums listed
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Food and drinks
- Entrance to Wawel Cathedral and Chambers
- Tip: Get the card with access to hassle-free public transport to make the most of your experience!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Krakow
Why visit the St. Mary's Basilica in Krakow?
- Architectural marvel: St. Mary's Basilica is an awe-inspiring example of Gothic architecture, characterized by its soaring spires, intricate stone carvings, and elegant flying buttresses. You can admire the craftsmanship of medieval artisans who contributed to the immense detailing throughout the structure.
- Veit Stoss altarpiece: Carved from wood and standing over 40 feet tall, the Veit Stoss altarpiece inside St. Mary's Basilica depicts scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and is considered one of the finest examples of late Gothic art in Europe.
- Historic significance: As one of the oldest churches in Krakow, St. Mary's Basilica has witnessed numerous key events, including royal coronations, religious ceremonies, and political gatherings, making it a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage.
- Cultural heritage: Inside the Basilica, you can see the walls and arches adorned with vibrant frescoes, intricate stained glass windows, and ornate decorations, offering a glimpse into the artistic and religious traditions that have shaped the country's identity over the centuries.
- Trumpet call tradition: Every hour, a haunting trumpet call known as the Hejnał Mariacki is played from the basilica's taller tower. This tradition, which dates back to medieval times, serves as a poignant reminder of Krakow's storied past.
Which St. Mary’s Basilica ticket is best for you?
If you are on a budget
Go for: Krakow Old Town tours
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Guide: English, German, Polish, or French-speaking guide
- If you are on a tight budget and want to experience the Gothic charm of Krakow’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, book this tour. It includes access to St. Mary’s Basilica and a guided tour of the city’s famous Market Square.
- Admire the intricate mosaics and massive altarpiece in St. Mary’s Basilica and enjoy exploring the Renaissance Cloth Hall, the Town Hall Tower, and more.
Recommended tours:
If you are a history buff
Go for: Krakow Old Town tours
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Guide: English, German, Polish, or French-speaking guide
- This Krakow Old Town tour is perfect for visitors looking to experience a slice of the city’s Gothic architecture. This tour includes access to the St. Mary’s Basilica and a guided tour of the city’s famous Market Square.
- On this tour, you can admire the architecture of St. Mary’s Basilica and learn more about the city’s storied past from an expert tour guide as you stroll through the Market Square.
Recommended tours:
If you want to explore beyond
Go for: Krakow Old Town and Rynek Underground tours
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Guide: English, German, Polish, or French-speaking guide
- On this tour, you can explore the medieval artifacts at the Rynek Underground Museum, marvel at the altarpiece of St. Mary’s Basilica, visit the 800-year-old Main Square, and more. This tour is perfect for visitors looking for a comprehensive understanding of Krakow’s history and culture.
- A professional tour guide will accompany you on this tour and acquaint you with lesser-known lore and anecdotes about the city’s historic Old Town.
Recommended tours:
Super flexible cancellation policy
Booking your tickets online helps you enjoy a super flexible cancellation policy. Not sure about your visit? Inform us up to 24 hours before the schedule and get a full refund on the cancellation of the ticket, no questions asked.
St Mary's Basilica highlights
St Mary’s Altar
Hailed as a Renaissance masterpiece and the best work of leading gothic sculptor Veit Stoss, behold the colossal wood-carved altarpiece in St. Mary’s Basilica. Known as the Altar of Veit Stoss, this triptych’s rarity lies in its realistic polychromatic design made out of three types of wood, beautifully showcasing the life of Jesus and Mother Mary on each of its panels.
Organs
Witness how the rich palette of romantic voices gives devotees a rush of divine experience through the organs arranged in the church. From the Great Organ dating back to the 18th century, to the 14-stop choral organ that becomes the heart and soul of any celebration, and the aisle organ that accompanied the Cross service, St. Mary’s Basilica is home to them.
Chapels
Visit the chapels in St. Mary’s Basilica, and discover the unique story behind each of them. From the Chapel of St. Anthony which was used to hold convicts sentenced to death, to the Chapel of St. John with its connections to the Second World War, wind through history, as each altar and chapel sing to you tales of another era, with all its follies and glories.
St. Mary’s Towers
The facade of St. Mary’s Basilica can be distinctly recognized by the disproportionate twin towers that seem to reach for the sky with their soaring appearance and marked architecture. While the taller tower is crowned with a Gothic cupola, the shorter one is topped with a late-Renaissance cupola, which also acts as the bell tower.
St. Mary’s Bells
Chime in with St. Mary’s Basilica mellow tunes as the bells echo across the city of Krakow. The church houses four medieval liturgical bells, two clock gongs, the bell for the dying and St. Mary’s bugle call, which is played by the bugler, which makes this collection unique on a world scale.
Plan your visit to St Mary's Basilica in Krakow
Timings
Getting there
Rules
Nearby
Tips
The Basilica timings
Monday to Saturday: 11.30 AM to 6 PM
Sundays and holidays: 2 PM to 6 PM
Note: The visitor service point is closed 15 minutes before the end of visiting hours.
The Bugle Towers timings
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Sundays: 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Mass timings
Sundays and holidays: 6 AM, 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM(in Latin), 11.15 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 6.30 PM, and 8 PM(Students and graduates, with the participation of the choir in Latin).
Weekday Masses (between September and June): 6 AM, 6.30 AM, 7 AM, 7.30 AM, 8 AM, 8.30 AM, 9 AM, 9.30 AM, 10 AM (in Latin), 10.30 AM, 11 AM, and 6.30 PM
Note: In July and August, the morning masses start only on the hour, which means that there are no masses at 6.30, 7.30, 8.30, 9.30, or 10.30.
Adoration
Timings: On the last Thursday of every month.
Address: plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
- By tram: Trams 3, 10, 24 & 52 can take you to St. Mary's Basilica.
Nearest stop: Poczta Główna - By train: You can take any of the trains SKA1, 33232, 33236, 33240, and 33244 from Kraków Lotnisko near the airport.
Nearest station: Poczta Główna - By bus: Buses on lines 902 and 252 can take you to St. Mary's Basilica.
Nearest stop: Poczta Główna
- During the visit, tourists are required to maintain silence inside the basilica.
- When the bugle call is being played, visitors are not allowed to stay on the level of the bugle call room.
- The tower of the Basilica is to be entered from the direction of Floriańska Street.
- If a donation is purchased, it must be remembered that it is tantamount to accepting the regulations.
- Visitors must be dressed appropriately and behave accordingly as this is a religious place.
- Touching things inside the basilica is prohibited since the basilica is protected as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
- Auschwitz - Birkenau: Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and learn about how the Nazis unleashed a reign of terror during the Second World War. Explore the site where the concentration camps were located and the ghastly details of the Holocaust.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: Discover the medieval salt mines that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the mysterious salt lakes, marvellous salt sculptures and intriguing rock chambers located 135 meters below the ground.
- Oskar Schindler’s Factory: Explore the museum that was once a labour site for Jews under Nazi rule, and learn about the dark historical significance this factory holds in the face of the Second World War.
- Wawel Royal Castle: If you have always fantasized about palaces, royalty and Gothic monarchy, this castle is just the spot for you, as you experience Baroque architecture and travel to the Renaissance era to light up your head!
- St. Mary’s Church is open to individual visitors and tourist groups every day when no mass is being conducted.
- All guests are advised to be dressed appropriately.
- Please carry along valid photo IDs, like passport, driver’s license, Govt ID, college or school ID.
- It is advised to visit the basilica during the early hours of the day to skip daytime crowds and have a memorable experience of exploring the basilica and the nearby market when the weather is pleasant.
Frequently asked questions about St Mary's Basilica Krakow tickets
Can I buy St. Mary's Basilica Krakow tickets online?
Yes, St Mary’s Basilica Krakow tickets are available for visitors to purchase online.
What is the best way to buy St. Mary's Basilica Krakow tickets?
The best way to purchase St Mary’s Basilica Krakow tickets is to book them online. This way you get vouchers with great offers and can also reserve slots well in advance, granting access to the venue for the date of your choice.
Can I pre-book St. Mary's Basilica Krakow tickets in advance?
Yes, you can book any date of your choice in advance, if you book your St Mary’s Basilica Krakow tickets online.
Is it possible to book St. Mary's Basilica Krakow tickets on the same day?
You can book your tickets on the same day but they are subject to availability as people usually book them almost one month in advance. So, it is highly recommended to book your St Mary’s Basilica tickets online well in advance to avoid any disappointment.
What is the cancellation policy for St. Mary's Basilica Krakow tickets?
You can get a full refund on canceling your St. Mary's Basilica Krakow ticket up to 24h before the schedule.
When can I go for adoration in the St. Mary's Basilica Krakow?
The adoration is held on the last Thursday of every month, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Is the St. Mary's Basilica Krakow open for visitors?
Yes, you can visit the St. Mary's Basilica Krakow from 11.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
What are the mass timings in St. Mary's Basilica Krakow?
Mass is held every hour from 6 AM to 10 AM on Sundays and holidays, and every half an hour on weekdays during the same time.