Global Studies’s Updates
While in Krakow for the Seventeenth Global Studies Conference, we recommend a visit to St. Mary's Basilica!
While in Krakow for the Seventeenth Global Studies Conference, stop and visit St. Mary's Basilica?
Situated on the eastern corner of Rynek Glowny is one of the most iconic symbols of Krakow: St. Mary's Basilica. The attraction has had a presence in Krakow since the 1220s, although the structure you see today has been rebuilt and renovated over the centuries.
The Gothic-style brick church features two bell towers, one of which is topped by a gilded crown that dates back to 1666. Historically, the taller of the bell towers would ring at the opening and closing of the city, and to alert residents of a fire or attack from a foreign invader.
Tourists can appreciate the bell today when it plays "Hejnal Mariacki" ("St. Mary's Trumpet Call") every hour on the hour. Listen for the five-note bugle call to stop abruptly–it's a tribute to a trumpeter who was killed after attempting to warn city dwellers of a siege.