Located in the main market square, St. Mary's Basilica is one of the most important buildings in Krakow. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the basilica was built between 1290 and 1320 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church. It was meant to serve as a symbol of Krakow's’s growing importance and quickly became an important religious and cultural hub as the city became a key political and economic centre in the Middle Ages. One of the most significant moments in the church’s history was the creation of the gigantic wooden altarpiece by leading German sculptor Veit Stoss. It was carved in the 15th century and remains one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic altarpieces in Europe. This altarpiece depicts the Life of the Virgin Mary and includes over 200 figures. It was a major artistic and spiritual landmark, representing the peak of Polish Gothic craftsmanship. In addition to the altarpiece, the church is known for its two striking towers, painted ceilings, and intricate stained-glass windows depicting biblical stories. Over the centuries, the church has undergone several renovations, including Baroque-style additions in the 18th century.
Another interesting aspect of the church is the Hejnał Mariacki (trumpet call), which is played every hour from the taller tower of the church. According to legend, back in the 13th Century, during a Mongol attack on the city, a guard in the tower sounded the trumpet to alert the citizens of the danger. The call was abruptly cut off when the guard was struck by an arrow. The trumpet call is now played every hour and stops short in honour of this guard who lost his life. As such, the trumpet call can be considered an enduring symbol of Kraków’s resilience as well as the significance of St. Mary's Basilica to the city’s history.
Previously Poland’s capital, Krakow is one of Europe’s hubs for history and culture. On this full-day highlights tour, you will dig up that history as you explore the best of Krakow, including the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter.
On your private tour, you will:
Your full-day tour is the perfect way to see the city in a day, where you will learn about the country’s medieval history and Jewish history, see all of its highlights, and visit several historic sites, including Wawel Castle, the Old Synagogue, and Jagiellonian University. Your tour begins at one of Krakow's most renowned locations: Wawel Castle, the massive structure sits upon Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River.
The castle served as the royal and political centre of Krakow for centuries, dating back to the eleventh century. Before becoming a museum in 1930, the castle was also a hospital, a military barracks, and a governmental residence.
After your tour of the castle, follow in the footsteps of the kings of Poland as you explore the famous Royal Route from Wawel Hill to the Old Town. Here at Market Square, you will see some of the finest examples of medieval architecture now filled full of shops, bars, and cafes.
Then your guide will take you into St Mary’s Basilica, where you’ll see one of the finest examples of Polish Gothic architecture and see the spectacularly ornate, multicolour altarpiece which dominates the front of the church. Next, enjoy a lunch break in the Market Square, at a local establishment recommended by your expert local guide.
After lunch, pass by the Jagiellonian University, one of the world’s oldest universities, which has been operating since the eleventh century. Then, your private guide will take you to the Jewish District, where you will walk through Schindler’s Passage and visit the Old Synagogue—now a museum, which is the oldest still standing in Poland, having been built in the 15th century. While there, your guide will share with you the Jewish experience after the German invasion of 1939, and what the synagogue now means to Jewish people in Poland.
Your tour ends at a traditional Jewish café, where your guide will give you recommendations about the best local bites before departing with you.
Previously Poland’s capital, Krakow was one of Europe’s hubs for history and culture. On this half-day highlights tour you will dig up that history as you explore the best of Krakow, including the Old Town.
On your private tour, you will:
Your half-day tour is the perfect introductory tour for anyone new to the city, where you will learn about the country’s medieval history and tour its’ spectacular highlights, including a visit to the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Your tour begins at one of Krakow's most renowned locations: Wawel Castle, the massive structure sits upon Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River. The castle served as the royal and political centre of Krakow for centuries, dating back to the eleventh century. Before becoming a museum in 1930, the castle was also a hospital, a military barracks, and a governmental residence.
After you tour the castle, follow in the footsteps of the kings of Poland as you explore the famous Royal Route from Wawel Hill to the Old Town. Here at the Market Square, you will see some of the finest examples of medieval architecture now filled full of shops, bars, and cafes. Then your guide will take you into St Mary’s Basilica, where you’ll see one of the finest examples of Polish Gothic architecture and see the spectacularly ornate, multicolour altarpiece which dominates the front of the church. Lastly, you will walk by one of the world’s oldest universities, Jagiellonian University, and visit the idyllic park, Planty Park, which encircles all of Old Town.
Krakow is one of Europe’s hubs for history and culture. On this private half-day tour, you will dig up that history as you explore Krakow's old town, including the Wawel Castle.
On your private tour, you will:
Your half-day tour is the perfect introductory tour for anyone new to the city, where you will learn about the country’s medieval history and tour its’ spectacular highlights, including a visit to the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
Your tour begins at one of Krakow's most renowned locations: Wawel Castle, the massive structure sits upon Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River. The castle served as the royal and political centre of Krakow for centuries, dating back to the eleventh century. Before becoming a museum in 1930, the castle was also a hospital, a military barracks, and a governmental residence.
Afterwards, your guide will take you into Old Town Krakow, where some of the finest examples of medieval architecture remain today.
Visit the city’s main square, full of shops, bars, and cafes. Your next stop will be St Mary’s Basilica, where you’ll see one of the finest examples of Polish Gothic architecture and see the spectacularly ornate, multicolour altarpiece which dominates the front of the church.
After visiting the idyllic Planty Park, your guide will drive you back to your hotel in the Old Town.
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