Archpresbyterian Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kraków

The Archpresbyterian Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as St. Mary's Basilica, is a Gothic church located in Krakow at St. Mary's Square. Built on the site of an earlier Romanesque structure, the current church was constructed between 1290 and 1300, with its completion taking place in the 15th century. It underwent numerous renovations, including between 1355 and 1365, when the presbytery was erected, and in 1410, when the lighting inside the church was adjusted. In 1478, the Hejnalica tower was given its distinctive spire, from which the St. Mary's Trumpet Call is played every hour, a symbol of Krakow. The interior of the basilica is enriched by the High Altar crafted by Wit Stwosz, a masterpiece of late Gothic art. In the 18th century, the church underwent Baroque-style transformations, and its polychrome was restored by Jan Matejko. In the 19th century, due to Austrian regulations, the church cemetery was removed, creating St. Mary's Square. The church's organ, which has existed since the 14th century, has undergone many modernizations; the current instrument is the result of work carried out between 1987 and 2021. The church is renowned for issuing commemorative coins featuring its interior and for hosting funeral ceremonies, such as the service attended by the presidential couple. The architecture of the church is characterized by two towers, with the taller one serving as a viewpoint. The interior, adorned with polychrome depicting coats of arms and biblical scenes, is decorated with several chapels, including the Loreto Chapel and the Chapel of St. Anthony. The church plays a significant role in Krakow's cultural life, and its bells, including the historic passing bell, serve not only a religious but also a social function, rooted in centuries-old tradition. St. Mary's Church, as a historic monument, is an enduring symbol of Krakow, blending a rich history with active religious and artistic life.