The Basilica of Virgin Mary | Cracow, Poland

[Koniaczeq]

The Basilica of Virgin Mary

The huge church, Kosciol Mariacki set at an angle to its northeast corner dominates the square. There was a church built here in the 1220s, partly destroyed by the Tartar raids of 1241 the present basilica was built on the remaining ruins (hence its orientation). The facade is dominated by the two unequal towers; the lowest, topped by a Renaissance dome is the bell tower holding 5 bells, whilst the taller, 81 metres high, belongs to the city and serves as a watchtower. It was given a gilded crown (c.4 metres in diameter) in 1666 - the gilded ball further up is said to contain the written history of the city. The hejnal is played from this tower every hour and on Polish Radio at noon. legend has it that a Tartar arrow pierced the throat of the bugler whilst giving the alarm; in commemoration the bugle call breaks off suddenly. Inside the church the east wall of the chancel is taken up by the altar of Wit Stwosz, the Dormition of the Virgin a huge polyptych carved in 1477-89 ( about 13 metres high and 11 metres wide, it is the largest piece of mediaeval art of its kind). The altar is opened daily at noon. In the right aisle is a Baroque altar with a stone crucifix (again by Stwosz). The chancel also features original 14th century stained- glass and e.Baroque stalls. The wall paintings are by Matejko. Above the organ loft is Art Nouveau work by Wyspianski and Mehoffer.


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[Matthieu]

With Malbork castle, I think it's the Polish building that appeals me the most so far here.

[DamienK]

8/10

[Raine]

9/10

[Pedrillo]

8,5/10 I like specially the interiors.

[Phobos]

8/10
The tallest tower is the best example of polish gothic in the country.

[OlekD]

10/10 I love this building

[JAKJ]

10/10++++++++++++++++++++

best church in the world IMO.

[Schroedinger's Cat]

10/10 !!!

[Paolo]

Simply love it!!! 10/10

[lukay]

My favorite Church in Poland, its simply stunning, 10/10 without a question!

[Renkinjutsushi]

Looks beautiful both outside and inside.....9.5/10 :okay:

[Fabio]

8/10

quite nice

[Meeg]

Im Lovin it !!!!! 10/10

[doctor_]

Mariacki jest piękny, ale kupa roboty przy nim :(. W wierzach brakuj okiennic, jakieś blachy nadbudówki (zwłaszcza daszek z kurnikiem między wieżami), zielona patyna nad portalem wejściowym jest paskudna, ta zespawana miedź to chyba też do wywalenia :/. Kościół 10/10 obecnie 7/10

[beta29]

--->9.5/10<---

[Valia]

8/10

nothing special, only the spire in the towers and the inner decoration attracted my attention

[Sinjin P.]

9.5/10

[forvine]

8/10

[LordMarshall]

8/10

[marpa]

9/10

[Mosaic]

9/10

[TwItCH]

seriously needs a renovation (at least the towers)

[LMCA1990]

9/10- very tall towers and i love that it's brick.

[delmaule]

9.5/10

[gutooo]

9.5/10

[delmaule]

8/10

[Popiel]

9.5/10 :)

[norbert91]

its the most beautiful church in poland:) i lovin it
10/10!

[(((myx)))]

9.5 :D

[paweł666]

9/10

[Nikkodemo]

Greatful!!

9/10

[sn1101]

9/10. beautiful

[W!CKED]

9/10

[Ballota]

7.5/10 :cheers:

[stasiua]

9/10

[Fred_]

08/10