31 March 2017
The bugle call (called hejnał in Polish ) is as inseparably linked with St Mary’s Church as with Kraków itself. Played every hour on the hour from the taller church tower (81 metres) by duty guards, it marks the time, and in the past it served as a warning of fires or enemy attacks. It’s also the subject of a legend of a mediaeval bugle player who sounded the alarm on spotting approaching Tatar hordes. He was able to warn the city, although before he could finish playing, his throat was pierced by an arrow fired by one of the invaders. Ever since then the melody stops abruptly in the same place when the brave guard was killed playing it…
The higher tower of St Mary’s (known also as hejnalica) is open to visitors from spring to autumn. The viewing platform is accessible by almost 300 steps. Count for yourselves exactly how many! While you’re taking the long climb, why not ponder the following:
You can visit the taller tower of St Mary’s between 1 April and 31 October between Tuesday and Sunday (excluding religious festivals):
--> Tue-Sat 9:10am-5:30pm (every 30 minutes; closed between 11:30am and 1:10pm)
--> Sun 1:10pm-5:30pm (every 30 minutes)
From 1 November to 30 December and bewteen 1 and 31 March (excluding religious festivals):
--> Thu-Sat 9:10am-5:30pm (every 30 minutes; closed between 11:30am and 1:10pm)
Entrance from Floriańska Street in ten-person groups every 30 minutes.
Tickets: standard PLN 15, concessions (7-18yo) PLN 10; ticket office at 7 Mariacki Square
Please note that children aged seven and under aren’t permitted in the tower for safety reasons!