St. Mary's Basilica

The Basilica of St. Mary is, aside from the Wawel Cathedral within the Royal Castle, the most important church in Kraków. It was built atop the foundations of a Romanesque church from the late 13th century and completed around 1320 as a Gothic cathedral. However, both its interior and exterior have undergone numerous renovations and modifications over time to achieve the appearance we see today, including the iconic uneven twin towers of the Basilica.

The northern tower, at 82 meters, is significantly taller than the southern tower, which stands at 69 meters. The purpose of the taller northern tower was to serve as a city watchtower, offering a clear view of any approaching enemies.

As the highest point in the city, the horn sounded daily from the northern tower when the city gates were opened or when enemy invasions were detected, and it would echo throughout Kraków. Although the need for such warnings no longer exists, the horn player still plays the trumpet at the top of every hour. Interestingly, the sound of the horn suddenly stops at an unexpected moment. This is said to commemorate a horn player who was struck in the throat by an arrow during a Tatar invasion, causing the horn's sound to abruptly end.

The Basilica of St. Mary is a remarkable presence in Kraków, impossible to overlook. Its towering spires and the sound of the trumpet resonate throughout the ancient city. When gazing at the crown atop the northern tower, symbolizing the Polish royal capital, one cannot help but feel sorrow for this nation with a tumultuous history. Poland has been partitioned multiple times, destroyed three times and reborn three times, and countless cultural relics embodying the nation's collective memory have been lost. Even the St. Mary's Altar, the national treasure of the main altar, was only recovered after World War II, a story that fills one with sorrow.

Of all the churches I have visited, the Basilica of St. Mary stands out as one of the most impressive. Though its scale is not on par with those world-renowned cathedrals, the moment you step inside, you are immediately struck by the unique and splendid interior. The dazzling starry ceiling enhances the floating statue of Jesus in the center of the church, a breathtaking design I had never seen before. Additionally, the medieval stained-glass windows, the world's largest Gothic altarpiece, and the distinctive wall colors all combine to create an unforgettable scene.