In Krakow’s Rynek Glowny, St. Mary’s Basilica is a centerpiece of Polish history.
With 13th century origins, its’ architecture, altarpiece and stained glass are widely
admired. It is also very well known for the Hejnal Mariacki.
In the 13th century, lookouts from the city's guilds stood watch from St. Mary's towers to warn residents of imminent attacks. One morning seeing an approaching cavalry, a watchman began trumpeting
an alarm. An invading archer shot the trumpeter in the throat, abruptly ending his warning.
Today, each hour, a trumpeter plays a plaintive tune, Hejnal Mariacki, which ends mid-stream in
honor of the slain watchman. The noon hejnal is broadcast live across Poland on Polish National Radio.
The Basilica’s main altarpiece is a Polish national treasure. Hand carved of wood in the 1400's, the
altar stands 262’ high and features several 12’ high figures, each carved from a native tree trunk.
During WWII, the altar was dismantled by Poles and hidden. When found by Germans it was stolen,
transported to Bavaria and hidden in the Nuremburg Castle. Discovered by Polish POW's held
there, it was recovered after the war in 1946, restored and reinstalled 10 years later.
altar stands 262’ high and features several 12’ high figures, each carved from a native tree trunk.
During WWII, the altar was dismantled by Poles and hidden. When found by Germans it was stolen,
transported to Bavaria and hidden in the Nuremburg Castle. Discovered by Polish POW's held
there, it was recovered after the war in 1946, restored and reinstalled 10 years later.
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