Krakow Old Town: St. Mary's Basilica and Rynek Underground Guided Tour

A step back in time to experience Polish history

The Krakow Old Town, also known as the Historic Centre of Krakow, used to be the former capital of Poland and the seat of Polish royalty. Now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this age-old district remains a favorite among travelers due to its architectural beauty and rich historical significance. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Main Square, and gaze at the medieval buildings, as your live guide regales you with fascinating tales about the kings and queens of this region.

A dark tale of murder hidden behind an age-old monument

During this live guided tour, you'll be visiting the iconic St. Mary's Basilica. The St. Mary's Basilica is a Gothic-style church originally built in the 13th century. Apart from its architectural beauty, the church also features a magnificent altarpiece by famed sculptor Veit Stoss, Gothic arches, and majestic pieces of art. However, the beauty of this structure hides a dark story of fratricide. It is believed that the mismatched height of the two towers of the church is due to a jealous rage of one brother against another, resulting in a murder and suicide.

Of medieval stories and vampires

Your next stop is at the Rynek Underground Museum, situated 4 meters below the surface, right under the Main Square. This museum will take you 800 years back in time as you see what Krakow and its Main Market looked like centuries ago. Walk through the Dungeon Main Market and gaze at medieval artifacts and findings. Polish history is incomplete without some mysticism! While at the museum, find out how people buried those they believed to be vampires so that the vampires wouldn't resurrect!

Krakow Old Town: St. Mary's Basilica and Rynek Underground Guided Tour

Embark on a journey through time as you explore Krakow’s historic heart, where Gothic spires punctuate the skyline and cobblestone streets whisper tales of old. Discover the intricate tapestry of history woven into every corner of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that invites visitors to step back in time with each footstep on its ancient pathways. Marvel at the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica, whose wooden altarpiece crafted by Veit Stoss stands as an enduring testament to Gothic artistry and craftsmanship. Delve beneath the bustling Main Square into the Rynek Underground Museum, where medieval artifacts lay buried for centuries until they were uncovered to reveal stories of life in medieval Krakow. With guided insights providing context to every turn, this exploration weaves the tangible threads of history with the intangible essence of cultural heritage, offering a tapestry of experiences that forge lasting connections while acknowledging the layers of complexity and change that have shaped this storied city.

Exploring St. Mary's Basilica's Gothic Grandeur

Experience St. Mary’s Basilica during the tour's highlight segment where the echoes of centuries resonate within its towering walls, inviting you to meditate and admire the intricate Gothic architecture that has stood as a landmark for over eight hundred years. The basilica, with its twin towers reaching skyward, commands attention from every corner of the Main Square. Inside, visitors are greeted by the awe-inspiring wooden altarpiece by German sculptor Veit Stoss, one of the largest and most detailed Gothic sculptures in Europe, featuring over 200 life-sized figures meticulously carved into intricate panels that narrate biblical stories with a depth and realism rarely seen. The basilica’s interior is bathed in a soft, golden light filtering through stained glass windows, creating an ethereal atmosphere conducive to reflection and reverence.

Diving Into the Rynek Underground Museum's Ancient Secrets

Access the Rynek Underground Museum included in the tour package enabling you to step 4 meters below the surface of Krakow’s Main Square, where medieval artifacts lie preserved as they were left by their original inhabitants centuries ago. This subterranean museum offers a unique perspective on life during medieval times through its exhibits that showcase everything from pottery shards to coins and tools used in daily activities. The Rynek Underground Museum not only provides a fascinating glimpse into the past but also educates visitors about the burial rites of vampires, an intriguing aspect of Krakow’s folklore and history.

Tour Highlights

• Visit St. Mary's Basilica towering Gothic altarpiece by Veit Stoss
• Experience Main Square urban legends magical and gruesome tales narrated clearly
• Explore Rynek Underground Museum medieval artifacts buried beneath the surface spectacularly
• Discover vampire burial rites unique historical insights intriguingly
• Include comprehensive guided tour package providing valuable history and culture context comprehensively
• Access subterranean layers of Krakow’s history revealing ancient secrets authentically

Wander for explorers of history, marvel at devotees of Gothic architecture, and delve into seekers of medieval mysteries, this journey through Krakow's Old Town weaves a tapestry of stories and sights that transport you across the ages. Join us to uncover the secrets hidden within St. Mary’s Basilica and beneath the bustling Main Square, crafting memories that linger like whispers from ancient times, echoing through the cobblestone streets and Gothic spires of this storied city.