Thursday 24 September 2015

Saint Mary’s Basilica, Krakow

Student:Rafael MORNA, IXth E grade; Coordinating teacher: Melania EGYED; School: “Samuil Vulcan” National College
Saint Mary’s Basilica from Krakow is a basilica that was built in the 13th century and then rebuilt in the 14th century. Its height is 80m and it is made of brick in a gothic style. 

Every hour, around the half, there’s someone playing a trumpet from the tallest tower and then, the song stops suddenly. This happens with a reason: to commemorate the trumpeter from the 13th century that was trying to alert the city that enemies were approaching but he got shot by an arrow in his neck.  The one that plays the trumpet plays the song four times, to the each cardinal point.
To get to the top of the tallest tower, which is embellished with a gothic spiral and has a golden crown on its “head”, you have to climb on about 239 stairs made both of wood and stone.
Not only is the Basilica known for the trumpeter’s story, it is also known for its altar, sculpted of wood by Veit Stoss, in the 15th century. It has a height of 13m and a width of 11m.
During the earthquake, in 1442, pretty many buildings have been demolished, but Saint Mary’s Basilica barely moved.
In 1961, the tower got in a really bad state, so it’s been closed for visitor’s safe and it got opened again only in 2002, after 41 years.
Photo, 26 May, 2015

         
  The smaller tower is used as a belfry and its height is 69m. There are pretty many legends about Saint Mary’s Basilica. For example, people say that the architect of the smaller tower assassinated his brother, the architect of the taller tower, for being jealous of him. The feeling of guilt made him commit suicide, jumping from the roof of the tower.
In a nutshell, Krakow is a beautiful city that is worth being visited. If you have the change to get there one day, don’t forget to visit Saint Mary’s Basilica.


Sources of information:

No comments:

Post a Comment