Krakow Hourly Trumpet Signal
Every full hour a golden trumpet shows above Krakow’s central Grand Square in the west window just below the spire of the higher, municipal tower of the Basilica of the Virgin Mary's. Then a characteristic trumpet signal, known and dear to every Pole, resounds all over the city’s Old Town historical district. All of a sudden the melody comes to an abrupt end. Next it is played towards the east, the south and the north. At noon the whole ritual is broadcast by the Polish radio. The Krakow signal, or Hejnal Mariacki, dates back to the Middle Ages when it was announcing the opening and the closing of the city gates. The bugler also played it to alarm his fellow citizens whenever he saw a fire or the enemy forces. And the melody abrupt ending is said to commemorate a bugler shot through his throat by a Tatar archer in 1241. 

Click here to listen to the Krakow Signal

Great Altar
The world's greatest Gothic sculpture

The Crown
Royal giant headdress tops the city of Krakow since 1666

Krakow churches
Krakow numerous churches are architectural gems, art hoards, and spiritual hubs