ST. MARY’S BASILICA

Krakow, Poland

St Mary's Basilica is a brick gothic church fronting the Main Market Square in Kraków. Built in the 14th century, its foundations date back to the early 13th century the church serve as one of the best examples of Polish Gothic architecture. Standing 262 ft tall, it is particularly famous for its wooden altarpieces and murals. St Mary's Basilica also has served as an architectural inspiration for many other churches built by the Polish diaspora abroad, particularly those like Saint Michael's and Saint John Cantius in Chicago, also designed in the Polish Cathedral style. The smaller building in the foreground of the sketch is the Church of St. Adalbert, Krakow’s oldest church - tiny, but still functioning.

On every hour, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, a trumpet is played from the top of the taller tower. The tune breaks off in mid-stream, to commemorate a famous 13th century trumpeter who was shot in the throat while sounding the alarm before a Mongol attack on the city. The noon-time tune is heard across Poland, broadcast live by Polish radio.

Market Square is an enormous plaza, with dozens of sidewalk restaurants and shops. The atmosphere is relaxed. The presence of the two religious towers lends a degree of reverence to the environment. Notice the sketcher in the foreground – who could it be?