Things to do in Wieliczka

Amazing! Well worth a visit, a well organised tour and so interesting.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Krakow, built in the 13th century on the Central Market Square of Krakow, is a Gothic-style building with two towers, one high and one low. The exquisite carvings, brightly colored wall paintings, dazzling glass windows, and the dome that looks like a starry sky are all eye-catching. Every time it is close to the hour, a large number of tourists will spontaneously gather near the Basilica of Our Lady to wait for the trumpeter in the bell tower to blow, in memory of the brave trumpeter who blew the alarm when the Mongols attacked the city in the 13th century but was shot in the throat by an arrow.

This was once a major center along the international trade routes, and 700 years ago it was open air, selling spices, silk, leather goods, etc. 600 years later (around 1300 AD), a roof was added, and the main trade was textiles, and from then on it was called the Cloth Hall. Today, the ground floor is full of shops/stalls selling all kinds of Polish souvenirs, jewelry, glassware, and the top floor is the Krakow National Gallery. Outside the hall there are many cafes, shops and vendors selling more souvenirs, handmade items and food. There are also many horse-drawn carriages waiting to take you around the old town.