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St. Mary’s tower reopens in Kraków

PR dla Zagranicy
John Beauchamp 09.04.2015 14:06
The tower of St Mary’s Basilica in Kraków, from which the traditional ‘hejnał’ bugle call is played, has reopened to visitors after a thorough refurbishment and renovation which took two years to complete.
Photo: cc/wikipedia user JadwigaPhoto: cc/wikipedia user Jadwiga

To reach the top of the tower and get a magnificent view of Poland’s historical capital, tourists have to climb 271 steps, 42 more than before the refurbishment project.

The first written accounts of the Krakow bugle call come from 1392. It is played by professional firefighters who work according to a 24-hour shift system and commemorates the trumpeter who, whilst raising the alarm, was shot through the throat by an arrow fired by Mongol invaders.

It is played every hour on the hour and is repeated four times: to the north, south, east and west. It consists of a simple melody of open chords, which is cut short in the middle of the final cadence.

On Thursday, as a bonus for first-day visitors, entrance to the tower is free. The tower is open three days a week: on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. (mk/jb)

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