The image posted today is of St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow, Poland. I found the picture while searching for images, and I was immediately drawn to the look of the church as it seems to gaze on the town, keeping a certain kind of order to the world of the town: perhaps as a signal that Christian culture exists there? I have noticed a similar phenomena when approaching a new town: as you drive into the town, if there is an old church with a bell tower, and/or steeple, the eye is drawn to it, and the town immediately seems to possess a rich(er) character as you know that those bell towers, and steeples, were not thrown up overnight: that building them took years, much work, and monetary sacrifices on the part of the people. That such churches are beautiful testify to the love the people had, and do have, for God.
But, back to St. Mary’s in Krakow, here is a bit of information:
“Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven (also known as Saint Mary’s Church; Polish: Kościół Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Maryi Panny, Kościół Mariacki) is a Brick Gothic church adjacent to the Main Market Square in Krakow, Poland. Built in the 14th century, its foundations date back to the early 13th century and serve as one of the best examples of Polish Gothic architecture. Standing 80 m (262 ft) tall, it is particularly famous for its wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz).
On every hour, a trumpet signal—called the -Heinal mariacki-is played from the top of the taller of Saint Mary’s two towers. The plaintive tune breaks off in mid-stream, to commemorate the famous 13th century trumpeter, who was shot in the throat while sounding the alarm before the Mongol attack on the city. The noon-time hejnał is heard across Poland and abroad broadcast live by the Polish national Radio 1 Station. (source)
What a beautiful church with a rich history!
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