studentsineurope

Krakow’s Bugle

Bugle Spire in the Basilica

In the main square in Krakow, from the highest spire on the square comes a bugle call every hour on the hour. From a window below the highest point of the Basilica of the Virgin Mary, a man plays his bugle to the West, East, North and West. The volume achieved is impressive and can be heard from blocks away from the square. In the middle ages this bugle melody was intended to signal the opening and closing of the city gates. It was also used to warn citizens when the bugler saw fire or enemy forces. The melody comes to an abrupt stop, seemingly mid-note. This is to commemorate a Krakow trumpeter who was apparently shot through the throat by a Tatar archer in 1241 when the Mongols besieged the city. I love hearing these great traditions and was very pleased to see that the trumpet call came from a real person and not a recording. What a unique job to have! Who said there was no money and respect in bugle playing anymore?