These tips for visiting St. Mary's Church in Gdansk, Poland will prepare you for climbing the tower of the church and help you to appreciate the interior of St. Mary's responsibly and respectfully.
1. Bring Your Camera - But Turn Off the Flash
You'll want to bring a camera that has a strap (to keep your hands free if you climb the tower stairs), but be sure to turn off your flash. There is a no-flash rule in St. Mary's Church as there is in many building intereriors, museums, and art galleries throughout Poland.2. Keep Your Voice Low
While you may see more tourists than church goers at St. Mary's, it's always good to keep your voice down when you enter a church while traveling. Some individuals may go to the church to pray, so remember to be respectful and admire the church's artifacts and interiors without being distracting. In addition, take phone calls outside.3. Wear Flate Shoes With Proper Tread
If you plan to ascend the almost-500 steps to the tower of St. Mary's Church, be sure to wear proper shoes. The stairs up to the tower are narrow and the stone slick with wear. Heeled shoes, or shoes without proper tread can increase your risk for twisting an ankle or falling.4. Avoid the Tower if You are Afraid of Heights
While the views from the tower of St. Mary's Church are spectacular, if you're afraid of heights, this attraction is not for you. Not only can the platform be vertigo-inducing, but ascending and descending the spiral staircase can be tricky.5. Avoid the Tower if You are Claustrophobic
In order to get up to the tower of St. Mary's Church, you will climb a stairwell that is narrow and dark. If you're claustrophobic, you will want to stay on the ground floor of the church.6. Avoid the Tower if You Are in Poor Health
Gauge your abilities against the 470 stairs it takes to ascend the stairs to St. Mary's tower. This climb can leave even the fit and young out of breath. Once you start up, there's no backing down; the stairwell is too narrow if you must pass someone coming up upon descent.
