When in one of the oldest cities in Poland, prepare to be impressed by the historic charm, architectural wealth, and rich culture of Krakow’s Old Town. Also known as Stare Miasto in Polish, this medieval merchant’s town was one of the first inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From historic buildings to one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Europe, here is what you will find walking through the cobblestone streets of Krakow’s well-preserved Old Town district.
Main Square – Rynek Główny
The Main Square in Old Town, Rynek Główny, is where you will find most of the main attractions and historic landmarks. The grand Main Square dates back to the 13th century and is the largest medieval town square in Europe. Some of Poland’s most beautiful architecture and artwork is prominently on display in the Main Square, and it is the best place for people-watching due to its lively street life. You will find everything from amazing colorful buildings, museums, pubs, restaurants, shops, and food carts selling delicious Polish pretzels when walking through the Main Square of Krakow’s Old Town.
Old Town is rich with art, including multiple bronze statues and marble monuments. The most notable it the Adam Mickiewicz Monument near the center of the Main Square. Near the monument, you can hear a trumpeter play St. Mary’s Trumpet Call being played each hour from the tower of the nearby basilica.
Cloth Hall – Sukiennice
Right in the center of the Main Square is a landmark of the city is the Cloth Hall, Sukiennice in Polish. Once a major center for international trade during the Renaissance, the building features Gothic, Romanesque, and Rococo styles of architecture. The building currently hosts different shops, restaurants, and merchant stalls and the Sukiennice Museum featuring 19th-Century Polish Art is located on the upper floor.
Historic Churches
There are dozens of historic churches around Krakow’s Old Town. The most notable of which is the 14th century St. Mary’s Basilica. Its Gothic towers and spires lookout over the Main Square. The 10th century Church of St. Wojciech is one of the oldest stone churches in Poland and features early Polish Romanesque architecture. Another historic church is the Renaissance-era Church of St. Anne, one of the finest examples of Polish Baroque architecture and featuring soaring interior ceilings and stuccoes.
The Barbican
Another important historic landmark in Krakow’s Old Town, the Barbican, is one of the remnants of the medieval walls that once encircled the city. During the Middle Ages, the Barbican was used as a passageway to connect St. Florian’s gate to the outside world.
St. Florian’s Gate
Another remnant from the city’s defensive fortifications, St. Florian’s Gate is a Gothic tower overlooking Kraków’s Old Town.
Wawel Castle
In a city rich with architectural masterpieces, Wawel Castle is one of the most striking structures. Located along the Vistula River, Wawel Castle seamlessly weaves together medieval, renaissance and baroque periods of architectural design and was the residence of the Polish monarchy for centuries. Today, the castle is a museum which hosts one of the country’s finest collections of Renaissance paintings, sculpture, textiles, and oriental art.
Bars & Pubs
Krakow’s Old Town is known for having one of the best after-dark scenes in all of Europe. There are a number of Polish pubs and bars serving local beer and vodka, as well as tasty bites to eat like pierogies. A mainstay in the Polish nightlife scene is Bania-Luka which is popular with locals and tourists.
Browse Poland tour packages 2020
