13 places to see in Krakow’s Old Town
Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities in Poland, with a rich history and culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. Its heart is the Old Town, which has retained its medieval character. Among its monuments are cathedrals, churches, the town hall, townhouses and palaces, along with picturesque streets and the market square. Here are some of the places to see when visiting Krakow.
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle is a royal castle and cathedral that was the seat of Polish kings for many centuries. The castle consists of many buildings, including the Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral, the Cathedral Museum and the Clock Tower. Inside there are many art and treasure exhibitions, including the famous Armory. Wawel Castle is one of Poland’s most important monuments and is certainly a must-see in Krakow.
Market Square
The Main Market Square is the center of the Old Town, surrounded by beautiful townhouses, the cathedral and the town hall. It is one of the largest markets in Europe, and one of the most important tourist destinations in Krakow. The market is the perfect place to take a stroll, drink coffee in one of the many cafes or eat traditional Polish food in one of the many restaurants.
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Cracow, located on the Main Square. It was built in the Gothic style, and its tower is 80 meters high. St. Mary’s Church is famous for its beautiful altarpiece by Veit Stoss, which is one of the finest works of Gothic art in the world.
Cloth Hall
The Cloth Hall is a beautiful Gothic building, located in the Main Square. In the Middle Ages it was the central trade hall, and today it is one of the most important monuments of Krakow. Inside the Cloth Hall are numerous handicraft and souvenir stores, as well as the National Museum, which showcases Polish art and culture.
Kanonicza Street
Kanonicza Street is one of the most beautiful streets in Krakow, with numerous tenement houses, churches and palaces. It is also one of the oldest streets in the city, which was known for its residences of canons and aristocrats as early as the Middle Ages. Today, Kanonicza Street is an ideal place to take a stroll, admire the beautiful townhouses and feel the atmosphere of an earlier era.
Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslaus
The Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslaus is one of the most important churches in Krakow, located on Franciszkańska Street. It was built in Gothic style in the 13th century and later rebuilt in Baroque style in the 17th century. Inside the cathedral are numerous works of art, including frescoes and altars.
Planty
The Planty is a park that surrounds the Old Town and is an ideal place to relax and unwind. It was established in the 19th century on the site of the demolished fortifications that previously surrounded the city. The park is a very popular place for strolling, and also hosts various cultural events.
Tenement houses on Grodzka Street
Grodzka Street is one of the most beautiful streets in Cracow, with numerous historic tenement houses, churches and palaces. The tenement houses on Grodzka Street are an ideal place for a stroll, admiring the beautiful facades and historical architecture.
Czartoryski Museum
The Czartoryski Museum is one of the most important museums in Poland, located in a historic palace on St. John Street. The museum features many works of art, including the famous painting “Lady with an Ermine” by Leonardo da Vinci. The Czartoryski Museum is an ideal place for art and history lovers.
St. Mary’s Crypt
St. Mary’s Crypt is an underground room underneath St. Mary’s Church, where the tombs of famous figures from the history of Krakow are located. In the crypt you can see, among other things, the tombs of kings and archbishops, and learn about the history of this remarkable place.
Florianska Street
Florianska Street is one of the most famous streets in Cracow, leading from the Main Square to Florianska Gate. It is home to numerous stores, cafes and restaurants, as well as historic townhouses and churches. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll and feel the atmosphere of old Poland.
Collegium Maius
Collegium Maius is the oldest building at Jagiellonian University, located on Jagiellonian Street. It was built in the 15th century and now serves as a museum. In Collegium Maius you can see, among other things, the famous astronomical clock from the 16th century and the Professors’ Hall.
Frederic Chopin Museum
The Fryderyk Chopin Museum is a museum dedicated to the famous Polish composer, located in the historic Czapski Palace on Szpitalna Street. The museum displays many of Chopin’s memorabilia, including his piano and many manuscripts and documents.
Summary
Krakow is a city that has a lot to offer, especially in the Old Town. Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall, Kanonicza Street, St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslaus Cathedral, the Planty Park and the townhouses on Grodzka Street are just some of the places worth seeing during a visit to Krakow. It is a city full of history, culture and beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world.