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Cracow's Historic Centre

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Criteria	Cultural: IV
Reference	29
Inscription	1978 (2nd Session)

Stare Miasto (English: Old Town) is the central, historic district of Kraków (in English also spelled Krakow or Cracow), Poland. It is the most prominent example of an Old Town in the country also, because for centuries Kraków was the royal capital of Poland prior to Sigismund III Vasa's relocating of the court to Warsaw. Stare Miasto was added in 1978 to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as Cracow's Historic Centre).

The fortifications around the Old Town were erected over the course of two centuries. The medieval Krakow was surrounded by a 1.9 mile (3 km) defensive wall complete with 46 towers and seven main entrances leading through them. The current architectural plan of Stare Miasto—the 13th-century merchants' town—was drawn up following the Tatar invasions of 1259 and 1287. It featured the centrally located Rynek Główny, or Main Square, the largest medieval town square of any European city. There is a number of historic landmarks in its vicinity, such as St. Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki), Church of St. Wojciech (St. Adalbert's), Church of St. Barbara, as well as other national treasures. At the center of the plaza, surrounded by kamienice (row houses) and noble residences, stands the Renaissance cloth hall Sukiennice (currently housing gift shops, restaurants and merchant stalls) with the National Gallery of Art upstairs. It is flanked by the Town Hall Tower (Wieża ratuszowa).

The whole district is bisected by the Royal Way, the coronation route traversed by the Kings of Poland. The Route begins at the Church of St. Florian outside the northern flank of the old city walls in the medieval suburb of Kleparz; passes the Barbican of Kraków (Barbakan) built in 1499, and enters Stare Miasto through the Florian Gate. It leads down Floriańska Street through the Main Square, and up Grodzka to Wawel, the former seat of Polish royalty overlooking the Vistula river.

In the 19th century most of the Old Town fortifications were demolished. The moat encircling the walls was filled in and turned into a green belt known as Planty Park.

History

Around 700 A.D., many local tribes by uniting with each other initiated the process of forming the Vistulan State. Numerous remains of a once massive earth icebreaker embankment encircling the whole Wawel hill survived till this day. A chest with 4200 iron axes weighing about 4 tons was found in a basement of a house at Kanoniczna 19 street. These axes were commonly known under the name of “płacidłos” which is a word derived from the Polish verb “płacić” – to pay. As it happens the axes were a main legal tender in the neighboring Great Moravian State. The value of the treasure chest is the greatest to be discovered thus far and testifies to Krakow’s significant wealth and power in the region. At Wawel’s foot, in the place where now Kanoniczna, Grodzka and other neighboring streets are located, remains of a Vistulan settlement called Okół were found. This settlement, the beginnings of which can be dated at least back to the early IX century, was surrounded by an enormous oak palisade and, in the place where now the Straszewska and St. Gertrude’s streets run, by one of Vistula’s arms. Near Main Market Square – specifically near Church of St. Wojciech and Church of St. Mary and Bracka street - another discovery was made. Found were the relics of craft workshops and of dwelling houses which were originally raised near Vistula. What is more, under St. Wojciech's Church parts of a wooden temple were discovered. In those days Vistula had many arms which in turn formed several little islands in Krakow’s center. Kazimierz was one of such islands. It is also possible that Okół, Wawel and the Main Market Square were islands separated from the main land by moats or Vistula’s arms. Also, many structures were found on Wawel but it is extremely difficult to establish when they were built.

The bishops residing at Wawel and the prince’s court provided an adequate intellectual atmosphere. Since XIV century Krakow was the site of royal coronations. Under Kazimierz the Great's rule the Jagiellonian University was founded.

In 1380 the Polish throne was entrusted to Jadwiga's (who was king Kazimierz's only child) husband, the great Lithuanian prince Władysław Jagiełło (who founded the next Polish dynasty – the Jagiellon dynasty). Krakow instantly became the capital of a large monarchy which propelled the city’s cultural development. Also, many great artists did their work in Krakow.

The first mentions of Krakow date back to the second half of the 9th century. By the end of the 10th century Krakow was annexed into the Polish state which was then under the rule of the Piast dynasty. Soon after a bishopric was awarded to Krakow in 1000, the city became a residence of Polish kings for many years to come. Back then, Krakow encompassed today’s Old Town which means that Krakow’s history is also this Old Town’s history. Here, the regalia were stored and, back in early Middle Ages, a cathedral school was erected.

Main Market Square (view from St. Mary's Church)

Planty Park

Barbican

Main Market Square at dusk

Renaissance

Reneissance was the time when Old Town was blooming. It was then when, for example, the Wawel Cathedral was rebuilt so as to put on the features of the Italian Reneissance. Bona Sforza asked Bartolommeo Berrecci, Francisco the Florentian, Giovanni Maria Padovano, Santi Gucci and others specifically to do this task. As a result, Kanoniczna street is a part of Old Town which carries many features that are typical for that period. Unfotunately for Cracow however, with the passing of the last Jagiellon king the political life of Poland began to move to Warsaw.

Baroque

Baroque started at the beginning of the 17th century. At that time Zygmunt III Waza became a patron of the arts. Thanks to him, an architect Giovanni Trevano worked in Krakow and converted St. Peter's and Paul's church to a baroque style. During that period the Old Town was destroyed twice by the Swedes. Towards the end of the 17th century St. Ann’s church was built.

During the first half of the 18th century some outstanding works of art were created by fine architects among which were Kacper Bażanka and Franciszek Placidi. The culture of Baroque left it’s mark in this part of the city. Gothic churches were converted into the spirit of Baroque and fitted with new altars, sculptures, and paintings.

In 1794 Polish nation stood up to fight under the command of Tadeusz Kościuszko in order to defend their country. Unfortunately, Kościuszko Uprising ended with their defeat and in 1795 there was the Third Partition of Poland, which resulted in Krakow falling to Austria. Despite many difficulties, Krakow has always been the spiritual capital of Poland and city’s monuments have always been treated as cultural memorials and the representation of the national identity.

In the 19th century a decision was made stating the liquidation of the destroyed fortifications. It was a decision of the Austrian state but the liquidation was carried out during the time of the Duchy of Warsaw. Thanks to the efforts of professor Feliks Radwański the northern part of the wall, including Barbican, Florian Gate and three towers (which once made a so called gate of glory – a starting point of the Royal Road leading royal attendants to the place of the coronation) was saved. Planty Park was created in the place of the destroyed fortifications.

Also during that period Juliusz Slowacki Theatre came into existence. It is located at the Holy Ghost Square, which is all that remains of the old hospital that was ran by the religious order of 'duchacy' or Order of the Holy Ghost. Hospital buildings lasted until the 19th century and the theatre building, which is an example of the electic architecture, was built in their place.

In 1850 a big fire spread through the city and caused a lot of damage.

In 1876 prince Władysław Czartoryski gave to the city some artistic and patriotic collections. Three years later, the National Museum in Krakow was established. Krakow became the centre of museology. Famous artists such as Jan Matejko and Stanisław Wyspiański worked in the Old Town, which was also the place where independence movements were born. Even after the independence was regained the city did not lose its position.

Wartime

The Second World War started and on September 6, 1939 German forces entered Krakow. The city became the capitol of the so called General Government. The oppression of Jews began and a concentration camp was created in Plaszow. The Old Town was plundered and many works of art were stolen. Museums, schools and theatres were closed. Professors were arrested.

It was until January 18, 1945 when Soviet forces of the 2nd Ukrainian Front under the command of marshal Ivan Konev liberated Krakow and forced German army to withdraw almost without a fight. Communists took over the government. Krakow along with its priceless monuments and works of art somehow managed to survive and today it attracts many tourists from all over the world, who want to visit the old capitol of Poland and explore the Old Town.

The Old Town Today

Map of The Old Town

Bugler playing the Heynal

Horse Drawn Carriage in Krakow

Bagle Cart

Today the Old Town attracts many tourists from all over the World. Krakow is one of the 13 places in Poland that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architectural building complex of the Old Town has survived all cataclysms of the past and retained its original layout coming from the medieval times.

Throughout the whole year the Old Town is lively and crowded. There are many tourists, indefatigable florists and lined horse drawn carriages awaiting to give a ride. The place is always vibrant with life.

The Main Market Square is one of the biggest squares in Europe. It came into existence when the city was granted Magdeburg Rights in 1257. The size of the square is 656 feet x 656 feet (200 meters x 200 meters). Touristic attractions such as Town Hall Tower, Sukiennice (also known as (Cloth Hall, Drapers' Hall), old tenements, and Adam Mickiewicz Monument are all located there. While near the monument, you can listen to the heynal, which is played each hour from the highest tower of St. Mary's Church.

There are many cafes, pubs and clubs, which are all located in medieval basements and cellars. The most famous places are “Wierzynek” and “Pod Jaszczurami”. Numerous events, concerts and exhibitions are organized there.

Obwarzanki (in English:bagles) are undoubtadely a symbol of Krakow. On the square there is a bagle seller every few steps. Famous Obwarzanki from Krakow, which were also known as “bajgle” before the war, are not quite from Krakow. It is a traditional Hebrew dish which is served on a jewish holiday called Shavuot. Traditional bagle is a garland shaped bread sprinkled with poppy-seeds. Today, sellers offer a whole variety of kinds, apart from poppy-seeds there are also sesame seeds, salt and even pizza sprinkles. You can eat them in a horse drawn carriage while cruising around. While in a carriage you can also look at Krakow pigeons – the next symbol of the city. Apart from bagles, pigeons and horse drawn carriages, you can also come across buskers and mimes.

When speaking of horse drawn carriages it is worth to mention a poem by K. I. Gałczyński entitled Zaczarowana dorożka. The poem describes a journey through Krakow in a magical horse drawn carriage.

Also, Krakow symbolic pigeons did not come from nowhere. According to the legend Henry IV Probus, who tried to take over the Senioral Province (during the period of regional disintegration in Poland), wanted to go to Rome with offerings in money in order to gain approval for his coronation. Certain enchantress turned his knights into pigeons and they pecked out some pebbles from the walls of St. Mary’s Church, which later turned into gold. With those riches the prince set off to Vatican, but while on his way he lost everything and never managed to reach his destination. Atlhough he returned to Krakow, none of his knights regained the human form.

Famous Places

Wierzynek – restaurant on the Main Market Square. Its name refers to the figure of townsman Mikołaj Wierzynek and a feast held by him in the 17th century.

Jama Michalika – artistic café, with over one hundred years of literary traditions. Here the Zielony Balonik Cabaret has come into being and the Spirit of Young Poland has arisen.

Piwnica pod Baranami – the cabaret created by artists from Krakow; it is situated on the Main Market Square.

Pod Jaszczurami – it is a students’ club on the Main Market Square. The club is a legend in academic cultural movement. It is a popular place of meetings for the academic environment of Krakow.

Moreover, the square in the city center is a place where many famous people and many important events were commemorated. There are plaques dedicated to the oath of Tadeusz Kościuszko in 1794, to Prussian Homage in 1525 and to supporting the renovation of Main Market Square from 1964.

Events in Krakow

Make yourself aquainted with various events in Krakow.

Monuments

Churches

• 
  Church of St. Andrew
• 
  Church of St. Ann
• 
  Church and monastery of Franciscans
• 
  Church of St. Martin
• 
  Kościół Mariacki
• 
  Pijary Church
• 
  Church of St. Wojciech
• 
  Church of St. Barbara

• Church of St. Andrew
• Church of St. Ann
• Church of St. Barbara
• Church and Monastery of Franciscans
• Church of St. Giles
• St. John’s The Babtist and St. John’s The Evangelist Church
• Reformatory Church of St. Casimir
• Church of Our Lady of Snows
• Church of St. Martin
• Church of St. Mary
• Church of St. Marc
• St. Peter’s and Paul’s Church
• Pijary Church
• Church of St. Tomas
• St. Trinity Church (Dominican Church)
• Church of St. Wojciech

Theatres

• 
  Juliusz Słowacki Theatre by night

• Juliusz Słowacki Theatre
• Old Theatre

Museums

• Galleries and departments of National Museum in Krakow:
  • Sukiennice Museum
  • The Palace of Bishop Erazm Ciołek on a Kanoniczna Street
  • House of Jan Matejko
  • Stanislaw Wyspianski Museum
  • Czartoryski Museum
• Historical Museum of Krakow with its Departments:
  • Barbican
  • The Cross House
  • Hippolitow House
  • Town Hall Tower
• Archdiocesean Museum
• Archeological Museum
• Pharmaise Museum Collegium Modicum at Jagiellonian University
• Old Theatre Museum
• Collegium Maius Jagiellonian University Museum

Monuments

• 
  Adam Mickiewicz
• 
  Piotr Skrzynecki
• 
  Józef Dietl
• 
  Eros Bendato
• 
  Nicolaus Copernicus
• 
  Tadeusz Kościuszko
• 
  Michal Balucki
• 
  Grażyna

• Monument of Adam Mickiewicz – Main Marketplace

Unveiled in the centenary of Adam Mickiewicz’s (Adam Mickiewicz) birth. It is situated between the St. Mary’s Church and the eastern side of Sukiennice. This place is very characteristic; at the same time it is a place of meetings for many young people. Monument has been designed by Teodor Rygra in 1898. A poet is surrounded by four groups, which symbolize: Homeland (from the East), Science – an old man with a boy (from the side of the Florianska Street), Poetry (from the side of the Church of St. Wojciech), and Patriotism (from the side of the Sukiennice). At the beginning not everyone liked the monument, but now it has become a characteristic element of the Main Market Square panorama.

• Monument of Jozef Bohdan Zaleski – Basztowa Street

The monument is commemorating the poet. It presents harpist with a guide boy. The author of the monument that was made in 1886 is Pius Welonski.

• Monument of Jagiello and Jadwiga Planty Park.

It was raised in lasting memory of the quincentenary of the Union between Poland and Lithuania. Tomas Oscar Sosnowski is its author. The Monument has was in 1886.

• Monument of Lilia Weneda Planty Park.

Erected to commemorate Juliusz Slowacki. It presents a character from the poet’s drama playing a harp. Monument made by Alfred Daun in 1884.

• Monument of Artur Grottger – across the Palace of Art.

The monument erected in honour of the painter by Waclaw Szymanowski in 1901.

• Monument of Piotr Skrzynecki – in front of the Vis-á-vis café, on the Main Market Square.
• Monument of Jozef Dietl – on the All Saints’ Square.

Monument erected in honour of the first president of Krakow, by Ksawery Dunikowski, in 1938.

• Monument of Aleksander Fredro – in front of the Slowacki Theater, near the Planty Park. It was made by Cyprian Godebski in 1900.
• Monument of Nicolaus Copernicus – Planty Park, near the Collegium Novum.

It presents astronomer (Nicolaus Copernicus) as a scholar. The author of this monument is Cyprian Godebski, the monument was made in 1900.

• Grażyna Monument – Planty Park.

It presents characters from Adam Mickiewicz’s novel entitled “Grażyna” (Grażyna and Litawor). It was made by Alfred Daun in 1884.

• Monument of Florian Straszewski – Planty Park.

Obelisk erected in honour of co-originator of Planty Park. Made by Edward Stehlik in 1874.

• Monument of Michał Bałucki – behind the Juliusz Slowacki Theatre.

The bust of comedy writer made by Tadeusz Błotnicki, in 1911.

• Monument – Soviet Soldiers’ Graveyard – till 1997 it was situated near the Barbican and later it was moved to the Rakowicki Cemetery.
• Monument of Soldiers who fell during the Cracow’s liberation in 1945 The authors of the monument are Karol Muszkiet and Marcin Bukowski. The momument was made in 1945.
• Sculpture entitled “Polonia” – near the Church of Franciscans.

The sculpture presents the mother, holding a baby in her arms, with a weasel, and two dogs. The author is Genowefa Nowak and she made it in 1968.

• Monument of Tadeusz Boy-Żeleński – near the exit of Poselska Street.

The bust of Stanislaw Wyspianski’s friend. The author is Edward Krzak. It was made in 1980.

• Monument of Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha – in front of the Church of Franciscans. According to the August Zamoyski’s (August Zamoyski) project from 1976.
• Monument of Tadeusz Kościuszko – on Wawel.

Monument sculptured by Leonardo Marconi and Antoni Popiel. The monument was made from bronze in 1900.

• Sculpture “Eros Bendato” made by Igor Mitoraj – the sculpture of a famous artist is situated on the Main Market Square, near the Town Hall Tower.

See also

• Culture of Kraków
• Satelite photograph of the Old Town from Google Maps