Krakow Market Square

Why Krakow Market Square is special
It is one of the world's largest and most captivating squares.

Top 5 Krakow Market Square attractions
Cloth House
Architecturally stunning (see photo's middle right). Dates back to the 16th century. Once was a trading center, today it's a museum and a complex of indoor stalls selling gifts and souvenirs.

Perimeter buildings
Merchant houses and other photogenic, centuries-old structures line Krakow Market Square.

St Mary's Church
A 14th century creation. Striking interior. Pope John II served as a cardinal and archbishop here. Note: The photo above was taken from one of its towers.

St Adalbert Church
This small structure goes back to the 11th century.

Town Hall Tower
It's all that remains of the 16th century town hall complex.

More Krakow Market Square tips and insights

• Popularity
  It's Poland's best-appreciated tourist destination.
  
• Summertime
  Cafes and restaurants spill out into Krakow Market Square, as do touts, flower sellers, and street entertainers. The space is large enough not to be overrun with tourists.
• Underground
  Some of the buildings have cellars that have been converted to lively pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, among other enterprises.
• Nearby wonders
  Just down Grodska Street is Wawel Castle. A half-hour out of town is Weilicska Salt Mine. Both are Hillman Wonders medal winners.
• World War II
  Krakow was more fortunate than many large Polish cities. It suffered only modest war damage.

Location in Poland