Main Square, Kraków

The Main Market Square (Polish: Rynek Główny) is a historic square located in the Old Town of Kraków, Poland. It is the main open space right in the heart of the city. The square dates back to the 1300s, and with an area of 3.79 hectares (9.4 acres), it is often called one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe.

The Main Market Square is a square area surrounded by beautiful old buildings called townhouses (kamienice) and churches. In the middle of the square stands the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), which was rebuilt in 1555 in the Renaissance style and has a special roof with carved masks. Next to the Cloth Hall is the Town Hall Tower (Wieża ratuszowa), and nearby are the 11th century Church of St. Adalbert and the 1898 Adam Mickiewicz Monument. Above the square, you can see the tall Gothic towers of St. Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki). The square does not have a town hall today because the old one was lost long ago.

History

The Main Market Square was primarily a place for trade. After a big fire in 1241, it was rebuilt in 1257 and became even more important for the city. The square was designed with streets spaced evenly around it. King Casimir III built the first Cloth Hall and town hall there.

Over time, the square saw many important events. Kings and important visitors often passed through on their way to Wawel Castle. In 1596, the capital of Poland moved to Warsaw, but Kraków stayed important for royal events. During World War II, the square was renamed and some monuments were destroyed, but later they were rebuilt. In 1978, the square became a World Heritage Site. Today, it is known as one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

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Location

The Main Square is found on the Royal Road, a path used long ago during important events at the Wawel Cathedral. It lies between the Kraków barbican to the north and the Wawel Castle to the south. Since it was made, this square has always been the heart of the city.

The square is surrounded by old buildings made of brick, many of which are centuries old. Though most now look neoclassical, their older parts can still be seen inside. Under these buildings are big old cellars that are now used as places to eat and drink. Famous spots around the square include a big cloth hall and St. Mary's Basilica, known for its beautiful altar. The square also has many shops, cafes, and important landmarks that tell the story of Kraków's past.

Events

In December 2005, Kraków's Main Market Square was chosen as the best square in the world by the Project for Public Spaces. The square is a center for many fun events and celebrations. Some of these include the Kraków szopka Festival, Lajkonik celebrations, a Festival of Military Bands, the Juwenalia Student Festival, a special concert for the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, and Poland's biggest New Year's Eve party. Each Christmas Eve, the Adam Mickiewicz Monument is beautifully decorated with flowers.

The culture of Kraków is rich and colorful, and the Main Square stays busy and full of people all year. Like other old-town squares, it is known for its many rock pigeons, flower stalls, gift shops, beer gardens, and horse-drawn carriages. These carriages, called fiacres, began in the 1830s and now give tours around the Old Town and to the Wawel Royal Castle.

Views of the Main Market Square

The Main Market Square has many interesting views. You can see the eastern part, the western part, and the northeast corner which includes the Adam Mickiewicz Monument and St. Mary's Church. There is also a nice view from the south, from Grodzka Street.

Buildings on the Main Market Square and more interesting ones around

The Main Market Square in Kraków has many important buildings around it. You can find the Tower of the former Town Hall at number 1, the Church of St. Adalbert at number 2, and the famous Cloth Hall at number 3. Other notable buildings include the Grey House at number 6, the Potocki Palace at number 20, and Pod Baranami Palace at number 27. There are also Spiski Palace at number 34 and Pod Krzysztofory Palace at number 35.