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The Krakow Main Square

Outlined in the 13^th century, the Main Square (Rynek Glowny) has always been the heart of Krakow. First, as a Market Square, it gathered merchants from all around Poland and Europe, who traded goods in the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), and now it is a gathering place for tourists visiting Cracow, and a great starting point for those who want to see its landmarks.

The Buildings on the Rynek in Krakow

As you enter the Rynek from Florianska Street, you are immediately stunned by the monumental Cloth Hall, positioned right in the middle of the square, making the 40.000 sq. m. space seem not as large. The sight on your left is the Mariacki Church (St. Mary's Church), Krakow's most famous basilica. Each hour from its higher tower the famous bugle call can be heard. Poland's greatest poet Adam Mickiewicz gives you a surprised look from his monument by the Sukiennice, and behind the building the Town Hall Tower points to the sky. And finally, there is the tiny St. Adelbert's Church (The Church of Święty Wojciech), whose history goes way back to the 10^th century, when the Main Square in Krakow didn't even exist.

The Rynek's History

The Square was laid out in 1257, and from then on Krakow virtually grew around it. The Old Town's streets leave it at right angles, with the exception of Grodzka street, which was a part of the traditional merchant's route, and leads straight to the Wawel Castle. The Main Square's size was to attract traders and provide them with enough space to comfortably buy and sell their goods. And indeed comfortable it was, since they traded on the largest medieval square in Europe.

Krakow's Best Meeting Point

Over the years, the Rynek's main function evolved from the economical to the social center of Krakow. The young and the old, tourists as well as locals, use it as a gathering place, and meet under the Adam Mickiewicz Monument to set off for a tour of the city's landmarks, museums or pubs, clubs and restaurants.

But you don't have to leave the Rynek Glowny at all to have a good time. You can just sit in one of the outdoor restaurants or cafes, have a drink and just contemplate the view. You can ride one of Krakow's famous horse carriages for a nice tour of the city, or simply listen to the street musicians, watch the mimes, buy a rose or two from the Main Market flower sellers or feed the omnipresent pigeons (by the way: did you know that according to the legend they are in fact brave knights changed into birds by an evil sorcerer?). If Krakow deserves its opinion as a “slow town”, it is certainly thanks to the calm yet never boring atmosphere of the Rynek.

Events on the Main Square in Krakow

It is not always so peaceful, however. The size and location of the Main Square make it the perfect spot for organizing huge events, such as religious or secular parades – like the International Parade of Dragons, charity concerts (like the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity) or various open-air exhibitions and fairs. The Main Square in Krakow is also the place of Poland's (and, perhaps, Europe's) biggest New Year's Eve party.