essential - krakow

Founded in 1885, Park Krakowski was built on grounds the city leased from the military and was modeled on the parks of Vienna.

The original layout had included a concert bowl, ice rink, bicycle track, a zoo, a summer theatre, restaurants and cafes and was a popular hang-out for the Krakowians, but after the First World War the majority of the park was stripped away to make way for a rapid growth in real estate. Today, only the pond remains.

However, it continues to be a popular hang-out with locals as the 12.5 acres of park space offers a number of recreational opportunities and since 1974 Park Krakowski has been home to the abstract outdoor sculptures of numerous Polish artists.