Main Market Square

Main Market Square

Main Market Square in Krakow (Polish: Rynek Główny w Krakowie, also known as Rynek Krakowski — Krakow Market Square) is the main square of the Old Town, Krakow, Poland. It dates back to the 13th century and – at 200 by 200 meters in both dimensions – it is the largest medieval town square in Europe.

History

Rynek Główny was designed in 1257, during the location of the city of Krakow by prince of Krakow, Bolesław V the Chaste. It was purposefully designed large, to attract passing merchants so they would offer their goods in Krakow, which at that time was the capital of the Kingdom of Poland. At 40,000 m², for many centuries it was the largest marketplace and town square in Europe.

The square was a witness to many important events in the history of Poland. On 10 April 1525, Albert I, Duke of Prussia paid the Prussian Homage to the king of Poland, Sigismund I the Old. On 24 March 1794, polish hero, Tadeusz Kościuszko announced the general uprising there and assumed the powers of the Commander in Chief of all of the Polish forces, beginning the Kościuszko Uprising.

Location

The square is located on the coronation route, between the Barbican of Krakow and the monumental Wawel Castle. Ever since its creation it has been considered the center of the city.

The square is surrounded by old brick buildings and palaces, almost all of them, several centuries old. They house many tourism-oriented establishments as well as the Historical Museum of Krakow and the International Center of Culture. Probably the most famous of the oldest establishments is the Wierzynek’s restaurant, remembered for the great feast (dated 1364) which, according to the legend, lasted for twenty one days and helped to reach a consensus between monarchs of Europe.

Among the square’s landmarks are the Sukiennice – a Renaissance trading hall and one of city’s most recognizable icons – now host to many merchant stalls, and the Gallery of the National Museum, upstairs. Another one is St. Mary’s Basilica with its Altar by Wit Stwosz, a Brick Gothic church built in the 14th century adjacent to the main market square. Other landmarks include the Church of St. Wojciech, Town Hall Tower and the Adam Mickiewicz Monument.

Present times

Since its creation, the ground level of the Market Square has raised, in some places by over 5 meters. Underneath there are large basements, the most famous of which is the Piwnica pod Baranami. Many basements are now transformed into caffees and restaurants; other include the Theater Maszkaron and small archaeological museum in the basement of the Church of St. Wojciech. There are passages linking some of the basements — for example one linking Town Hall Tower with Sukiennice. Sukiennice itself has a little known underground trading hall, 100 meters wide and 5 meters high. Now trade is dominated by gift shops and small but really interesting coffee places and restaurants.

Rynek is a center of Krakow – you cannot miss it as all the routes in te old city center focuses on it and lead to it. The Mail Square is also used for people’s gatherigs. It serves well wheather it’s a celebration of Poland joining European Union, or a simple annual celebration of students culture – Juwenalia. Every

Apart from its historical significance the Main Square is surrounded by dozens, or maybe hundreds of pubs, clubs and interesting places worth being visited. Renovation of formerly Jewish quarter of Krakow – Kazimierz, took some glamour of the Market Square. Kazimierz began to play role of Krakow’s center of night life, with it’s multitude of pubs and fashionable restaurants. Still Market Square is in lead for the fact that it’s more center that Kazimierz and closer to the University Campus.

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