The Main Market Square

It is the largest medieval square in Europe. Measuring approximately 200 metres by 200 metres, it was laid out when the city received its charter in 1257. Unlike the Cloth Hall, the Town Hall and the townhouses that border the square, the churches of St Mary and St Adalbert were built before the charter and so are not aligned with the sides of the Main Market Square. The most recent addition to the square is the monument of Adam Mickiewicz, designed in 1898 by Teodor Rygier; today it is the most popular meeting place for young people. Looking at the restored colourful townhouses and mansions surrounding the square it is hard to believe that they are 500-600 years old. The Grey House (Szara Kamienica) at no. 6 deserves a closer look. Legend has it that it was donated by King Casimir the Great to his mistress, Sarah. The Pod Krzysztofory Palace at no. 35 is noteworthy as kings John Casimir, Michal Korybut Wisniowiecki and Duke Jozef Poniatowski all stayed there at one time or other, and from it there is a wonderful panorama of the Main Market Square with St Mary’s Church, the Town Hall Tower, Adam Mickiewicz’s monument and the Cloth Hall. It now houses the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków in which you can see Jan Matejko’s famous painting The Prussian Homage. The Pod Baranami Palace (Rams’ Palace) at no. 27 is the home of a popular cabaret. House No. 15 is renowned for its restaurant, Wierzynek, whose traditions go back to a famous feast held at the house in 1364.