Main Square and Sukiennice
The Main Market Square in Krakow is the largest city square and one of the largest markets in Europe. Established in the 13th century with a view to local trade, it has become a tourist attraction of Krakow and a place for social gatherings, concerts, fairs and festivals. Tourists who want to visit it will find comfortable Lemir apartments in the center of Krakow.
11 Krakow streets run to the Market Square. It is a place of such important monuments as the St. Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall or the Town Hall Tower (a remnant of the town hall destroyed in the 19th century). There is also a monument of Adam Mickiewicz and commemorating plates for important events in the history of Poland. The market was set out immediately after the location of the city in 1257. The square of 4 ha was designated in the center of Krakow, where locals and merchants following trade routes could sell their goods.
Sukiennice, the building that houses trade stalls, mostly with cloth, was created soon after. It was rebuilt many times. Burnt down in 1555, the building was reconstructed in a new, Renaissance shape. Another thorough reconstruction was carried out in the 19th century and the present day impressive shape of the Cloth Hall dates back to this design. Nowadays the stalls offer mainly jewelry, souvenirs and handicrafts.
The Main Market Square is the place of well-known, legendary restaurants, such as Wierzynek and Hawełka. They are within the walking distance from our apartments in Krakow. The market is a centre of social life and a place where various events and festivals are organised. You can dine here in one of the restaurant’s gardens, ride a horse-drawn carriage or buy a traditional Krakow braided round-shaped bread. This place is a must-see on every tourist’s map!
