Castle · UNESCO
Wawel Royal Castle
Kraków, Poland
The hilltop seat of Polish kings, with a cathedral, royal chambers and views over the Vistula.
Square · Poland · Lesser Poland
Main Market Square Kraków
One of Europe's biggest medieval squares, with the Cloth Hall, a bugle call from a church tower and street musicians.
UNESCO World Heritage Free to enter about 1.5 h
For storytellers
Why Main Market Square Kraków matters
This is the living room of Kraków. The square is enormous and it was laid out in the 13th century, with the Renaissance Cloth Hall running right through the middle. Every hour a trumpeter plays a short melody from the taller tower of St Mary's Church, and then stops abruptly in the middle of a note, in memory of a legend about a medieval watchman. Sit at an outdoor café, watch the horse carriages, and come back at night when the buildings are lit.
Talking points
- The square is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe.
- A trumpet call sounds from St Mary's tower every hour and stops mid-note by tradition.
- The Cloth Hall in the middle still houses market stalls selling crafts.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Kraków
Neighbourhood · UNESCO
Kazimierz
Kraków, Poland
Kraków's historic Jewish quarter, now full of synagogues, cafés, galleries and nightlife.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
St Mary's Basilica Kraków
Kraków, Poland
The twin-towered Gothic church on the Main Square, famous for its carved wooden altarpiece and blue star-spang...
Museum
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory
Kraków, Poland
A museum in the former factory that tells the story of Kraków under Nazi occupation.
Viewpoint
Kościuszko Mound
Kraków, Poland
An artificial mound built in the 19th century to honour a national hero, with sweeping views over Kraków.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.