Explore Krakow: UNESCO Old Town, Medieval Streets & Landmarks

Start the tour at Kraków Barbican, the best-preserved of its kind throughout Europe. It takes little imagination to picture how mighty this 25-meter-round outpost with 3-meter-thick walls would be in its days. A plaque on the fortress tells a legend that a townman called Marcin Oracewicz killed a Russian commander with the first shot from here and defended Kraków in 1768.

After the outer city walls part of which the barbican formed, you will encounter the beautiful St. Florian's Gate of the inner ramparts, surrounded by Planty Park which used to be a deep moat. The only left of the city's eight medieval gates was once connected with the barbican through a covered passage as a powerful defensive system.

This important entrance was the entry point of the medieval Royal Road, through which monarchs, processions, and distinguished guests entered the Main Square. Today, the artery road is called Floriańska Street, boasting an array of bustling cafés and significant historic buildings, such as Poland’s largest pharmacy museum and the House of Jan Matejko, the most celebrated Polish historicist painter.

At the end of the cobbled street stands the imposing St. Mary's Basilica. Being there even before the Main Square, the church has witnessed the long course of Krákow’s rich history: inscriptions on its outer walls are the relics of an ancient cemetery, the iron rings on the southern wall were fastened around the necks of sinners, and a trumpet song is played every hour from its tallest tower in memory of a heroic guard killed there while announcing a Mongol attack in the 13thcentury.

Just opposite is the emblematic Cloth Hall. Dating to the 13th century, the Renaissance pearl is one of Europe’s oldest shopping malls. The monumental building now hosts flamboyant stalls selling all sorts of Polish souvenirs and crafts, making it the best spot in the Old Town for window shopping and people-watching.

Also adding to the unique character of the square are the tiny 10th-century Church of St. Wojciech and the 14th-century stand-alone Town Hall Tower. Both monuments were the settings of important historical events: the place where St Adalbert used to preach and the medieval chamber where prisoners were tortured before being beheaded right in the square, respectively.

Just a short walk away is the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University, the first university in Poland. The 14th-century campus boasts a stunning late-Gothic courtyard and a special clock whose wooden figures of important professors and Polish kings perform every two hours. The tour ends here for you to take your time exploring the extensive collection of historic teaching instruments, or relax at the delightful cafés and restaurants around the square.