Krakow Guide to Old Town

Grodzka Apartments are located in the pictoresque part of the Old Town called The Royal Route. The urban layout preserved since the Middle Ages, leads through a route creating magnificent sites only available in ancient European cities.

The route begins near St. Florian's Church in Matejki Square, passes by the Krakow Barbican - the main entrance to the city, through St. Florian's Gate, along ul. Florianska, across the Main Market Square and along Grodzka street to the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill.



The Barbican is the former principal gateway to the city and was a key element because of its fortifeid walls that provided defensive from potential invaders. In summer time, it becomes an open air exhibition or concert hall.

The Florianska street seems to be the busiest street of Old Town. It has the biggest number of stores, cafes and disco-bars. It is rich in cellar bars and clubs located in medieval vaults and basements.

The Main Market Square - Rynek - is the central part of Krakow's Old Town and also the center of the Royal Route. It has always been a focal point of the commercial and social life from its early beginnings till present times. In the center of the Square, you can find the Cloth Hall, Sukiennice, which is a former commercial center and is now one of the best places to purchase regional or folk handcrafts, gifts, and souvenirs.

The Main Market Square is surrounded by a number of the unique architectural masterpieces, which placed the Square on the list of most prestigious world heritage sites. The glorious feeling of the square comes not only from the famous buildings like St. Mary's Church and the Town Hall, but also from less popular yet unique ones like Pod Baranami Palace or Saint Adalbert's Chuch. Naturally you cannot miss the monument of Adam Mickiewicz - a great national poet - which is now a present meeting point for young people. We finally enter Grodzka street. The street is famous because of its great number of restaurants and pubs. Most importantly, our apart'hotel is located at this beautiful part of the Old Town which gives you an easy access to all the attractions. It is also surrounded by the magnificent church and monastery complexes of Dominicans and Franciscans, St. Peter and Paul's Church, the convent of Poor Clares, and St. Andrew's Church. Grodzka street leads to the base of Wawel Hill and its Royal Castle - the pearl of renaissance architecture and a symbol of Polish greatness in the passed centuries. The Wawel Castle is worldwide known for its Royal Cathedral, the big bell of Sigmuntus and more then 140 tapestries, but that is a different story..

Ensure you have a cracking time in Cracow with this essential guide!