The Cracow city centre was planned in accordance to Magdeburg Law, carefully and clearly laid out in 1257. The Main Market Square is the largest mediaeval square in Europe, one of the largest squares in Europe (40,000 square metres!). It is astounding in its dimension and its perfection of design. Historic burgers townhouses and noble mansions add to the beauty of the huge area which has been witness to the most important events in Polish history. Special plaques in the Market ground commemorate the Prussian Homage paid by Duke Albrecht Hohenzollern to Polish King Sigismundus the Old in 1525 and the patriotic oath taken by the national hero, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, which started in 1794 the insurrection - the fight against Russia.
The Market Square is still the scene of major ceremonies, grand processions as well as the city's everyday life. Its vast space easily contains dozens of restaurants and cafés, flocks of pigeons, street artists, a flower market, a regional TV studio installed in an old tram, a stage for open air concerts, and - every now and then - a travelling art installation, an antiques fair or a crafts bazars. And although practical every Cracovian and visitor crosses the Rynek at least once a day, it is never uncomfortably crowded.

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A gothic tower is all that remains of the former, mediaeval Town Hall builiding. It was built in the Main Market Square in the mid-14th century. The old twon hall itself was taken down at the beginning of 19th century due to its deplorable state which caused danger to those passing by. It was the seat of the local authorities and court, also serving as a city treasury and prison. In the former prison cellars nowadays we find a famous Folk Theatre and a café. Visitors ready to climb the tower up its 100-step narrow and steep stairs can enjoy the panoramic view from the to tower.

St. Mary's Church is undoubtedly one of the most characteristic monuments in Cracow and the only building facing diagonally the plate of the Main Square, which can suggests that the church was built earlier, during the Roman period. Inside the church is placed a priceless gothic altar, the biggest such altar in Europe, curved in wood by Veit Stoss by the end of the 15th century. More about St. Mary's Church ...

Towers of St. Mary's Church

Not only traditional Cracow fiacres, but since recently also rikshaws have their stands on the Main Market Square. Sometimes very elegant carriages set off from here with the newly-weds to make traditional tour of old Cracow which always ends at the Mickiewicz Monument.
The statue of Adam Mickiewicz - the most famous of Polish national poets - is an inseparable symbol of the Main Square in Cracow and contributes to its romantic aura. It also the favourite meeting spot 'Pod Adamem' what means 'meet up under the statue.'
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The Main Market Square never really sleeps. At night you can hear acho of footsteps of late passers by; every hour is marked by the bugle call played from St. mary's Church tower.