Barbican

The Barbican in Krakow was built to provide a defensive position and entry gate into the Old Town area of Krakow. It was used as the main route for royal coronations and funerals and for the reception of visiting dignitaries.

The Barbican is recognised as a formidable and successful fortification, successfully resisting attacks by the Archduke Maximillian in 1587 and Russian forces in 1768. In 1655, the garrison were only defeated by a Swedish army when they ran out of ammunition and food.

Originally built to meet the threat of attack from Wallachian, Tartar and Turkish forces, the fortress is circular, based on an Arabic defensive design originally surrounded by a moat. In the 19th century, the Medieval city walls and fortifications of Krakow were to be dismantled. Following the efforts of Senator Feliks Radwański the Barbican and part of the city walls were saved.

A visit to the Barbican includes access to the defensive walls of the city. The museum is closed from November to March.