Market Square

Rynek Główny is the 13th century central square of the Old Town in Krakow.

It is one of the largest Medieval town squares in Europe and has become famous for its lively street life. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The centrepiece of the square is the 16th century Cloth Hall. Originally a place for merchants to trade in exotic goods like silk and leather, the ground floor is home to numerous small traders, bars and restaurants while the upper floors are occupied by the Historical Museum of Krakow.

The square is built with a repeating pattern of three streets to each side and stands on the processional route between the Barbican and Wawel Castle.

The square originally contained other buildings, most of which have been lost over the years. Krakow Town Hall occupied almost a quarter of the area from the Medieval era until being destroyed in the 19th century. The only vestige of its existence is the Town Hall tower.

The area beneath the square is a warren of tunnels and underground spaces. These are used for restaurants, bars and, in one case, a museum.