The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) is more than just a beautiful façade on the Main Market Square — it represents an unbroken tradition of trade and urban life dating back to the 13th century. The first stone stalls on the site of the modern Sukiennice appeared after Krakow received town rights in 1257. The building has changed its appearance several times: a Gothic structure from the 14th century was destroyed by fire in the mid-16th century and rebuilt in the Renaissance style, and the form familiar to most visitors today was set during renovations in 1875–1879. At that time the upper floor also became the first seat of the National Museum in Krakow.
In the Middle Ages the Sukiennice served as an important international trading centre — merchants from the far East and West passed through its halls bringing spices, silk, furs and other goods, while Krakow exported, among other things, textiles and salt from Wieliczka. This long trading tradition gave the building its name (after cloth trade) and shaped its role in the life of the city for centuries.
The first thing that catches the eye is the ornate attic with fanciful mascarons — a characteristic element of the Renaissance rebuild. The attic not only decorates the roof but originally had protective functions as well. Look closely at the carved stone details, the regular arcades and the elegant arcaded passageways added during the 19th-century renovation; today these host shops and cafés.
In the transverse passage of the Sukiennice you will see an iron knife hanging on a chain — a small but very tourist-recognizable detail. According to local legend it recalls old punishments and a dramatic story about the stonemason brothers who built the towers of St. Mary’s Church. It’s one of those spots worth pausing at for a photo and a short telling of the legend.
Remember that the layers of the building tell a story: beneath the Market surface are remains of earlier structures and traces from great fires — a good reason to consider visiting the Rynek Underground if you have time.
On the first floor of the Sukiennice is the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — this was the first permanent home of the National Museum in Krakow, established in the second half of the 19th century. The exhibition offers a cross-section of Polish painting and sculpture of the 19th century, so if you’re interested in art, go upstairs — it’s an interesting contrast to the market bustle below.
On the ground floor traditional stalls still sell souvenirs, handicrafts and small artisan goods. The 19th-century renovations created elegant passages where you’ll now find cafés and souvenir shops. Bear in mind that while buying souvenirs is fun, some stalls sell mass-produced items — look for crafts marked as local or handmade if you want something authentic.
- Looking for something authentic? Polish handmade crafts, pottery, Krakow-themed jewellery and prints by local artists make the best souvenirs. - Bargaining: at souvenir stalls you can often ask for a small discount, especially when buying several items. Do it with a smile and without pushiness — Sukiennice is a tourist place, but politeness goes a long way.
- Watch out for mass-produced “craft” knock-offs — if a price seems too low for a claimed “unique” item, ask the seller about the product’s origin. If authenticity matters (for example with jewellery or amber), ask for a brief confirmation of authenticity.
The Sukiennice is surrounded by a network of cafés and restaurants, from historic establishments to modern coffee shops. The famous Wierzynek restaurant is very close by for those seeking a historic atmosphere and a more formal meal; smaller cafés around the Market and in the neighbouring lanes are great for a break and people-watching.
If you enjoy traditional flavours, try an obwarzanek krakowski sold at stalls around the Market — a quick, local snack perfect while strolling.
- Arriving at the peak of a sunny day expecting an empty square — Sukiennice are usually crowded during busy hours. The best photos with fewer people are taken early in the morning (just after opening) or late in the evening. - Only visiting the ground floor and skipping the upper gallery — the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art hides interesting collections and offers a very different perspective on the place. - Buying the first souvenir you see without checking prices — it’s worth walking past two or three stalls to compare quality before deciding to buy.
- Location: Main Market Square, the heart of the Old Town — very easy to reach on foot from most tourist attractions. - The museum upstairs: usually open most days of the week, but Mondays are often a day off — check opening hours before you go. On some days of the week some museum branches offer free admission to selected exhibitions.
- Time needed: a short stop at the stalls takes 20–30 minutes, while a visit including the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art and a relaxed walk around the Market can take 1–2 hours. - Accessibility: Sukiennice is a historic building — partially adapted, but if you need full accessibility, contact the museum staff or the local tourist information centre in advance.
Is entry to the Sukiennice paid? - The ground floor (the market stalls) is generally open without an entrance fee; entry to the upstairs gallery is charged according to the National Museum’s price list. Check current opening hours and visiting rules before your visit.
How much time should I allocate for Sukiennice? - If you only plan to stroll and buy souvenirs: 30–45 minutes. With a gallery visit and relaxed viewing: 1–2 hours.
Is it worth coming in the evening? - Yes — the lit Sukiennice and Market make a beautiful scene. Keep in mind, though, that some shops may already be closed at night.
Where are public toilets? - There are public toilets around the Market and in nearby service points, as well as toilets in cafés and restaurants (usually for customers). If you need a publicly accessible toilet, ask at the tourist information point on the Market.
- For centuries the Sukiennice was a centre of international trade — commerce here was one of the pillars of Krakow’s medieval wealth. - In 1879 the upper-floor space was used to create the first permanent seat of the National Museum in Krakow — an important event for the development of Polish culture and collecting. - Under the Market’s paving lie remains of earlier city layers, so the Sukiennice’s location hides “layers of history” visible nowadays, for example, on underground tours.
Sukiennice is a must-see stop on any visit to Krakow — a place that brings trade, art, legend and architecture together in one iconic spot on the Main Market Square. If you’d like to learn more — with stories, curiosities and practical tips tailored to your interests — consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details for the guide can be found at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this article helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Krakow. Have a great trip and enjoy discovering the Sukiennice!
