The Cloth Hall is not just a photogenic building in the middle of the Main Market — it’s a living fragment of Krakow’s history. The first stone stalls appeared here as early as the 13th century, and the name “Sukiennice” comes from the cloth trade, which for centuries was one of the most important goods sold here. The building you recognize today owes its Renaissance look to a rebuilding after a 16th-century fire and to a larger 1875–1879 renovation that gave it many features we now associate with it. For me as a guide, that’s always a good starting point: look at Sukiennice not only as a pretty façade but as a place that shaped city life for centuries.
Over the years the Cloth Hall has had many roles: a trading hall, a place for ceremonies, and for a time the site of the first permanent exhibition of the National Museum in Krakow. Today you’ll find the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art on the upper floor, while the arcades on the ground level still host stalls with handicrafts and souvenirs — this mix of museum and city salon is one reason to linger.
If you want to make a good first impression on Krakow — stand in the centre of the Market and view the Cloth Hall from different angles: details change depending on whether you look from near St. Mary’s Basilica or walk all the way around the building.
The most recognizable feature of the Cloth Hall is the attica with its carved mascarons — the ornate low wall at the roofline that gives the building its Renaissance character. In the second half of the 19th century architect Tomasz Pryliński added pointed arcades and loggias and adapted the upper floor for a gallery. As a result, Sukiennice became not only a historic monument but also a comfortable place for visitors.
Pay attention to a few small curiosities: on the right-hand passage (the so-called ‘cross’ passage) an iron knife hangs — once a symbol connected with Magdeburg law and the subject of a colorful legend about the brothers who built the towers of St. Mary’s. Inside, in the elegant rooms of Noworolski Café (at ground level / in the arcades), you can still see Art Nouveau polychromes by Józef Mehoffer and Henryk Uziembła — a slightly less obvious reason to step inside for a coffee.
If you enjoy architectural photography, come early in the morning when the light emphasizes the stone textures and sculptures and the Market is not yet busy. In the evening the whole ensemble takes on a romantic light which is also worth seeing.
On the upper floor of the Cloth Hall is the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, one of the most important branches of the National Museum in Krakow. It comprises four large, themed rooms where you can see painting and sculpture from the Enlightenment through the turn of the 20th century. The collection includes works by Piotr Michałowski, Jan Matejko, Jacek Malczewski, Józef Chełmoński and Leon Wyczółkowski. The displays are often arranged in a salon-like manner — each room tells a different story of art and the mood of its era.
Good practice: check the museum’s opening hours before you go — many branches occasionally have free-admission days for permanent exhibitions (historically some days have been free, but always confirm before your visit). Also note that some rooms require silence and careful handling when photographing. If you value context, look for a guide with museum accreditation — the stories behind the works gain much more depth that way.
For art lovers this is a must; for those who want only a quick look inside Sukiennice, I recommend setting aside at least 45–90 minutes to really feel the gallery’s atmosphere.
A few metres beneath the Cloth Hall and the Market’s surface is a surprise: an archaeological reserve and an interactive exhibition known as the Rynek Podziemny (Market Underground), a branch of the Historical Museum of Krakow. Archaeologists have revealed fragments of medieval buildings, foundations of former stalls and everyday objects from past centuries. The effect is powerful — suddenly you realise you’re walking above a place that once hosted major trade in Central Europe.
The underground route maintains a steady temperature and uses evocative scenography — the exhibition shows, among other things, the Bolesławowe and Bogate stalls and evidence of Krakow’s international contacts. For families and archaeology fans this is a must-see. Entrances are scheduled for specific times, and the last admission is usually about 75 minutes before closing, so plan your visit accordingly.
I recommend combining a visit to the Gallery upstairs with the Market Underground — together they give a multi-dimensional picture of the place.
Many stories surround the Cloth Hall. The best-known legend, linked to the iron knife in the passage, refers to Magdeburg law and punishments, and the colourful tale about the brothers who built St. Mary’s towers always captures listeners’ attention. Such stories add colour and make a tour come alive.
Also note the Cloth Hall Festival — locally celebrated on August 2 — which commemorates the 1875–1879 restoration of the building. As part of the celebrations there are sometimes free guided tours and accompanying events — if you plan a summer visit, check whether the festival falls on your dates.
Small traditions: for centuries the Cloth Hall was a place to trade fabrics and goods from afar — remember that the Market used to be a hub between East and West. This helps explain the place’s long-standing international character.
The best way to avoid crowds is to come early in the morning, just after the Market opens, or in the late afternoon. Mid-mornings and evenings in high season are often the busiest. If you plan to enter the gallery or the Market Underground, buy tickets online in advance — entries are often limited and group reservations fill afternoon time slots.
Check museum opening days and hours. Not all branches operate daily on the same schedule, and some have days with free admission to permanent exhibitions. The most reliable information about closures or special unavailability is on official museum pages, so confirm before you go.
Watch for common tourist mistakes: 1) only viewing the Cloth Hall from the outside and not going up to the gallery, 2) leaving valuables unattended at the stalls, 3) not reserving a table at popular nearby restaurants — if you want to dine at Wierzynek or Pod Aniołami, book ahead.
If you want a royal experience, consider Restaurant Wierzynek — a historic place in the heart of the Market that evokes the legend of the 1364 feast. It’s a special-occasion option, especially if you want to soak in old Krakow’s atmosphere.
For a cosy coffee and dessert, I recommend Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) — a classic spot with a welcoming interior and a well-known apple pie. It’s a perfect break after strolling the Market.
For traditional, well-prepared Polish dishes in historic interiors, consider Restaurant Pod Aniołami, located nearby on the Royal Route. All the places above are popular and generally well-reviewed, so reserve a table in advance.
If you prefer something simpler and local, the side streets around the Market hide small cafés and bars with homestyle food — a good choice for a quick meal between visits.
Mistake 1: “I’ll take a photo and move on” — the Cloth Hall is worth entering: the upper-floor gallery and the Market Underground add historical perspective you can’t get from the square level.
Mistake 2: no time plan — don’t cram too many attractions into one short period; the Cloth Hall and the Underground deserve time, especially if you want to read exhibition information.
Mistake 3: not booking tickets or a table — in season, free entry slots to the Underground and free tables in recommended restaurants disappear quickly. Book ahead.
Is it worth going up to the Cloth Hall’s upper floor? Yes — the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art houses important works and the space itself impresses. Allocate at least 45–60 minutes.
Is the Market Underground suitable for children? Yes — the exhibition is interactive and family-friendly, but remember comfortable shoes and allow about 1–2 hours for the visit.
Are there guides in the Cloth Hall? Yes — the museum and city institutions run guided tours and there are accredited museum guides. As a guide I recommend choosing a licensed museum guide if you want deeper knowledge. I also offer private tours tailored to your interests.
How much time should I plan for a visit? If you want to see the gallery, go underground, browse the stalls and have coffee, plan 2–3 hours.
During archaeological work under the Market, fragments of medieval stalls and rich finds were discovered that show Krakow’s Market was a centre of international trade. This reminds us the square was never just a backdrop — it was a central axis of economic and cultural life.
For a time the Cloth Hall housed the first permanent exhibition of the National Museum in Krakow — that gives an added museum flair to a place that today combines trade and art.
In the shadow of the Cloth Hall’s attica you can still spot traces of later rebuildings — it’s like reading the city’s history through layers of stone.
If you enjoyed this guide and are planning a visit, share it with friends or on social media — let more people discover that the Cloth Hall is much more than a point on the map.
If you’d like to see the Cloth Hall “your way” — with stories that blend history, legend and practical tips, I’d be happy to lead a private tour for you and your group. Details about my offer and reservations are available on my guide page.
