If you look closely at the attic parapet of the Sukiennice, the first thing you notice is a row of odd, expressive faces — these are mascarons. In architectural decoration, a mascaron is an ornamental motif in the form of a stylised human or animal head, often with exaggerated, grotesque features.
Mascarons appeared already in the Renaissance and Mannerist periods as elements of friezes, cornices and attic crests. They served both a decorative and symbolic-aesthetic function: sometimes believed to ward off evil, sometimes a display of the craftsman’s imagination and the patron’s taste for ornament.
In the case of the Sukiennice, the best-known mascarons date from the Renaissance rebuilding after the mid-16th-century fire — their distinctive, fanciful forms have become one of Kraków’s symbols.
Italian artists who came to Poland played a major role in the Renaissance rebuilding of the Sukiennice. The attic and its decoration, including the mascarons, are commonly attributed to sculptors working in that Italianate manner, with Santi Gucci and his workshop often named among those responsible for the ornamentation.
During the 19th century, when the Cloth Hall was restored and its splendour revived, additional elements and details were added in the spirit of the era — some new decorations and reinterpretations of forms were designed by local artists and craftsmen, and selected motifs were reworked by Polish creators.
The answer is not straightforward — most mascarons are fanciful, grotesque creations combining human and animal traits; their aim was not realistic portraiture of particular individuals, but decorative and symbolic effect.
However, on the Sukiennice you can also find examples where some heads are more 'caricature-like' and allude to particulars. During the 19th-century renovation some decorative elements were designed to reference contemporary public figures — for example, in the building’s avant-corps there are masks and heads with distinct, recognisable features that have historically been linked to the silhouettes of city notables.
In practice, then, you can say that the vast majority of the mascarons are universal, grotesque imaginings, but on the Sukiennice there are also sculptures with a caricatured or portrait-like character — the result of later changes and 19th-century historical references.
When walking around the Sukiennice pay attention to the avant-corps (decorative projections of the façade) and the areas above entrances — those are where the most 'readable' mascarons sit. Some of the more recognisable heads have a caricatural quality and are the work of 19th‑century artists.
In particular, the mascarons placed in the decorations of the avant-corps show clear, individual features that guides sometimes identify with city personalities from the turn of the 19th century. If you enjoy small details, look under the cornices and also at the copies of mascarons sometimes displayed in museum cases or scale models.
The Sukiennice took on their present Renaissance appearance mainly after the fire of 1555. The rebuilding gave them a Renaissance form: the attic with pinnacles and the distinctive crest of mascarons was created. Italian artists and craftsmen took part in the works, which is why you can see influences of Italian Mannerism in the decoration.
In the second half of the 19th century, as part of efforts to tidy up the Market Square and restore historic character, architect Tomasz Pryliński carried out a major renovation and reconstruction. Arcades and other details were added at that time, and some decorative elements were reinterpreted by Polish artists — so the façade bears traces of work from different periods.
If you want to see the mascarons without the crowds — come early in the morning, before the Market’s shops and cafés open. Decorations also look great in the evening, but then there may already be many more people around.
Remember that some original details are historically fragile — certain sculptures are copies or have been protected, and originals may have been removed for conservation or placed in a museum. It’s worth visiting the Sukiennice upper floor — it houses a gallery (a branch of the National Museum) with 19th-century paintings and information about the building’s restorations and makers.
Museum staff and official guides can explain the complicated history of the architectural details. If you want deeper knowledge, ask for a guided tour led by official guides employed by the museum.
The Sukiennice attic was not only decorative — it had a practical role: as an attic wall it helped limit the spread of fire between roofs in the dense market‑square built environment.
Not all the 'scary' faces are original — some of the heads you see today are the result of 19th‑century interventions and artistic reinterpretation, so part of them have a different origin than the Renaissance mascarons.
Near the entrances to the Cloth Hall you can spot small details and hidden symbols (for example, escutcheons with Latin inscriptions or heraldic motifs) — these are often clues to the building’s history and to civic events.
You can buy tickets for the upper‑floor gallery of the Sukiennice at the National Museum ticket office or online — if you want to see the 19th‑century painting exhibition inside, plan at least 45–90 minutes.
Wear comfortable shoes — the Main Market Square invites walking, but cobbles and steps can be tiring. In summer bring a hat and water; in winter check the forecast, because the open square can be quite windy.
Want a good photo of a mascaron? The best light is in the morning and late afternoon; for close‑ups of details use a shorter focal length and a tele lens to isolate a particular face.
After your walk you can stop for coffee at the historic Noworolski Café on the Market Square, which has long been part of Kraków’s café tradition. If you’d like classic Polish cuisine in an elegant setting, consider Wierzynek — a restaurant with a long history and a popular choice among visitors.
Other pleasant options are the cafés and restaurants in the Old Town side streets — pick places with good reviews and tested menus. If you care about authentic flavour and quality, avoid the stalls right along the Cloth Hall façade and look for nearby restaurants with a reassuring reputation.
Mistake 1: looking only from sidewalk level. Mascarons are high up — cross to the opposite side of the square or use your camera’s zoom to see the sculptures from a different perspective.
Mistake 2: assuming all the heads are portraits of specific people. Most are artistic fantasies; only a few pieces have a caricatured or referential character linked to historical figures.
Mistake 3: ignoring museum information. Much important information about the authors and restorations is available from the National Museum’s materials — read them or ask a museum guide.
Can you touch the mascarons? No — most façade elements are historic sculptures and should be treated with care. Touching can accelerate deterioration.
Are all the mascarons at the Sukiennice originals? No — some originals have been secured or replaced by copies; some historic details have been moved for conservation or to museum displays.
Is there someone responsible for the Sukiennice and the mascarons? Yes — the complex is cared for by the museum institution and conservation services, and restoration work is carried out periodically.
The mascarons of the Sukiennice are a lovely example of how architecture blends practical function with artistic expression. What was once part of everyday sight for locals now fascinates tourists and photographers from all over the world.
If you want to get to know the Sukiennice 'behind the scenes', take a guided tour led by the National Museum’s official guides — they will tell you about the authors, restorations and people connected to the building. If you prefer a private walking tour of the Old Town with a personal touch and practical tips, you can book a tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media so more people learn where to spot the most interesting mascarons and how to plan a smart visit to Kraków.
