The Sukiennice (the Cloth Hall) is one of Kraków’s most famous landmarks — a recognisable building in the middle of the Main Market Square that for centuries combined commercial, representative and museum functions. For a matura candidate it’s a great topic: you can connect historical, architectural, artistic and social aspects in one coherent talk.
Start with a short, vivid fact to grab the examiner’s attention: the Sukiennice began in the 13th century and were transformed many times — from wooden market stalls to a Gothic stone hall, later gaining Renaissance features, and in the 19th century undergoing a major reconstruction that gave them much of their present appearance.
1. Introduction: brief presentation of the topic and an interesting fact (for example the age of the site or its role in international trade).
2. Historical context: the origins of the Sukiennice, Kraków’s trade importance in the Middle Ages and the building’s transformations over the centuries.
3. Architectural description: materials, styles (Gothic, Renaissance), characteristic external features such as the attic, mascaron decorations and the 19th-century arcade loggias.
4. Function and changes in use: from the cloth market and luxury goods to representative halls, the seat of the National Museum and the ground-floor commercial passage.
5. Artistic aspect: the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art on the first floor — the most important rooms and selected artist names (Matejko, Malczewski, Siemiradzki, Chełmoński).
6. Cultural and symbolic significance: the Sukiennice as a ‘calling card’ of Kraków, a meeting place for ceremonies and an important symbol of the city’s history.
7. Short conclusion and personal reflection — why this monument matters to you and what it tells about Kraków.
The name 'Sukiennice' comes from the trade in cloth — in the Middle Ages cloth was one of the main goods sold in the Market. In the 13th–14th centuries stone stalls appeared here, and the hall was rebuilt several times in later centuries.
After a major fire in the 16th century the Sukiennice acquired a Renaissance character with a decorated attic. At the turn of the 19th century, during restoration work with the involvement of city authorities, the building was renovated and received the architectural look we know today — including pointed arch arcades and Renaissance-style details reconstructed in the spirit of the era.
Since the second half of the 19th century the first floor has housed the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, a department of the National Museum in Kraków — an important point for the cultural description of the Sukiennice.
Describe the overall layout: the building stretches across the Main Market Square, with long arcade passages on the north and south sides; the ground floor contains shops and a commercial passage, while the first floor houses exhibition rooms.
Point out the details: the attic decorated with mascarons, Renaissance motifs and later neo‑Renaissance elements from the 19th century. Mention functionality — the open arcades create a representative passage across the Market.
If the examiner asks for a comparison, you can contrast the Sukiennice with other market halls (for example other European cloth halls) — emphasise what makes this building unique in the Polish context.
The first floor contains the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, one of Poland’s most important collections. The exhibition shows the development of Polish art from the Enlightenment to early Symbolism and includes works by masters such as Jan Matejko, Jacek Malczewski, Henryk Siemiradzki, Józef Chełmoński and others.
Mention the exhibition concept: themed rooms (for example the Bacciarelli Room, Michałowski Room) and the curatorial aim to show artistic processes and movements rather than a mere catalogue of highlights. You can cite one characteristic painting or sculpture as an example that illustrates a given trend.
For matura candidates it is helpful to note that the Gallery is part of the National Museum in Kraków — an institution with a long tradition founded in the 19th century.
Ground floor: typical Kraków stalls with souvenirs and handicrafts — pay attention to traditional regional products and the building’s heraldic details.
First floor: the greatest works of 19th‑century Polish painting. If time is limited, pick one or two rooms and talk about selected works as examples of artistic movements.
Additionally: check the roof and terrace (if accessible) — the Market panorama and the Old Town roofs are impressive and make a nice complement to your account of the place.
The Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday; Mondays are often closed. There are typically free-admission days for permanent exhibitions — often Tuesday — but check current information before your visit.
Buying tickets online shortens waiting time at the ticket office and is recommended in the tourist season. Check available concessions (students, school groups, families) and the documents required to receive reduced prices.
If you want to combine a visit to the Sukiennice with other Market attractions (for example the Rynek Underground), look for combined or promotional tickets. Remember that the ground-floor passage with stalls is publicly accessible and usually free of charge.
It’s least crowded in the morning just after the gallery opens and outside the main tourist seasons (spring and autumn rather than summer). Tuesdays are attractive because of free admission, but they can be busier.
To calmly view the paintings choose a weekday and arrive soon after opening. The ground-floor stalls stay open longer and in the evening they can create a different atmosphere for a Market stroll.
When preparing for the matura it’s useful to visit the gallery in advance — seeing the space in person helps you give a more confident and vivid description during the exam.
After visiting, relax in one of the well-known restaurants by the Market. Restauracja Wierzynek is a historic place with a long tradition and is often recommended to guests seeking a special atmosphere. Restauracja Szara (near the Market) is popular for its food quality and location.
For coffee and dessert, Cafe Camelot is a cosy choice close to the Market, frequently recommended by both locals and visitors.
If you want places with high guest ratings, check recent reviews on popular review platforms before booking — rankings and management change, but the places listed here are classic favourites.
Many local stories circle the Sukiennice. One small but intriguing curiosity: an iron knife hanging nearby connected to a legend about the construction of neighbouring monuments — a detail that often piques visitors’ interest.
For centuries the Sukiennice were the city’s commercial centre — not only cloth was sold here but also exotic goods brought by merchants from afar, highlighting Kraków’s international character in the Middle Ages.
In the 19th century, when the Sukiennice acquired representative and museum functions, great balls and ceremonies were held here — an engaging thread to mention at the matura, connecting social history with the building’s material story.
Avoid giving overly specific dates if you are not sure — it’s better to say "13th–16th century" than to state a wrong year. Use precise dates only when you have verified them.
Don’t limit your description to the ground floor and the stalls — many examiners expect you to mention the first-floor gallery and its role in Polish culture.
Don’t focus solely on dry facts — add a short reflection or interpretation, for example what the Sukiennice reveal about Kraków’s role in Polish history. This shows your ability to connect facts with analysis.
1. Name and location — Sukiennice, Main Market Square in Kraków. 2. Original function — trade in cloth and luxury goods. 3. Architectural transformations — Gothic, Renaissance, 19th-century reconstruction. 4. Current function — Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, part of the National Museum. 5. Cultural and symbolic significance plus a short personal reflection.
This scheme helps you deliver a smooth and logical answer — remember to illustrate each part with one example (for instance the name of an artist or an architectural detail).
Is the ground floor of the Sukiennice free? Yes — the passage and stalls on the ground floor are usually accessible without a paid ticket. Entry to the gallery on the first floor requires a ticket.
Are there days with free entry to the gallery? The National Museum commonly offers free admission days for permanent exhibitions (often Tuesday) — check the museum’s current information before visiting.
Can you take photos in the gallery? Photography rules vary — the safest approach is to ask at the ticket office or check the exhibition regulations; in some rooms photography without flash is allowed.
Prepare a few short sentences for each part of your answer and practise them aloud. Visiting the Sukiennice before the exam will help you refer to the space and works directly, adding authenticity to your presentation.
Mind museum etiquette: don’t make noise, don’t touch exhibits and follow staff instructions. This also reflects well on your personal conduct during the oral exam.
If you want a guided visit with extra context and curiosities, consider the guided tours offered by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information and offers are available through ZwiedzanieKrakowa (search for Małgorzata Kasprowicz).
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends preparing for the matura or post it on social media — you’ll help others prepare better and visit the Sukiennice with more confidence.
If you’d like a professional commentary during your visit, check the guided-tour offer by Małgorzata Kasprowicz on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.
