The Sukiennice on the Main Market Square are a symbol of Kraków — easily recognisable from a distance by the Renaissance attic decorated with mascarons. This place has served both commercial and representative functions for centuries, and its form evolved with the city’s history.
For a visitor it helps to know a few key dates: they explain why the Sukiennice look the way they do today, why there is an art gallery inside, and where some of the craft traditions you still see here come from.
1257 — the date of Kraków’s town charter. According to tradition, this is when the first stone stalls began to appear; over time they formed a unified market building in the centre of the Square.
14th century — the wooden stalls were replaced by a roofed masonry trading hall (Gothic), which was expanded and modified over the following centuries.
1555 — a great fire destroyed a large part of the hall. This event prompted a thorough reconstruction in the Renaissance style.
1556–1559 — the Sukiennice were rebuilt in the Renaissance style; several Italian artists and craftsmen took part in the works, giving the building its characteristic attic and ornamentation.
1601 — a passage was opened through the middle of the hall (the short-axis passage), which made communication between the east and west sides of the Square easier.
1875–1879 — major reconstruction led by architect Tomasz Pryliński, initiated by the city authorities (mayor Mikołaj Zyblikiewicz). Arcaded walkways were added and the upper floor was transformed into an art gallery.
7 October 1879 — the official establishment of the National Museum in Kraków (the Sukiennice branch was linked with the collection of the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art).
2006–2010 — extensive conservation and modernization of the museum interiors; the upstairs galleries were updated and the building gained technical and exhibition amenities in line with modern museum standards. The renovated rooms were reopened in early September 2010.
2005 (and subsequent years) — since then the Sukiennice Festival has been celebrated (2 August), an event that combines the trading tradition with educational and cultural activities.
After the mid-16th-century fire, Kraków invited Italian masters and embraced Renaissance style. The result was the attic with arcaded openings and imaginative mascarons, plus loggias and small corner turrets.
Italian artists and sculptors added details that are now among the building’s most recognisable features. It was during this rebuilding that the Sukiennice took on the form that was preserved and showcased over the following centuries.
On the ground floor the Sukiennice still operate as a traditional market with souvenirs, handicrafts and jewellery. It’s a great place to buy local items: amber products, handmade jewellery and small craft pieces.
Upstairs houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — a department of the National Museum. The collection includes major works of Polish painting and sculpture from the 19th century, arranged thematically and chronologically. The interiors updated during the 2006–2010 renovation meet contemporary exhibition standards.
In the short-axis passage pay attention to the hanging iron chain with an iron knife — a historic sign of Magdeburg law and an object that has inspired many local tales.
One of the best-known legends connected to the knife tells the story of two brothers — the builders of St. Mary’s Church towers. Jealousy and a dramatic turn of events are woven into this tale and linked to the presence of the iron knife in the Sukiennice passage.
Cafés and stalls around the Sukiennice have their own stories — for example, Café Noworolski (on the Market Square) has a long tradition and is a nice stop for coffee or dessert. Nearby you’ll also find well-known restaurants such as Wierzynek, Szara and Pod Aniołami — recommended if you want to try classic Kraków cuisine.
When is the best time to come? Early morning or late afternoon are the most pleasant times — crowds are smaller, photos look better and the atmosphere is calmer. At midday and on weekends the Square can be very busy.
Tickets for the upstairs gallery are sold at the museum ticket office. Prices and opening hours change seasonally, so it’s worth checking the National Museum’s official website or asking at the tourist information point before your visit.
Accessibility: the Sukiennice are a historic monument, but recent improvements include lifts and features to help visitors with limited mobility. If in doubt, contact the museum staff before you come.
Shopping and bargaining: many stalls display fixed prices; for small items you can try gentle bargaining, but do so courteously and in moderation.
Watch out for crowds and petty theft: as in any busy tourist spot, keep documents and valuables secure. Carry your bag close to you.
Thinking the Sukiennice are just a souvenir market. Take the time to go upstairs to the gallery — it’s a real treasure of 19th‑century Polish art and the museum interiors are thoughtfully arranged.
Visiting only during peak hours. If you want to view exhibitions calmly and take photos without the crowd, come earlier or later than most group tours.
Buying souvenirs without checking quality. Inspect workmanship and materials carefully — especially with amber and jewellery. Buy from reputable stalls if quality matters to you.
Not planning time for a break. After visiting the gallery it’s nice to relax with a good coffee — leave time for that in your schedule.
Are the Sukiennice free to enter? The ground-floor trading passage is free; visiting the upstairs gallery is paid — check current prices on the museum’s website.
How much time should I allow? A quick stroll and shopping can take 30–45 minutes; plan 1.5–2 hours for a full visit to the gallery.
Can I take photos in the gallery? Photography rules depend on the exhibition and the museum — usually photos without flash are allowed, but check the signs in the rooms.
Are special events held here? Yes — the Sukiennice host cultural events, fairs and celebrations such as the Sukiennice Festival. Look for event information on local cultural pages and city listings.
Café Noworolski — a classic Market Square café with a long tradition. A good choice for coffee and cake after visiting the museum.
Wierzynek Restaurant — one of Kraków’s most famous and historic dining rooms; noted for its traditional dishes and historic interiors — booking in advance is recommended.
Szara and Pod Aniołami — popular spots close to the Square, praised for food quality and location.
Hotels nearby: Wentzl (on the Square), Hotel Stary, Sheraton Grand Kraków — if you want to stay in the historic centre these are convenient bases for sightseeing.
The Sukiennice attic was not only decorative — it also had a protective function for the roof and offered certain fire-protection and aesthetic benefits that influenced architecture in other regional towns.
Over the centuries the Sukiennice had multiple roles: not only trade, but also representation, a meeting place, and from the 19th century an exhibition venue. It’s a rare example of a place that continues to operate commercially while also functioning as a museum.
During modernizations at the end of the 20th and start of the 21st century, care was taken that contemporary installations (air conditioning, ventilation, lifts) would not disturb the historic character of the interiors.
Spend a bit more time around the Sukiennice: wander the narrow streets of the Old Town, visit St. Mary’s Church, climb the tower for a panorama of the city, and if you have time — visit Wawel.
If you’d like a guided walk of the Sukiennice and its surroundings led by an experienced guide, consider the offer of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website. A professional tour can reveal details you might miss on your own.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media so more people learn how to explore Kraków wisely and enjoyably!
