The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) is a place that combines trade history, architecture and art — ideal for a short, intense route through the heart of the Main Market Square. For me it’s a must on every Old Town walk: easily accessible, it tells the centuries-long story of Krakow and — just as importantly — offers lots of pauses for conversation, coffee and simply watching the city.
The first masonry structures have stood here since the city was founded: the market hall has functioned since the 14th century, and traces of the oldest constructions are preserved, among other places, in the cellars beneath the Square.
Sukiennice are therefore a great starting point — they give context: how trade developed, how the city changed and why the Main Market Square was and still is the centre of public life in Krakow.
On the site of wooden stalls, a stone hall was built in the 13th century; in the 14th century the Gothic stone hall was extended, and it burned during the great fire of 1555. The rebuilding gave the Sukiennice a Renaissance character, and the attic and decorative mascaron details date from the work of 16th‑century masters.
In the second half of the 19th century the Sukiennice underwent a major renovation and reconstruction led by the architect Tomasz Pryliński on the orders of the city president Mikołaj Zyblikiewicz. The renovated building was ceremonially opened and the National Museum in the Sukiennice was established in the late 1870s.
Today the Sukiennice are not only souvenir stalls — the upper rooms house the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, while the ground‑floor spaces continue to serve trade functions, although in a different form than in earlier centuries.
Start with the exterior details: the attic, the stone arched arcades and the mascaron faces. I usually tell a few short anecdotes here — who might have modelled for these grotesque masks, what the attic’s functions were and how architecture helped protect neighbouring roofs from fire.
Next we go up to the first floor, where the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art is located. Four thematic rooms (Bacciarelli, Michałowski, Siemiradzki and Chełmoński) present a cross‑section of Polish painting from the Enlightenment to Symbolism. It’s an excellent place to get acquainted, in a short time, with the most important names and styles of the era.
After the gallery it’s worth descending to the ground floor, where in the traditional stalls you can admire handicrafts, amber jewellery and local souvenirs. Don’t treat these stalls superficially — many items are the work of craftsmen; it’s worth talking and asking about techniques and origins.
I always tell a short story about how the Sukiennice connected East and West — from spices and silk to salt from Wieliczka. It’s a simple illustration that Krakow used to be an important node on Europe’s trade map.
I also like to talk about the 19th‑century “discovery” of the Sukiennice as a museum place — how the community and local patrons decided to donate artworks that became the seed of the Gallery’s collection. These stories help show that a museum is not just a building, but also the history of people.
The Main Market Square offers many spots to pause — I recommend tried‑and‑tested cafés and restaurants that combine local atmosphere with quality: Wierzynek (historic atmosphere), Szara (good reviews, classic Krakow flavours), Cafe Camelot (a cosy café close to the Sukiennice).
If you want something quick and local, try obwarzanki (Krakow bagels) sold on the streets leading to the Square. For those looking for more refined tastes — there are well‑rated places nearby serving Polish and international cuisine; I usually pick those with the best reviews and a local background.
On a longer route I suggest this plan: visit the Sukiennice, enjoy an espresso at a nearby café, walk to St. Mary’s Basilica and make a short stop at the Adam Mickiewicz Monument — it’s a natural and comfortable sequence for a tourist.
Hours and tickets: the galleries in the Sukiennice are part of the National Museum — check the current opening hours and any free admission days on the museum’s website before your visit.
Entrance to the upper floor requires a ticket — organized groups and individual visitors have different ticketing options; for larger groups it’s worth booking in advance. During the high season (spring–summer, holidays) expect queues at the entrance and at the stalls.
Note on crowds: the Square can be busy, especially at weekends and during fairs (for example the autumn‑winter Christmas market). If you prefer a quieter visit, plan for early morning right after museum opening or late afternoon.
Assuming the Sukiennice are just souvenirs — that’s a mistake. It’s worth going upstairs to see the 19th‑century painting collection, because that’s where another dimension of the Sukiennice reveals itself.
Buying the cheapest souvenirs without checking — if you care about authentic handicraft, talk to the seller and ask about the materials and production methods. You can often find out whether an item is made locally.
Not booking for larger groups — if you come with a group (school, company), arrange the visit in advance or use the National Museum’s group offer to avoid disappointment at the ticket desk.
Beneath the Sukiennice there are traces of older structures and cellars that tell the story of earlier phases of the Market’s development — some of these traces have been included in archaeological underground routes around the Square.
The mascaron faces on the attic are not only decoration — they also had practical and symbolic‑decorative roles, and some refer to local town figures and guilds. It’s an element visitors should inspect up close.
Opening the Sukiennice as a gallery in the late 19th century was a social event — it was combined with celebrations and had the character of a cultural manifesto and civic pride of that era.
Is the upper floor paid? - Yes, the upper rooms are a branch of the National Museum and require a ticket; check ticket types and possible free days on the museum’s website.
Are the Sukiennice accessible for people with limited mobility? - Museums strive to provide accessibility, but it’s worth contacting the National Museum staff in advance to arrange details and any assistance.
When is it quietest? - Usually the least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays or late afternoons outside the main tourist season.
I try to run the visit in this rhythm: exterior details — museum floor — coffee break — short Q&A. This sequence helps visitors absorb information without getting tired.
I encourage questions during the walk and often suggest short orientation exercises — where we are, which street to turn into to reach the next point. This makes the tour interactive and memorable.
Remember a friendly pace: Krakow has many temptations, but it’s better to see a few places well than to rush through everything superficially.
The Sukiennice always offer something new — sometimes it’s a painting in the gallery, sometimes a conversation with a seller, sometimes a new perspective on the Square in the afternoon light. If you plan a short route through central Krakow, give yourself time here — it’s worth feeling the place.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media. And if you’d like to explore with a local guide, you’re welcome to use the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. Enjoy discovering the Sukiennice and have a pleasant walk around the Market!
