Rynek Główny
Europe's largest medieval square, with the Cloth Hall standing in the middle of it.
Duration
1 hr – 2 hrs
Best time
Early morning
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
The square was laid out in 1257 when the city was refounded after the Mongol invasions, and it is two hundred metres a side: the largest medieval square in Europe, and its plan has not moved since.
The Cloth Hall in the middle was the covered market of international trade — salt from Wieliczka, spices from the East, Flemish cloth. From St Mary's Basilica a trumpeter plays the hejnał every hour to the four points of the compass, and the tune breaks off abruptly: tradition holds that a watchman was hit in the throat by a Mongol arrow.
Getting there
In the middle of the old town. Tram to Teatr Bagatela or Poczta Główna, five minutes on foot. No cars enter it.
Rules on site
The terraces on the square charge considerably more than one street back, and the exchange offices around it give very poor rates. The Veit Stoss altarpiece inside the basilica is ticketed separately and closes to visitors during mass.
