Posted by The Cloth Halls of Krakow are a long building in the middle of the world-famous market square of Krakow. They divide the largest square in Europe (about 200 by 200 meters) into two roughly equal parts. However, you can pass through the long hall in several places to get to the other side of the main market (Polish: Rynek Główny).
Cloth halls were originally used to sell cloth, hence the name of the long hall. In the 16th century the building burned down during a big fire. After that, the current hall were built in the Renaissance style. The Cloth Hall of Krakow is one of the most beautiful and famous buildings in the Renaissance style in the whole Europe.
The Cloth Halls in the present form date back to the 2nd half of the 16th century. They were later rebuilt around 1875. Inside there were stores then as now. Today, however, hardly any cloths are sold, but small stores sell souvenirs and the like. The Cloth Halls stand on the 200 by 200 meter Market Square, the center of the city and tourism in the most visited city in Poland. Thousands of tourists come to the Cloth Halls every day. Hardly any visitor to Krakow does not go to the Renaissance building.
The prices in the cloth halls are not totally overpriced, but still rather high. In addition to souvenirs, there are, for example, clothing and jewelry. You can also find cafes in and around the halls on the main square of Krakow.
In the middle there is a passageway, which was built in 1601. One should also look at the arcades around the building. On the square around the halls are many restaurants and cafes. The most important building here is the famous St. Mary’s Church.
In the basement of the Krakow Cloth Halls is since 2010 in museum. It shows the history of the largest marketplace in Europe and the cloth halls. Large, modern museum, worth seeing. Admission about 5 euros. Our article about the Underground Museum
The upper floors of the building house the Sukiennice Museum, part of the National Museum in Krakow, where visitors can admire 19th-century Polish art, including works by famous painters such as Jan Matejko.
In Polish the cloth halls are called Sukiennice
Cloth Hall Krakow Highlights
Architectural splendor
The Cloth Halls are a prime example of Renaissance architecture in Poland, with filigree arcades, decorative attics and ornate details. The loggia by Giovanni Maria Padovano on the east side is particularly impressive.
Historic trading center
On the first floor of the Cloth Halls are traditional market stalls where handmade souvenirs, jewelry, amber goods, leather products and handicrafts are sold today.
Tip: Ideal for buying authentic Polish souvenirs such as hand-carved wooden objects or embroidery.
National Museum – Gallery of Polish Art of the 19th Century
On the upper floor of the Cloth Hall is the art gallery of the National Museum in Krakow. This exhibition shows impressive works by Polish painters and sculptors of the 19th century.
Highlights of the collection:
Jan Matejko: “The Prussian Homage” – a monumental painting thematizing Polish history.
Józef Chełmoński: “The Stormy Day” – an iconic landscape painting.
Piotr Michałowski: works with dramatic scenes and dynamic portraits.
The arcades of the Tuchhallen
The open arcades around the building offer a great opportunity to overlook the market square. A stroll in the evening is particularly atmospheric when the city lights are reflected.
Sculpture “Eros Bendato”
The fascinating sculpture of a reclining, bandaged head by Igor Mitoraj is located directly in front of the Tuchhallen. It is a popular photo motif and a meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
Cultural events
The Cloth Halls are a regular venue for cultural events, including art markets, exhibitions and historical re-enactments.