Rynek Glowny

Dating from 1257, this was one of the largest market squares in medieval Europe. Occupying the centre of the square, the 15th-century Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) is filled with souvenir stalls in its vaulted, ground-floor passages. Along the sides of the building, pavement cafés draw locals and tourists alike. The Malopolska Contemporary Art Collection (Malopolskie Kolekcje Sztuki Nowoczesnej) is upstairs.

Surrounding the square are impressive period houses and two of Cracow’s most important churches. Kosciol Sw Wojciecha (St Adalbert's Church) dates from the 11th century and is the oldest extant church in Cracow, but it is the Gothic Mariacki (Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady), with its twin spires, that really catches the eye. Also on the square is the Wieza Ratuszowa (Town Hall Tower), the only surviving part of the town hall, which dates from the 15th century.