Planty — Attraction in Krakow

Beautiful place, and now some history from Wikipedia : Planty is one of the largest city parks in Kraków, Poland. It encircles the Stare Miasto (Old Town), where the Medieval city walls used to stand until the early 19th century. The historic Old Town is not to be confused with the Administrative District No. 1 Stare Miasto extending further east.

The park has an area of 21,000 square meters (5.2 acres) and a length of 4 kilometers (2.5 mi). It consists of a chain of thirty smaller gardens designed in varied styles and adorned with numerous monuments and fountains. There are over twenty statues of noble historical figures in the park – monuments of Nicolaus Copernicus, Jan Matejko, queen Jadwiga and king Wladyslaw II Jagiello, just to name a few. There are also several plaques in the park commemorating, among others, Jan Dlugosz and Stanislaw Wyspianski.

The park forms a scenic walkway popular with Cracovians. In summer, sprinkled with ponds and refreshment stalls, it is a cool and shady retreat from the nearby bustling streets.

Most historic sites of the old Kraków are located inside the Planty-park-belt along the Royal Road (Polish: Droga Królewska) crossing the park from the medieval suburb of Kleparz – through Florian Gate – at the northern flank of the old city walls.3 The historic Wawel Castle at the Wawel Hill, adjacent to Vistula River meander, form the southernmost border of Planty.

The green belt was established in place of the medieval walls between 1822–1830 as part of the urban development projects to preserve the concept of a "garden city".

By the beginning of the 19th century the expanding city had begun to outgrow the confines of the old defensive walls. The walls had been falling into disrepair due to lack of maintenance after the Partitions of Poland. As a result, Emperor Franz I of Austro-Hungary ordered the dismantling of the old fortifications. However, in 1817 Professor Feliks Radwański of Jagiellonian University managed to convince the Session of the Senate of the Republic of Kraków to legislate the partial preservation of the old fortifications, namely, the Florian Gate and the adjoining Barbican, one of only three such fortified outposts still...

When visiting Krakow, at some point we reach the Krakow Planty, we hear from the guide that the city park was built on the site of the city's defensive walls, that only the Florian's Gate, three towers and a barbican remained, that the last demolished part was the neck connecting the gate with The name of the Barbican comes from the word to plant, that is, to level the ground. There is nothing wrong with it. All of this is the truest truth. But .. But it all started a little earlier.

The first works on the Plant equipment began at the end of the 18th century. At that time, promenades, the so-called "walks" or "walks", were established on the embankment surrounding the city. They stretched from the Mikołajska Gate to the Barbican itself. However, earlier, on the so-called "Kołłątajowski Plan of Kraków" from 1785, it can be seen that near the Reformed Church there was a space filled with carefully maintained gardens, bowling alleys and beer halls, between Sławkowska and Floriańska there was a well-kept paved moat, and from Floriańska to Mikołajska gardens. Only the Wawel neighborhood was more neglected. It was probably then that people started thinking about tidying up the old...

Planty Park – The Green Heart of Kraków

Planty Park is one of the most beautiful and relaxing green spaces in Kraków, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Encircling the Old Town, this park is a long stretch of lush greenery, benches, and walking paths, making it perfect for a peaceful stroll or a relaxing sit-down with a book.

What makes Planty special is its blend of nature and history. As you walk through the park, you’ll come across historical monuments, fountains, and picturesque views of some of Kraków’s iconic buildings. The park is well-maintained, with seasonal flowers, shady trees, and plenty of spots to relax.

The location couldn’t be more convenient. It’s just a few steps from the Main Square and very close to public transportation like trams and buses, making it easily accessible from any part of the city. Whether you’re taking a break from sightseeing or enjoying a peaceful afternoon, Planty Park is a must-visit for...