PLANTY

The invasion of the Tatars in 1241 showed that Krakow, surrounded only by earthen embankments and wooden palisades, was unable to defend itself

the invasion of the Tatars in 1241 showed that Krakow, surrounded only by earthen embankments and wooden palisades, was unable to defend itself, which proved the need to provide the city with solid fortifications. In 1285, Krakow was granted the right to build a city wall. A 4-kilometer-long system of walls was built between the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 16th century. It included 7 doors and 47 towers. However, at the beginning of the 19th century, the Austrian authorities decided to demolish the fortifications, which had become obsolete and unable to cope with enemy sieges. They were replaced by the Planty "plantations", following the example of the Viennese Ring. Only the St. Florian Gate, the Barbican and three towers were spared thanks to the efforts of Feliks Radwański, who managed to convince the Austrians that the towers and the gate could have protected the city from draughts, winds and snowstorms coming from the north! A green oasis completely surrounding the old town, the planty is an excellent starting point to understand the topography of the city, to get an idea of its size in the Middle Ages and to get a glimpse of some beautiful monuments. Today, this park is decorated with numerous fountains, statues, as well as plaques marking the location of the old gates. A real blessing that opens the city center, it is very popular with Krakow residents who come here to read, jog or meet up with their loved ones.