The Cloth Hall — the core of the city

In the heart of Krakow #4

Every city has its temple of trade. The same applies to the city where trade routes cross, making it a regional commercial centre. This role in Krakow was played by the Cloth Hall, built in the very centre of the Market, where merchants could amaze their customers with the most luxurious goods.

The exterior of this medieval shopping centre has changed radically over the years. In the 16^th century, after a major fire, the structure was rebuilt in renaissance style then popular in Europe. Subsequent history of further changes of the Cloth Hall is an introduction to the universal story of the nations of Central Europe, which in the late 19^th century have been building their identity and collective symbols. When the city no longer relied on trade but on culture the Cloth Hall was transformed into a sanctuary of national art - Poland’s first National Museum.

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