Mikołajska Street: from Kraków’s old doorways to the Planty

A reason to pause here

The curve of the street leads us from older doorways towards the park edge. We would take time for the wall tablets before leaving the built-up lane for Planty.

The lane beside Gródek

Mikołajska passes the Gródek area, which entered Kraków’s expanding boundaries in the late thirteenth century. Later residences here included a Tarnowski property, bought by Anna Lubomirska in 1621 for a Dominican convent.

The convent buildings beside the street retain parts of the former city defences. Traces of the Butchers’ Gate can be seen from the Planty side. The lane’s curve and enclosed frontages become easier to read when compared with that older boundary.

Read a wall tablet before reaching the park

Our gallery follows doorways and tablets towards the greener edge of the Old Town. We would take the curve slowly, then look back along the street from the park approach. The change from the close lane to the open path gives a short walk a clear beginning and end.

Plan the visit

Use the public street between the Small Market Square area and the Planty. Stay clear of doors, deliveries and any vehicle access. If you want to visit Our Lady of the Snows Church, check its separate worship and visitor arrangements. Wet stone paving calls for shoes with grip.