Szewska Street: a slow approach to Kraków’s Main Market Square

A reason to pause here

The wet paving reflects the daylight between the close façades. We would use this short lane as a slow approach to the Main Market Square rather than hurry straight through it.

The street that led through Szewska Gate

Szewska connects the Main Market Square with Podwale, Dunajewskiego and Karmelicka. A fortified gate once stood at its outer end before the old walls were removed and the Planty laid out. Low brick walls mark that site today.

Old tram rails remain in the paving. The municipality also identifies a plaque at number 7 remembering Stanisław Pyjas, the student and opposition activist killed in 1977. The street now has shops, cafés and pubs alongside its older buildings.

Notice the reflections and upper floors

The wet paving in our photographs reflects the daylight between the close façades. We would walk the lane slowly, looking above the signs before entering the wider square. At the Planty end, stop to compare the low gate markers with the street that once passed through the defences.

Plan the visit

Use the public lane for a short walk between the Planty and Main Market Square. Watch for permitted deliveries and uneven paving around the rails. Café and restaurant access has its own hours and reservations. In wet weather, choose footwear with grip and keep doorways clear when stopping for photographs.

• Look for the low walls marking the former gate.
• Watch your footing around old rails in wet paving.