Kraków is the European capital—of the historic Małopolska region—containing the city’s famous Main Market Square, one of Europe’s largest medieval squares.
Known in Polish as Rynek Główny, the square was laid out in 1257 after Kraków received a location charter under Magdeburg law. It occupies a broad central space in Kraków’s Old Town and has remained a focus of commerce, public ceremonies, and civic life for centuries.
Major buildings around the square include St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall, and the restored Town Hall Tower. The Cloth Hall developed from medieval market stalls and remains one of the square’s defining landmarks.
Kraków is not Poland’s modern national capital; Warsaw has held that role since the late eighteenth century. Kraków was, however, Poland’s royal capital for centuries and remains a major cultural and academic center.