Kraków Cloth Hall

A beautiful cover with interesting stamps , postmarks and cachet from the cultural city of Poland 🇵🇱!! 

Krakow monuments - Sukiennice 

Date of issue : 25-11-1983

750 years of the foundation of Krakow 

Date of issue : 29-05-2007

World post day 

Date of issue : 09-10-2004

History of Kraków 

Legend attributes Kraków's founding to the mythical ruler Krakus, who built it above a cave occupied by a dragon, Smok Wawelski. The first written record of the city's name dates back to 965, when Kraków was described as a notable commercial centre controlled first by Moravia (876–879), but captured by a Bohemian duke Boleslaus I in 955. The first acclaimed ruler of Poland, Mieszko I, took Kraków from the Bohemians and incorporated it into the holdings of the Piast dynasty towards the end of his reign.

In 1038, Kraków became the seat of the Polish government. By the end of the 10th century, the city was a leading centre of trade. Brick buildings were constructed, including the Royal Wawel Castle with St. Felix and Adaukt Rotunda, Romanesque churches such as St. Adalbert's, a cathedral, and a basilica. The city was sacked and burned during the Mongol invasion of 1241. It was rebuilt practically identical, based on new location act and incorporated in 1257 by the high duke Bolesław V the Chaste who following the example of Wrocław, introduced city rights modelled on the Magdeburg law allowing for tax benefits and new trade privileges for the citizens. In 1259, the city was again ravaged by the Mongols. A third attack in 1287 was repelled thanks in part to the new built fortifications.

Meanwhile by the 14th century there was a large Jewish community in Krakow.

In the 15th century a style of shoes with long pointed shoes were popular in Europe. They were called crakows because they were believed to have originated in Krakow.

In the years 1491 to 1495 the great Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus studied at Krakow. In the 16th century, Krakow continued to flourish. Wawel Royal Castle was rebuilt as a splendid palace.

However Krakow ceased to be the capital of Poland in all but name after 1596. From that date the kings resided in Warsaw. Krakow continued to be the official capital till 1791 but in reality Warsaw was the effective capital.

Although Krakow lost some of its importance in the 17th century and 18th century St Anne's Church was rebuilt in the years 1689-1705.

In the late 18th century Russia, Prussia and Austria divided Poland up between themselves. In 1795 Krakow was taken by Austria.

In 1815 following the defeat of Napoleon Krakow was made its own state. It was called the Republic of Krakow. However in 1846 there was a rebellion in Krakow in an attempt to establish an independent Poland. The rebellion was crushed and afterwards the annexed Krakow. It became the Grand Duchy of Krakow. In 1850 Krakow was severely damaged by a fire. Nevertheless in the late 19th century Krakow flourished. Meanwhile Krakow Railway Station was built in 1847.

In 1918 Poland became an independent nation again. However in 1939 the Germans invaded Poland. In 1939 there were about 65,000 Jews living in Krakow. During the Second World War most of the Jewish population of Krakow were deported and killed. Unfortunately after the war the Nazi tyranny was replaced by Communism. However most of the old buildings in Krakow survived the war intact. Following the collapse of Communism Krakow is again flourishing. 

Krakow Cloth Hall 

The Kraków Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) in Lesser Poland, dates to the Renaissance and is one of the city's most recognizable icons. It is the central feature of the main market square in the Kraków Old Town (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978). It was once a major centre of international trade. Traveling merchants met there to discuss business and to barter. During its golden age in the 15th century, the hall was the source of a variety of exotic imports from the east – spices, silk, leather and wax – while Kraków itself exported textiles, lead, and salt from the  Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Postcard showing the central market square and the Sukiennice 

Brochure of the museum in Sukiennice 

I love this virtual tour of the central market square in Krakow !! And thanks Wojtek  for the beautiful postmark of Sukiennice.. it’s a shame it won’t be available soon !!