The Barbican

The Barbican, in Krakow

The Barbican is an imposing Gothic fortified work of Krakow, one of the best preserved of Europe. The Krakow audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this powerful circular fortress, a vestige of the defence system of the town.

The circular fortress of the ramparts

The Barbican, in Polish Barbakan, is one of the most remarkable defensive monuments of Krakow and one of the rare works of this type preserved in Europe. Built at the end of the fifteenth century, this powerful circular brick fortress was part of the advanced fortifications of the town, intended to protect the Florian Gate, to which it was linked. With its thick walls pierced with loopholes, its seven watch turrets and its parapet walk, it could resist assaults and shelter the defenders. A witness of medieval military art, it protected Krakow against threats. Today, the Barbican can be visited and sometimes hosts historical re-enactments. It is a precious vestige of the fortified past of the town.

What to see

You admire the powerful circular brick fortress with thick walls pierced with loopholes, its seven watch turrets and its parapet walk, an advanced defensive work that protected the Florian Gate, one of the best preserved of Europe. The Barbican testifies to the fortified past of Krakow. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Barbican lies just outside the Florian Gate, at the north entrance of the old town of Krakow, reachable on foot. You admire its exterior freely; the interior visit follows its own hours and conditions, which vary with the season. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What was the Barbican of Krakow used for?

This powerful circular fortress, built at the end of the fifteenth century, was part of the advanced fortifications of the town and protected the Florian Gate; with its walls with loopholes and its turrets, it could resist assaults.

Where is the Barbican of Krakow?

Just outside the Florian Gate, at the north entrance of the old town of Krakow, in Poland.