The Barbican

Once you’ve passed through St. Florian’s Gate, you’ll arrive at Kraków’s Barbican. In medieval times, a “barbican” was an advanced fortification designed to protect a city entrance. It gave soldiers a place to gather and defend, while staying sheltered behind thick walls. In Kraków, the Barbican was connected to St. Florian’s Gate by a fortified, covered passageway. If you wanted to enter the city, you had to make it through the Barbican—meaning you’d be facing three-metre-thick walls, 130 arrow slits, and a 25-metre courtyard, under the watch of seven turrets that could fire both inward and outward. In other words—if you were planning to attack the city, you didn’t stand a chance. Kraków’s Barbican is considered the crown jewel of Gothic barbicans. In summer, it hosts medieval re-enactments, knightly tournaments, and open-air concerts. You can visit inside, but there is an entrance fee.