The Barbican - entrance ticket

The Barbican was built at the end of 15th century. It was the strongest element of the expanded fortifications in Kraków.

It is an unusual monument of defense architecture. It's an architectural design of a circle, ratio 6:10. Formerly, it was connected to Floriańska Gate with a neck. Its internal diameter was 24,4m and the external was 30m. It was surrounded by semicircular, 26m wide and up to 6m deep moat. The moat was filled up, as the city expanded. In the underground part of the building there was a vaulted pass. It led to the gates, which allowed the crew to get pass the moat and escape the fortress. That pass consisted of two parts, western was more than 10.5m, eastern exceeded 12.5m.

Building's facade is crowned with machicolation; it also includes a forwarded balcony with floor hatch that was used to pour melted lead, boiling oil or to throw projectiles. The crowning element of machicolation piece was seven observation towers--octagonal and circular, and they could only be reached with ladders.

Barbican was situated next to the Droga Królewska (Royal Tract). It routed from collegiate church of St. Florian, through Barbican , Brama Floriańska (the Floriańska Gate), Flosiańska Street, Main Market Square next to Marian's Church, Grodzka Street, Senacka Street, Kanonicza Street, as far as Wawel Hill. It was the main route of coronation marches, funeral processions for Polish kings, and a visiting route for important European diplomats and members of the royal families.

Please visit 8 Szczepański Square or 13 Wolnica Square where you will receive a voucher from the Local Supplier. Only this document will be accepted at the Museum's Ticket Office. Please, present the PRINTED supplier’s voucher at the entrance.