Kleparz

Kleparz is a district of Kraków belonging to District I – Old Town, located north of the historic city center. From 1366 until the end of the 18th century, Kleparz was an independent town, initially called Florence, a name linked to the foundation of the Church of St. Florian. The settlement developed dynamically, and by the 15th century, it had acquired the name Kleparz, which may have referred to the marketplace where grain and cattle were traded. Fires and conflicts, such as sieges during the Swedish invasions and the Bar Confederation, contributed to the town's decline, and it lost its significance after the Swedish Deluge. In the 19th century, Kleparz underwent an architectural transformation, evolving from single-story wooden houses with shingle roofs into tenement buildings and public utility structures. Notable landmarks in Kleparz include the Church of St. Florian, Jan Matejko Square with the Grunwald Monument, and institutional buildings along Basztowa Street. An interesting fact is that Kleparz once had stables for 2,380 horses, highlighting its role as an important hub for travelers. Each of these elements reveals the rich history and culture of this area, which continues to impress with its architecture and significance within Kraków's heritage.