Floriańska Gate

You’re now standing in front of Floriańska Gate. Kings would return from victorious battles through this gate, and dignitaries and diplomats would enter through here on official city visits. Kraków’s defensive walls once had seven gates. Floriańska was the main one, and it’s the only one still standing. It takes its name from the nearby Church of St. Florian, but it was also known as the “Gate of Glory”. Built in the early 14th century, the gate rises 34.5 metres high. The Baroque-style upper section was added in the 17th century. Today, it hosts a permanent open-air gallery where local artists display their work. You’ll also see a relief of Saint Florian in the niche on the tower. Saint Florian, a name that you’ll hear a lot on this tour, is the patron saint of Poland, as well as of chimney sweeps, firefighters, and Austrian and Bavarian brewers. According to legend, he once extinguished a fire by throwing a single bucket of water on the flames. That’s why he’s often depicted pouring water over a burning building.