Planty Park

You’re now entering Planty Park. You may have noticed that Kraków’s Old Town is surrounded by a ring of green—and this is it: Planty Park. It wraps around the city like a protective wall, and that’s no coincidence, since it was created on the site of Kraków’s former defensive ramparts. Work began in 1822, starting with the filling in of the old moats. Then came the chestnuts, maples, lindens, ash trees, poplars, and even a few exotic species. The park was originally called the “city promenades.” It stretches for eight kilometres and forms a chain of distinct gardens, each with its own atmosphere. During the German occupation, the park suffered significant damage. In 1989, a major restoration gave Planty the long-overdue care it needed. Today, it’s just as popular with locals as it is with tourists, and it’s easily one of the most unique urban parks in Europe.