Description of the attraction
The small street of Kanonikov, connecting Stradomska and Senacka streets, is considered one of the most picturesque corners of Old Krakow. It was once the most important section of the famous Royal Route, along which Polish rulers followed from Florian Gate to Wawel Castle.
This street appeared in a merchant suburb founded in the 10th century. There were many outbuildings here, including the royal baths. Basically, royal servants, guards, officials settled here. In the 15th century, it was chosen by the holy canon fathers, after whom it got its name. Some of them performed divine services in a small church consecrated in the name of St. Egidius, which was located nearby. The famous historian Jan Dlugosz was also a clergyman and lived in a corner house almost at the very castle hill.
The most beautiful houses on Kanonikov Street date from the 16th century. They were designed by renowned local craftsmen, whose names are mentioned in all textbooks on architecture. For example, house no. 18 was built by Jan Michalovic, and mansion no. 21 was built by Santi Gucci. These houses, with lovely Renaissance courtyards, are now owned by various cultural organizations. The John Paul II Institute is located in the 18th house, and the Museum of the Archbishop's Diocese of Krakow is located in the complex of buildings numbered 19-21.
Mansion No. 15, built in the XIV century and rebuilt a little later, now belongs to the Ukrainian Art Gallery. A magnificent collection of old icons is on display here.
