Description of the attraction
Szczepanski Square is a city square located in the center of Krakow.
The square was created in the early 19th century after the demolition of the medieval church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, built by Pastor Stephen in 1425. Until 1773, there was a parish of Jesuits in the church, and after the order was banned, the church was transferred to the National Education Commission. After the occupation of Krakow by the Austrians, it was decided to demolish the church for the construction of military barracks (which were never built). The church was destroyed in 1801, and the rest of the buildings located on the square were demolished in 1809.
Initially, the square was named National Guard Square in honor of the first review of the military battalion, which took place on August 3, 1811. To commemorate the event, a black marble plaque is placed on the facade of Zolyaska's house, on which the old name of the square is engraved. This name, however, did not take root among the townspeople, so the square was named after the demolished church.
Since the 19th century, a market functioned here, which lasted until the middle of the 20th century.
Interesting historical buildings are located on the square: the building of the old theater in the Art Nouveau style, designed by Francis Makzunski, the building that houses the gallery of modern art, as well as the Palace of Arts, built in 1901.
In 2010, the Szczepanski Square was redecorated.
