Description of the attraction
The Barbican is the northernmost part of the fortifications in Krakow. It is a fortified military outpost that was connected to the city walls. It is the historic gateway to Krakow's Old Town. The Barbican is one of the few surviving relics among the fortifications and defensive barriers that once surrounded the royal city of Krakow.
The Barbican was built in 1498-1499 during the reign of John Albert to prevent a possible invasion of Turkish troops after the defeat of Bukovina. According to experts, the Krakow fortress was absolutely impregnable from the 15th to the 18th century. The circular Gothic building has an inner diameter of 24.4 meters, and the walls are more than 3 meters thick. The Barbican was adjacent to the Florian Gate, the walls were equipped with loopholes, and special holes were made in the floor for pouring boiling water over the besiegers. The building was surrounded by a moat.
Currently, the Barbican is a branch of the Historical Museum of Krakow. It is used as a venue for various exhibitions, as a sports arena for the Polish Fencing Championship. Knight tournaments and dances are also held here.
