Dear International Living Reader,

When in Krakow, the Sukiennice, or Cloth Hall, is a must-see in a city packed with amazing history at every turn. You’ll find it easily in the center of Rynek (the main market square) in the heart of the Old City. I recommend getting to Rynek on foot; it’s a brief 10-minute walk from the main train station. And what a walk!

You’ll pass through a ring of green space separating the bustle of modern Krakow from the peaceful older streets. The clip-clop of horses’ hooves on the cobbled streets will draw you further into the magic and history of the Old City. There seems to be a church or cathedral on every corner, most of which are open to the public. In the Glowny Rynek area alone there are at least a dozen churches to worship in or admire, from St. Mary’s Church on the Rynek to the original chapel for the first university a few blocks away.

When you get to the Sukiennice, you can choose from beautifully mounted and polished amber in hues from the brightest greens and yellows to the richest browns. You can also shop for handcrafts like chess sets, ornate boxes, and wind chimes made of wood. There are laces, linens, and local costumes, all intricately designed, plus hand-knitted woolens for your head and your toes and everywhere in between. And for the non-shoppers among us, the building itself remains an important monument to the great trading history of ancient Krakow.

Deborah Clark
For International Living