Wielopolski Palace in Kraków

The Wielopolski Palace at plac Wszystkich Świętych 3 has been the seat of the city authorities since 1864: it houses the Mayor of Kraków, the City Office and the City Council. It is a working administrative building, not a museum.

From a hetman's palace to a town hall

The palace was built in 1535-1560 for the Grand Crown Hetman Jan Tarnowski. After his death it passed to the Ostrogski and Zamoyski families, and then to the Wielopolski family. In July 1850 it was seriously damaged by fire. It was rebuilt in 1856 by the surgeon Wojciech Kowalski, who added a Neo-Renaissance portal. In 1864 the palace was bought by the Municipality of the City of Kraków, and in 1865-1868 the architect Paweł Barański adapted it as the seat of the magistrate.

What can be seen from the outside

The building combines elements of the Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Renaissance. Among the historic details the sources list a Baroque portal and an ornate ceiling from the early 17th century, and an attic with crenellation. The building is entered in the heritage register.

Practical information

• Address: plac Wszystkich Świętych 3, Old Town; the buildings extend to Poselska Street.
• According to the sources there is no general public access to the City Council chamber and the Portrait Hall; the City Office provides information on the rules of entry.
• Closest is the Franciscan basilica, and the Main Market Square lies about three hundred metres away.