Brama Krakowska

The Krakow Gate is Lublin's best-known landmark and the main way into the Old Town from the west. It is a tall brick tower first raised in the 14th century, when the town was walled under Casimir the Great to guard against raids. The gate faced the road running towards Krakow, which is where its name comes from, and the same name attached to the promenade that leads up to it.

It is the image most people carry away from Lublin, and it is the natural start of a walk through the old centre. The gate frames the entrance to the Old Town, so you pass under it on the way in and out. Climb the tower and you get a close view over Krakowskie Przedmiescie on one side and the market square on the other.

The gate and the town walls date from the mid-14th century, part of the defences built under Casimir the Great after repeated raids on the region. The Gothic body was later topped with a rounded Baroque cupola added in the 18th century, giving the tower its present outline. Since 1965 the gate has held a branch of the Museum of the History of the City of Lublin, whose collection traces the town from its early days to the Second World War.

Inside, the museum sets its displays across the levels of the tower, ending with the viewing gallery near the top. The exhibits cover the city's past through documents, prints and everyday objects. The climb is by stairs. For current opening hours and ticket prices, check the museum's own channels, as these vary by season.

The gate marks the join between the pedestrian promenade and the Old Town, so you reach it on foot along Krakowskie Przedmiescie or straight from the market square. It is central and hard to miss. For transport across the city, see the Lublin guide.

The gate stands at the busiest crossing point of the centre:

• The Old Town, straight through the gate to the market square and Trybunal.
• Krakowskie Przedmiescie, the promenade running west from the gate.
• Litewski Square, at the far end of the promenade.

It faced the historic road leading west towards Krakow. The gate, the promenade and the district outside the walls all took their name from that route.

Yes. The tower holds a branch of the Museum of the History of the City of Lublin, and you can climb it for the exhibits and the view. Check current opening hours before visiting.