Krowodrza - an atmospheric district beloved by young residents, full of intimate, modernist buildings.
Explore the district that surrounds the Old Town from the north and connects to the green West-side through the spectacular National Museum.
Based in Kraków, Poland
Based in Kraków, Poland
General Info
Occupying Krakow’s north-western segment, the suburb of Krowodrza was for many years known as something of a student district, a reputation born from its numerous university dormitories. To this day, it retains a high headcount of students thanks to the number of college buildings, but this has been diluted with time thanks to a steady influx of newcomers, first-time buyers and foreign residents. Certainly, these have been encouraged by the area’s proximity to the centre, as well as its strong cultural reputation. Known as the site of the main branch of the National Museum in Krakow, as well as the spiritual home of Polish football giants Wisla Krakow, the district has a strong identity that has become even warmer with the gradual introduction of neighbourhood restaurants and bars.
Architecture & Property
Krowodrza was heavily developed after
WWII with several housing blocks, student dorms and educational institutions
added. However, never do these feel an overly-domineering force. Blended into
this architectural cocktail visitors can find several examples of inter-war Art
Deco-style apartment buildings as well as a range of detached and semi-detached
houses. Newer apartment complexes are now also making their mark on the area, particularly
in the north, whilst other swathes include low-lying residential estates found
down sedate, leafy roads. Varied in its mix and demographics, Krowodrza is a
suburb of many faces.
Architecture & Property
Krowodrza was heavily developed after
WWII with several housing blocks, student dorms and educational institutions
added. However, never do these feel an overly-domineering force. Blended into
this architectural cocktail visitors can find several examples of inter-war Art
Deco-style apartment buildings as well as a range of detached and semi-detached
houses. Newer apartment complexes are now also making their mark on the area, particularly
in the north, whilst other swathes include low-lying residential estates found
down sedate, leafy roads. Varied in its mix and demographics, Krowodrza is a
suburb of many faces.
Green & Recreational Areas
Krowodrza has much greenery to be proud of. With a layout inspired by Vienna’s 19th century parks, Park Krakowski is today better known for its feast of abstract sculptures, many of which were produced by eminent avant garde artists such as Roman Tarkowski and Vincenty Kuzma. Close by, the picturesque Jordan Park is notable as the home of what was Europe’s first ever public playground. Today, it has maintained its user-friendly approach to feature, among other attractions, a seasonal ice rink, basketball courts, paddling pools and, even, a statue of Wojciech, a brown bear that served alongside Polish troops in WWII. Just across the road, find Blonia Meadow, a vast 48-hectare field that has previously been used to host papal gatherings, military parades and pop concerts. Outside of these functions, it enjoys huge popularity with dog walkers, joggers, cyclists and picnicking families. Protected as a National Heritage site, this thick green swathe also separates the city’s two principal football teams: Wisla, who play in Krowodrza, and their bitter rivals Cracovia who play just south.
