KRAKOW CITY CENTRE
A selection of sights
from around the Old Krakow City Centre – including views of landmark churches,
vast public squares, enclosed public and private courtyards and covered vaulted
hallways. All of these contrasting elements link from one to another within the
rigid constraints of an orthogonal city grid.
JAGIELLONIAN UNIVERSITY COURTYARD
This courtyard,
belonging to one of the oldest Colleges in the city, is located within the
boundaries of the old town. As a courtyard, it integrates into the city grid,
using its buildings as a set of walls to enclose a square at its core. The
multi storey walls also serve to keep this area cool from the summer sun, along
with the high pitched roofs, the perimeter colonnade, and central well.
INFORMATION & EXHIBITION CENTER - INGARDEN & EWY ARCHITEKCI, KRAKOW, 2008
This modern visitor
centre contrasts the surrounding historic context whilst acknowledging its
architectural language. The terracotta tiles clad the entire building whilst
remaining spaced enough for light to penetrate through their columns and
through their glazed inner skin. This keeps the internal environment cool yet
bright.
WIELICZKA SALT MINE
The Wieliczka Salt
Mines are an amazing feat of ingenuity and engineering. These underground chambers
vary in size and purpose, each of them separated by long labyrinthine tunnels.
Each new chamber reveals an individual character with distinguishing timbers
and joinery, stone carvings and atmospheric lighting.