Zinar Castle

In the old days, kings after victorious battles, diplomats and distinguished guests visiting Krakow entered the city through it. Today, the Florian Gate is one of the symbols of the city that welcomes tourists coming to Krakow.

Since the Middle Ages, it has been the main of the seven gates leading to the city. Its care was entrusted to the guild of furriers. Its name comes from the church of St. Florian in Kleparz, but it was also called Porta Gloriae, i.e. the Gate of Glory, because it was here that the main royal route leading to Wawel (Via Regia - Royal Route) began. It is mentioned in city documents as early as 1307, and its oldest stone part probably dates back to the turn of the 13th / 14th century. After the creation of the Barbican (end of the 15th century), it was connected with it by a fortified corridor, the so-called neck. After the destruction caused by the Swedish invasion in the 17th century, it received a new, preserved to this day, baroque helmet.

The 34.5 m high Florian Gate is today a beautiful accent of the perspective of Floriańska Street and the Royal Route. It's hard to imagine that in the years 1901-1953 a narrow-gauge tram passed under it, which then had to fold the pantograph every time...