Italian House, Kraków

Name: Italian House
Address: Kraków, Poland

#30 among attractions in Kraków

Museum, Renaissance architecture

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Facts and practical information

The Italian House, also known as Dom Włoski, is an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Kraków, Poland, reflecting the city's rich historical tapestry. Located at Szpitalna 32, this building is a testament to the cultural and artistic exchanges between Poland and Italy during the Renaissance period.

The Italian House was constructed in the 16th century and initially served as the residence of the Italian merchant Francesco Nigrisoli, showcasing the influence of Italian Renaissance architecture in Poland. Its facade is adorned with sgraffito decorations, a technique which involves applying layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colors to create intricate patterns and imagery, a hallmark of Italian design.

This historical building underwent several renovations over the centuries, each time enhancing its Italianate features while preserving its original character. The most significant restoration took place in the late 19th century, led by the renowned Polish architect Sławomir Odrzywolski, who meticulously restored the sgraffiti and the building's overall structure.

Today, the Italian House stands as a cultural monument and is part of the Historic Centre of Kraków, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the building itself is not typically open for public tours, its exterior offers a unique glimpse into the fusion of Italian and Polish Renaissance styles. Visitors strolling through the streets of Kraków can admire the Italian House's detailed facades, which continue to capture the imagination of passersby and serve as a reminder of the city's vibrant international past.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 50°3'43"N, 19°56'24"E

Address

Stare MiastoKraków Poland

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Day trips

Italian House – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Sukiennice Museum, Church of St. Adalbert, Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica.

~600 ftW
Museum showing 19th-century Polish art
Sukiennice Museum, Kraków
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Kraków's Main Market Square, the Sukiennice Museum, also known as the Gallery of the 19th-Century Polish Art, is a cultural gem that beckons art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This illustrious museum is housed in the upper floor of the...
~670 ftSW
Romanesque 11th-century church
Church of St. Adalbert, Kraków
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Kraków's bustling Old Town, the Church of St. Adalbert stands as a testament to the city's rich history and spiritual heritage. This venerable place of worship, with its origins dating back to the 11th century, is one of the oldest stone...
~640 ftW
Market hall with a Polish art museum
Cloth Hall, Kraków
4 min walk • The Cloth Hall, known locally as Sukiennice, is a historic trading hub and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the heart of Kraków, Poland. This Renaissance-era gem, nestled in the center of the Main Market Square, dates back to the 14th century and was a major...
~190 ftSW
Landmark basilica with 2 towers
St. Mary's Basilica, Kraków
1 min walk • St. Mary's Basilica, with its twin spires reaching skyward and intricate Gothic architecture, stands as a testament to Kraków's historical and cultural significance. Located in the heart of the city's Main Market Square, this church has become an emblem of Poland's...
~650 ftW
Square, Historic walking areas
Main Square, Kraków
4 min walk • The main square of the Old Town of Kraków, Lesser Poland, is the principal urban space located at the center of the city. It dates back to the 13th century, and at 3.79 ha is the largest medieval town square in Europe.
~540 ftW
Museum, History museum
Rynek Underground, Kraków
3 min walk • The underground square central museum of Kraków is situated below the market square of the city. The museum is approximately 4000 square meters in size. Work on the underground square first began at the start of 2009 and cost 38 million zloty. The museum first opened on 24 September 2010, at the time only displaying regular exhibitions.
~990 ftNE
Theater, Concerts and shows, Eclectic architecture
Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, Kraków
5 min walk • Juliusz Słowacki Theatre is a 19th-century Eclectic theatre-opera house in the heart of Kraków, Poland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Erected in 1893, it was modeled after some of the best European Baroque and Eclectic theatres such as the Palais Garnier in Paris.
~1070 ftW
Statue to one of Poland's national bards
Adam Mickiewicz Monument, Kraków
6 min walk • Adam Mickiewicz Monument in Kraków, is one of the best known bronze monuments in Poland, and a favourite meeting place at the Main Market Square in the Old Town district of Kraków.
~1120 ftW
Nightlife
Piwnica Pod Baranami, Kraków
6 min walk • The Piwnica pod Baranami is a Polish literary cabaret located in Kraków, Poland. For over thirty years, in the People's Republic of Poland, Piwnica pod Baranami served as the most renowned political cabaret in the country, until the end of the communist era.
~900 ftW
Museum, History museum, Art museum
Muzeum Historyczne Miasta Krakowa, Kraków
5 min walk • The Historical Museum of the City of Kraków in Kraków, Lesser Poland, was granted the status of an independent institution in 1945. Originally, it was a branch of the Old Records Office of Kraków, in operation from 1899.
~240 ftSW
Gothic architecture, Monuments and statues
Veit Stoss altarpiece in Kraków, Kraków
2 min walk • The Altarpiece by Veit Stoss, also St. Mary's Altar, is a large Gothic altarpiece and a national treasure of Poland. It is located behind the high altar of St. Mary's Basilica in the city of Kraków. The altarpiece was carved between 1477 and 1489 by the German-born sculptor Veit Stoss who lived and worked in the city for over 20 years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Italian House?

Nearby attractions include Kamienica Hipolitów, Kraków (1 min walk), St. Mary's Basilica, Kraków (1 min walk), Floriańska Street, Kraków (2 min walk), Veit Stoss altarpiece in Kraków, Kraków (2 min walk).

How to get to Italian House by public transport?

The nearest stations to Italian House:

Tram

Poczta Główna • Lines: 1, 10, 24, 3, 52, 62, 69 (5 min walk)
Plac Wszystkich Świętych • Lines: 1, 13, 18, 6, 69, 8 (6 min walk)

Bus

Poczta Główna • Lines: 610 (6 min walk)
Teatr Słowackiego • Lines: 608, 610 (9 min walk)

Train

Krakow Main Station (15 min walk)
Kraków Zabłocie (32 min walk)