The Barbican in Krakow, built between 1498 and 1499, was the most important element of the city's fortifications, designed with thick walls, arrow slits, machicolations and observation towers. Its main task was to defend the city and the Municipal Arsenal, while also serving a representative function as the ‘Gate of Glory’ on the Royal Route, through which monarchs and dignitaries entered the city.

The fortress was almost impregnable – it successfully repelled the attacks of Maximilian Habsburg in 1587 and the Russian army during the Bar Confederation in 1768, although it capitulated during the Swedish Deluge due to a lack of ammunition. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was threatened with demolition as part of the liquidation of the city walls, but thanks to the intervention of Feliks Radwański, it survived.

Estimated time of the visit: 30 min.