The defensive system of Krakow was established at the end of the 13th century, initially as wooden and earthen fortifications with a moat, and from the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries it was gradually replaced by stone walls. To this day, only a fragment of the medieval fortifications, approximately 200 metres long, with the Florian Gate and three towers, has survived.

The Florian Gate, mentioned since 1307, was the main and representative entrance gate to the city on the Royal Route. Over time, it was expanded and connected to the Barbican, serving both defensive and symbolic functions. Three towers have survived at the gate: Pasamoników, Stolarska and Ciesielska, built of stone and brick in the 15th century. Although most of the city walls were demolished at the beginning of the 19th century by decision of the Austrian authorities, the Florian section survived thanks to the intervention of Feliks Radwański.