Exterior view

Krak�w Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) was once a major centre of international trade. During its golden age in the 15th century, the hall was the source of a variety of exotic imports from the east - spices, silk, leather and wax - while Krak�w itself exported textiles, lead, and salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine. However, its decline started with the move of the capital to Warsaw in the very end of the 16th century.

After the 1555 fire the Cloth Hall was rebuilt as a splendid Renaissance edifice with an ornate roof adorned with grotesque masks by the Italian sculptor and architect, Santi Gucci. Also the picturesque stairs and galleries on both ends of the building date from the 16th century.

The Cloth Hall was renovated in the end of the 19th century.