The end of concrete near Wawel. Napoleon Square will turn into a green square

Squares with places to rest, an underground retention reservoir and a museum dedicated to the Vistula River – will be built on the Square of the Great Army of Napoleon at the foot of Wawel. Work on the new development of the square and its reconstruction may take from 2 to 3 years.

The modernization of the square and the change in its character are related to the planned construction of an underground retention reservoir, which will be built under the current coach parking lot at a depth of approx. 18 m. The main task of the reservoir will be to retain excess rainwater, reducing the risk of sewage flowing back into basements and pouring it onto the streets. The estimated cost is PLN 60-80 million net.

As city representatives informed during the press conference, on the occasion of this investment, the city wants to make the currently concrete square more pedestrian-friendly.

– Situations in which we need large infrastructure investments can be major technical challenges. We wanted this challenge to be an opportunity to open these spaces again and do something that would deserve this location, said the mayor of Krakow, Aleksander Miszalski. The second stage of public consultations will be held regarding the final development plan for the square. It will last from April 21 to May 15.

According to City Gardener Katarzyna Opałka, during previous public consultations on this matter, residents primarily pointed out the need to green this place. According to the project presented at the briefing, squares with trees, benches, ponds and places for recreation will be built on the square. There will also be a place for practicing urban sports and having fun for children. The part of the square closer to Wawel will remain empty, and existing events, such as summer cinema, will be able to take place there.

– We have a chance to create this space anew. We would like to restore it to the residents, because few people use it now, and above all, use its gigantic potential – emphasized Opałka, adding that the square revitalization project was inspired by the Krakow section of the Vistula. – We know that without the Vistula, our city would not exist, it has shaped the way this city has developed over the centuries. We would like this space to face more towards the river, she added.

A branch of the Krakow Museum – the Krakow Rivers Museum – will be established in the former seat of the Tourist Service Center. The planned institution is intended to show the importance of the Vistula and its tributaries for the city, as well as to tell about the traditions, everyday experiences and legends related to Krakow's rivers.

– We want it to be not just a museum where we will show various exhibits, but a place where a community can meet to recreate old rafting traditions on the river – said Dr. Michał Niezabitowski.

A survey for residents will be organized regarding the final name of the new branch of the Krakow Museum. There are several variants to choose from, including: “Museum of Krakow Rivers”, “River Museum”, “River Museum in the City”, “Nurt Museum” and “Przystań Muzeum”.(PAP)

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