Krakow Main Square Reopens After Deadly Shooting
Krakow’s Main Market Square has reopened after a gunman killed six people and wounded 15 in the Polish city’s historic centre on Saturday, 7 November. Police shot and detained the 24-year-old suspect, who died in hospital on Monday. The square is open to visitors again, but the city’s mourning period and cancelled events will affect plans through Wednesday, 11 November, including Independence Day celebrations.
According to Krakow City Hall, the attacker drove onto Rynek Główny shortly after 15:00 and opened fire on pedestrians. Police intervened and arrested him after an exchange of gunfire; two officers were wounded. The square and nearby streets were closed while investigators examined the scene. Police completed their work on Sunday evening, allowing visitors back into the square. St Mary’s Basilica reopened for sightseeing on Monday.
Visitors can walk through the Old Town, but horse-drawn carriage stands remain closed: the stand on Rynek Główny and all alternative stands are shut until further notice. Krakow also plans temporary concrete barriers on roads approaching both the Main and Small Market Squares to stop unauthorised vehicles entering pedestrian areas. The city has not announced any general pedestrian closure linked to these measures.
Krakow Visits: What Has Changed
- Access: Rynek Główny reopened on 8 November; St Mary’s Basilica reopened on 9 November.
- Mourning: Nationally through 9 November; in Krakow through 11 November.
- Events: City-organised events cancelled through 11 November; private venues may set separate rules.
- Carriages: Main Market Square and alternative stands remain closed until further notice.
- Security: Additional vehicle barriers are planned, not yet installed.
- Emergency: Call 112 and follow police instructions.
Anyone visiting for Poland’s Independence Day on 11 November should check the revised programme. The traditional Patriotic Tram and public singing events on the square are cancelled, while the Krakow Independence Run has moved to a virtual format. Some theatres and concert venues have also cancelled performances. Contact the organiser rather than turning up with a ticket; refund or rescheduling arrangements vary by event.