Szymborska Park

Between ul. Karmelicka & ul. Dolnych Młynów , Old Town 12 Sep 2023

Szymborska Park, Kraków

Opened in July 2023, Kraków's newest park is dedicated to Nobel-Prize-winning poet Wisława Szymborska, who spent her entire adult life in the city, becoming a literary icon in the process. Covering 0.8 hectares, the park is located right in the centre of town behind the building of the main library. The library building was in fact once a military barracks (built 1858-62) and the plot that the park is now located upon was the roll call square. From the 1990s onward, the large space was used for parking. The move to turn the former military property into a park was actually initiated by local residents in 2019 and quickly gained widespread support.

'Nothing Twice' mural in Szymborska Park.

Today this green space is not only dedicated to Kraków's Grand Dame of Poetry, but also filled with references to her life and work. A large mural on ul. Karmelicka features her poem 'Nic Dwa Razy' (Nothing Twice, see the small plaque for the English translation of the poem) with images that refer to the humourous collages she also made. Other literary quotes are subtly sprinkled through the space, and there are several installations that allow visitors to interact with her work. 125 trees were planted in the park, including apple trees on the Karmelicka side, creating a small orchard. Although there is no playground, the park includes an artificial stream and aquatic plants, plus many benches, chairs and open green spaces for picnicking or playing boules/bocce.

Note that the park has 5 entrance gates, which are locked at night.