ul. Św. Wawrzyńca

ul. Św. Wawrzyńca , Kazimierz more than a year ago

Named after Saint Lawrence, this long street in Kazimierz was one of Kraków's most industrialised streets in the early 1900s. The entire south side of the block between ul. Dajwór and ul. Wąska houses historical buildings related to the Kraków power plant, which produced steam, electricity and heat for the city from 1905 to 1985; the most arresting of these is the red-brick machine hall from 1905 (no. 25). Across the street is the Judah Food Market and the large mural by Israeli street artist Pil Peled that presides over it. Next, on the same side of the street is the former Jewish school, today a public high school.

Kazimierz electrical power plant, built in 1905.

If you follow the street’s tram tracks, you’ll notice that they suddenly run off the road into a hangar about half way down. This is Kazimierz’s late 19th century tram depot, today full of historical trolleys and part of the recently reopened Museum of Engineering & Technology - one of the city's more charming and family-friendly museums. The second half of this huge and historical transportation complex is actually across the street and today host to the sprawling Stara Zajezdnia brewery, beer hall and restaurant - an incredibly popular summer beer garden.

Heading on from the tram depot, the entire final two city blocks to Plac Wolnica on the right side belong to the church, Corpus Christi Church to be exact. One of the city's largest holy sites, this massive brick beauty is a three-naver in Gothic style and dates back to the 14th century. According to legend, a robber who had stolen a holy relic repented on this spot, abandoning the reliquary. The priests in pursuit saw a strange light emanating from the ground and discovering their sacred prize, founded a church here in recognition of the miracle.