The "Underground Market" Museum

In 2005, archaeological investigations were conducted in the old square of Krakow, which were supposed to precede construction works (the area was planned for paving replacement) and were expected to last about half a year. However, as a result of the works, ancient items, structures, remains of forges, bridges, houses, shops, an ancient cemetery, as well as sections of medieval highways and the remnants of a settlement destroyed by Tatar raids in 1241 were found. It became clear that what was found could not simply be buried again. A decision was made to open an underground museum. And such a museum was opened on September 24th, 2010.

The "Dungeons" exhibition features over 700 exhibits. It houses not only findings and reconstructions but also excavated objects. Roads, walls, and gravestones discovered during archaeological research are illuminated and carefully preserved.

The creators of the exhibition divided it into several spheres. The first one showcases the development of trade. The trade routes map illustrates the role the city played in the Hanseatic League (an influential trade union of cities). This part of the exhibition also includes actual items and goods, as well as a virtual reconstruction of a scene featuring an argument between two merchants.

Next, visitors can learn about transportation. There's a chance to see a well-preserved paved road from the 14th century. The reconstruction of a wagon carrying various goods shows how challenging transportation was in medieval times.

Following this, a part of the urban settlement can be seen. Along with other exhibits in this section, we can see the reconstruction of craft workshops and relics of houses burned during the Tatar invasion (1241). Nearby are 3D holograms that show the evolution of the most important buildings in the Market Square over the millennia.

During archaeological works, more than 200 burials were uncovered. At the exhibition, we can see some of them, along with artifacts related to beliefs and religiosity. The reconstruction of the deceased's faces makes a special impression.

Also, relics of the oldest stone buildings in the Market Square, known as the "Rich Stalls", are displayed. The name corresponds to the elite goods that were sold here. Additionally, there are the Bolesław stalls, originally wooden, built during the times of Prince Bolesław the Modest, separated by a paved alley.

The museum also displays remnants of the official City Scales building. It is very likely that it was one of the largest structures of its kind in Europe. One particularly impressive artifact is a 693 kg slab of lead, locally known as a "loaf", which was highly valuable at the time.

The museum is equipped with several mini-cinemas where visitors can watch short films about Krakow. Numerous multimedia displays show various video stories.