Kraków’s Main Square, one of Europe’s largest medieval town squares, is set for a green transformation thanks to a winning proposal from the city’s 2022 participatory budget. Experts from the Kraków University of Technology have crafted a plan to add more trees to the square, enhancing its natural beauty and helping to combat urban heat islands. The initiative has received approval from the provincial heritage conservation officer, ensuring that the new plantings will respect both the historic and environmental integrity of this iconic space.
The trees will be planted in several key locations around the square, including the area surrounding the Church of St. Wojciech, where new trees will complement ancient ones. Additional plantings will be made near the Town Hall Tower, along the eastern side of the Sukiennice, and by the famous fountain. Special care will also be taken to plant trees along the western side of the square, where underground relics will be protected through georadar studies.
Five tree species have been selected for the project, all chosen for their resilience and suitability to the urban environment. These include the white robinia “Unifoliola,” the field maple “Elsrijk,” and the columnar oaks “Monument.” Linden trees, including small-leaved varieties like “Greenspire” and “Brabant,” will also be planted along the Sukiennice. These species are in line with Poland’s historical landscape and will blend seamlessly with the square’s heritage.
The project is expected to begin with planting in spring 2026, after finalizing project documentation and permits by October 2025. This initiative reflects Kraków’s commitment to blending modern ecological needs with the city’s rich history, creating a greener, more sustainable future for one of the world’s most historic public spaces.