Stare-Miasto encompasses Old Town, the most renowned historical centre of Krakow, Poland. This medieval portion of Krakow Old Town serves as a cultural hub and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the country’s Historic Monuments. The subdistrict Stare-Miasto includes Wawel Castle Hill and many surrounding neighbourhoods, serving as both a culturally important region and developing tourist hotspot.
Krakow Old Town is the reigning attraction of the region, considered one of the most famous streets in Poland today. The area offers shopping boutiques, cafes, restaurants and a lively social environment centred around Main Market Square. Many renowned museums and theatres include the Sukiennice Museum and the Old Theatre, and there are plentiful churches such as the Church of St. Andrew, St. Peter's and Paul's Church and the Church of St. Mary, all of which offer elegant displays of architecture.
Walking is the most efficient form of transportation around the square. The surrounding areas of Krakow encompassing many of the major neighbourhoods in Stare-Miasto Old Town are served by an above ground integrated bus and tramway system with stops in each district. Taxis and rental cars are alternate modes of transit.
Stare-Miasto Old Town first experienced its initial period of rapid economic growth during the Renaissance with the reconstruction of the Wawel Cathedral. Following the invasion of the 2nd Ukrainian Front and end of German rule, Krakow became the People's Republic of Poland.