Pod Jeleniem tenement house in Kraków, Gothic tenement house at Rynek Główny 36, Kraków, Poland
Pod Jeleniem is a multi-story residential building at the corner of Rynek Główny with architectural features spanning Gothic and Renaissance periods. The structure displays an ornate stone facade with decorative details, while the ground floor houses commercial spaces and upper levels serve as residences.
The structure originated in the 14th century as a merchant residence during the medieval period. It gained official monument status in 1930 when registered on the Polish cultural heritage list.
The name refers to the deer symbol that once identified the building for merchants and residents navigating the old town. This naming tradition helped distinguish properties in a dense urban quarter where families of means displayed their status through decorated facades.
The building sits at a busy corner of the main square and is easily accessible via pedestrian paths in the area. Visit during daytime hours when ground floor shops are open and the surroundings are most lively.
In 1924 the roof was transformed from its original stepped medieval shape into a modern cubic form. This alteration fundamentally changed the building's appearance and illustrates how historic structures were adapted to suit contemporary tastes.
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