Italian House, Renaissance tenement house in Main Market Square, Kraków, Poland
The Italian House is a Renaissance tenement on the Main Market Square featuring four stories and a Mannerist portal at its entrance. A Latin inscription 'Te cum habita' is carved above the main doorway, adding a personal touch to the facade.
Sebastian Montelupi established Poland's first postal service from this location in 1569, creating regular communication between Kraków and Venice. This connection became vital for trade and cultural exchange between Poland and Italy during the Renaissance.
The building served as a gathering place for the Italian Brotherhood, an association of Italian residents who maintained strong ties to their homeland. Members used the space to preserve their customs and remain connected to Italy.
The building is located at Rynek Główny 7 and currently houses a hostel spread across two floors. Visitors can explore the interior through guided architectural tours offered year-round.
The original ceiling in the hallway bears the heraldic symbols of the Montelupi family, while the courtyard features a 16th-century portal that was relocated from elsewhere. These architectural details reveal the craftsmanship and family pride of the period.
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