Podgórze − A Royal Town, Free and Modern
“A Pearl in the ring of boroughs surrounding Kraków”

Podgórze, established in 1784 following a universal issued by Emperor Joseph II and granted privileges and its own coat of arms, became a promised land for bold and entrepreneurial people. It offered a wealth of natural resources, space for living and the opportunity for social-economic development. It attracted representatives of various nations and religions, who built the town's wealth together, skilfully using the resources at their disposal. While nurturing traditional values, they simultaneously looked towards the future, trying to maintain pace with the rapidly-changing reality. The latest achievements of technology and science were implemented in the area of Podgórze. Modern factories and public buildings were constructed, and the communal infrastructure was developed. The upbringing of the younger generations was also taken care of, ensuring suitable physical and mental development. While planning the urban area, the fact that it was to represent not only a place of work but also one of rest was considered. Parks and squares were created, and the beneficial properties of mineral water were utilised. Within just 131 years, the residents of Podgórze, in accordance with the expectations of Emperor Joseph II, transformed a small settlement on the south side of the Vistula into a rapidly-developing town, which could compete against Kraków itself. When they entered in 1915 into Greater Kraków, the residents of Podgórze brought with them an injection of a fresh, modern form of governance and the idea of a town as a common good.

The National Archives in Kraków invite you to visit a presentation of archival materials in which we can find many stories about how people created the town.

The exhibition is divided into two themes, Town and People, and accompanies the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the unification of Kraków and Podgórze.