A model socialist city built in the 1950s. Monumental architecture, hidden history and an authentic side of Krakow most tourists never see.
In 1949, the communist authorities decided to build an "ideal socialist city" right next to conservative, intellectual Krakow. The plan was simple: bring workers from across Poland to a new steelworks and create a "new man" separated from Krakow's church traditions.
It did not work. Nowa Huta residents became one of the strongest centres of resistance against communism in Poland. It was here in the 1970s and 80s that some of the fiercest battles over crosses and religious freedom took place.
Nowa Huta's layout is a textbook example of socialist realist urban planning. Central Square (formerly Lenin Square) is a vast plaza with avenues radiating outward. Aleja Roz leads to the former steelworks gate. The residential buildings feature beautiful socialist realist architecture - columns, arcades, wide pavements and plenty of greenery. Paradoxically, many urbanists consider Nowa Huta better designed than the concrete tower block estates of the 1970s.
The modernist church on Obroncow Krzyza Nowohuckiego street is a symbol of the residents' fight for the right to worship. Communist authorities refused to allow a church in the "atheist city" for years. Residents erected crosses themselves and defended them against riot police. The church was built between 1967 and 1977 - partly from stones brought by believers from across Poland.
Nowa Huta is 10 km east of the Main Square. Take tram 4 or 15 (30 minutes). However, it is best to book a guided tour - many stories cannot be read from the buildings without context. Our Nowa Huta tour takes about 4 hours with private transport.
Book a tour, hop on an electric cart, or arrange a private transfer.