Two hundred years ago, a stubborn professor endeavoured to save the last fragment of Cracow's medieval walls from destruction. Professor Radwanski used every excuse under the sun to save the decrepit fairy tale towers, even claiming that the modesty of Cracow ladies would be compromised if the plans went ahead. The gallant professor reasoned that the lack of walls would allow insolent gusts of wind to sweep up the skirts of the dainty dames - scandalous!
Thankfully, the city authorities bought the professor's ruse, and the northernmost section of the wall was saved. All the same, whilst the trio of towers has provided a royal welcome to visitors since medieval times, until now, very few people have actually been allowed to climb up onto the bastions. However, all this is set to change if new plans are realized this year.
The eastern section of the walls has already been given a fine restoration, and this year, the remaining stretch is in line for a clean up. This section belongs to the Foundation of the Czartoryski Princes, whose museum incorporates a large chunk of the old fortifications. Their museum, which is the oldest in Poland, sees a great deal of tourist traffic, and a visit to the fortifications could be a fantastic compliment to the experience. A full restoration is set to kick off over the next few months, and debates have now begun on how to manage the walls. Complimentary crossbows are not expected to be provided to visitors, and bubbling cauldrons of tar are also not high on the agenda.
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