How memory embeds in the city: Everyday cultural memory in Kraków, Poland

Memory embeds itself in Kraków, Poland, through both visible and subtle means, particularly in the Planty parkland surrounding the Old Town. Rich with monuments and landscape designs, this area commemorates some personalities from the Romantic Era, a crucial period for Polish national identity. Monuments and cultural markers celebrate figures and events from this era, reminding passers-by of Poland’s historical resilience. While some memory sites are overt, others blend into the everyday landscape, like old trees or historical paths, remaining unnoticed yet significant. The presence of Polish language inscriptions highlights a history of resistance against cultural suppression. Through an emplaced survey, I found that these embedded memories foster a continuous connection to the past, reinforcing Polish national identity. The Planty’s visible and subtle markers ensure that historical narratives remain a vibrant part of Kraków’s contemporary cultural landscape.