Water in Krakow’s Gardens, Parks and Areas of Greenery

Abstract

In park and garden design, one of the more valued assets of the natural environment is water. Perceived as the source of life, it has always constituted an essential element of garden compositions, one that is both impressive and symbolic. In subsequent historical periods, designers expanded the possibilities of using water in garden layouts and since the nineteenth century waterfront areas have been an important element of shaping systems of urban parks. The article features a characterisation of the participation of water and waterfront areas in Krakow’s gardens and areas of public greenery. The matter of both waterway systems that order the structure of the city, anthropogenic or natural pools, as well as details decorating park spaces were discussed. One of the most essential elements that have crystallised Krakow’s urban layout are so-called river parks. The presence of rivers in the city significantly improves its visual attractiveness. Natural points, sequences of views and exposed places are highly distinct, in addition to an attractive waterfront landscape with outstanding landmarks. This is confirmed by historical panoramas and contemporary conceptual proposals of walking areas and boulevards. River parks, which are linear, show highly diverse landscapes, the separate tradition of places, their own identities, including natural identities—not limited to the Vistula River valley—as the Vistula is the main river. Natural and artificial bodies of water and their accompanying recreational areas, e.g. Zakrzówek, Bagry or Przylasek Rusiecki, have a significant share in shaping Krakow’s areas of greenery. Water is also present in Krakow’s gardens and parks. Its visual qualities, the charm of shimmering light, reflections and the dynamism of, among other things, water jets on a smooth water surface, as well as its sound have all found their use. In gardens or manorial or palatial parks it often constituted an essential compositional element, e.g. in the garden of Łobzów, the parks of Dębniki or Prokocim. It did not survive in any of them. Later on it also became an important part of the programme of public parks, with pools or ponds located, among other places, in Planty Park and Park Jordana. To this day it brings joy and refreshment to its users in the form of representative fountains and water jets. In the article it was presented just how diverse functions does water play in the composing of Krakow’s areas of greenery—from the detail to the planning of its urban structure. The fact that, particularly recently, a frontal turn has been made towards the Vistula, as there were voices that the city had its back turned to it. At present, public areas that are open towards the water are being designed. Designs of waterfront areas that have recently been completed in Krakow and which constitute a result of competitions, were shown as well. These include the parks in Zakrzówek or near Płaszów lake. This proves that water still remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration and its accessibility in areas of public greenery attracts large amounts of users.