The Congress of Kraków in 1364 was the largest diplomatic event of medieval Poland, organized by King Casimir the Great. The meeting was attended by the most important monarchs of Central Europe, including Emperor Charles IV and King Louis I of Hungary. The event lasted five days and significantly influenced the balance of power in the region.

The Congress of Kraków of 1364 was one of the most important events in medieval Poland that significantly influenced the formation of statehood. This event, organized by King Casimir the Great, gathered monarchs and dignitaries from all across Central Europe.

This historic meeting took place during the greatest prosperity of the Kingdom of Poland and had enormous political and diplomatic significance. During the congress, key international matters were discussed, including political alliances, trade, and common policy towards external threats. This event also demonstrated Kraków's position as one of the most important political centers in Europe at that time.

Poland in the 13th century underwent a period of profound political and economic transformations. The feudal fragmentation significantly influenced the power structure in the state and relations between different regions of the country.

Poland in the 13th century functioned under the system of feudal fragmentation, which began after the death of Bolesław III Wrymouth in 1138. The country was divided into 5 main provinces:

• Mazovia with its center in Płock
• Greater Poland with its capital in Poznań
• Lesser Poland with Kraków as the main center
• Silesia with its center in Wrocław
• Pomerania with its main stronghold in Gdańsk

Key political events of this period:

• Mongol invasions of 1241 and 1259
• Establishment of economic immunities for the Church
• Town locations under German law
• Intensive colonization under German law

The power system of Piast princes was based on the following elements:

Power hierarchy structure:

• Princeps (senior of the family) exercising sovereignty over other princes

• Provincial princes managing assigned territories

• Princely officials (voivodes palatines)

• Minting coins in their territories

• Granting privileges

• Exercising judiciary power

• Collection of tributes and taxes

Province	Main Centers	Number of Strongholds
Lesser Poland	Kraków Sandomierz	12
Greater Poland	Poznań Gniezno	15
Silesia	Wrocław Legnica	14
Masovia	Płock Czersk	8
Pomerania	Gdańsk Szczecin	10

The Kraków Congress of 1364 was the largest diplomatic event in medieval Poland. Casimir the Great organized a meeting of European monarchs in Kraków between September 22-27, 1364.

Casimir the Great initiated the Kraków Congress for three strategic reasons:

• Strengthening Poland's position in the international arena by demonstrating the kingdom's economic power
• Creating an alliance against the growing influence of the House of Luxembourg in Central Europe
• Securing trade routes between Hungary and Northern European states

Monarch	Title	State
Charles IV	Emperor	Holy Roman Empire
Louis I	King	Hungary
Peter I	King	Cyprus
Waldemar IV	King	Denmark
Siemowit III	Duke	Masovia
Bolko II	Duke	Świdnica
Otto V	Margrave	Brandenburg

• Church dignitaries led by Archbishop Jarosław Bogoria of Gniezno
• Representatives of Hanseatic cities from northern Europe
• Knights from Poland and neighboring countries
• Delegates of the Teutonic states from Grand Master Winrich von Kniprode

The Kraków Congress began with a solemn procession of rulers entering the city through the Florian Gate. The ceremonial included five days of intensive diplomatic talks combined with cultural events.

• Opening of proceedings at Wawel Castle on September 22, 1364, with participation of European monarchs

• Signing of trade cooperation treaty between participating states

• Conclusion of agreement on common monetary policy regarding coin minting

• Establishment of security principles for trade routes connecting northern and southern Europe

• Resolution of territorial disputes between participating states

• Confirmation of military alliance against Brandenburg's expansion

• Three-day feast served with exotic dishes from across Europe

• 40 types of wines imported from different regions were used

• Guests received gold and silver vessels as gifts from the host

• Strict diplomatic protocol was maintained in seating guests according to hierarchy

• Performances by court poets and musicians from various countries

• Knights' tournament organized in Krakow's market square

Feast Element	Number
Duration in days	3
Types of wine	40
Number of guests	150
Service staff	100
Main courses	25

The Krakow Congress of 1364 changed the balance of power in Central Europe by creating a new network of international alliances. This event strengthened Poland's position as a key player in the region and a center of trade exchange.

During the congress, three strategic agreements were concluded:

• Defensive pact between Poland and Hungary against Luxembourg expansion
• Military cooperation agreement with Pomeranian states
• Mutual assistance treaty with Silesian princes

These alliances brought concrete effects:

• Securing Poland's southern border
• Strengthening negotiating position towards the Teutonic Order
• Creating a common front against Czech expansion

The congress brought significant economic benefits through:

New trade privileges:

• Reduced customs duties for merchants from partner cities
• Safety guarantees on trade routes
• Standardization of weights and measures in allied countries

Route	Goods	Annual Turnover Value
Krakow-Buda	Salt, copper, silver	50,000 marks
Krakow-Gdansk	Amber, furs	30,000 marks
Krakow-Prague	Textiles, wine	25,000 marks

The Krakow Congress of 1364 left a lasting mark on medieval European history. The impact of this event was visible in many aspects of political and economic life for decades to come.

The Krakow Congress introduced new standards in 14th-century European diplomacy. Permanent diplomatic missions were established between Poland, Hungary, and Bohemia, which improved international communication. A system of regular consultations between rulers was introduced regarding:

• Coordination of foreign policy towards the Teutonic Order
• Agreement on joint military actions in case of external threats
• Mediation in disputes between member states of the alliance

The Congress contributed to significant infrastructural development of Krakow. City expansion included:

Investment	Completion Year	Significance
Cloth Hall	1370	Center of international trade
Fortification system	1366	Strengthening city defenses
New trade routes	1365	Improvement of communication

• Establishment of mandatory storage for foreign merchants
• Introduction of security guarantee system for traders
• Granting customs privileges for merchants from partner cities

• The Congress of Kraków took place in 1364 during the reign of King Casimir the Great and was one of the most important diplomatic events in medieval Poland
• The congress was attended by the most important monarchs of Central Europe, including Emperor Charles IV, King Louis I of Hungary, and King Peter I of Cyprus
• During the 5-day congress, key treaties were signed concerning trade cooperation, monetary policy, and security of trade routes
• This event significantly strengthened Poland's and Kraków's international position, leading to the formation of new political and economic alliances
• The meeting contributed to Kraków's development as an important trade and diplomatic center, resulting in the expansion of urban infrastructure

The Congress of Kraków in 1364 reshaped the political map of medieval Europe. This event not only strengthened Poland's position in the international arena but also contributed to the economic and cultural development of the region.

The meeting organized by Casimir the Great brought tangible benefits in the form of new strategic alliances, favorable trade agreements, and innovative diplomatic solutions. The system of international connections established at that time continued to function for decades to come.

The Congress of Kraków remains one of the most important diplomatic events of the 14th century, demonstrating not only the power of Poland at that time but also the diplomatic skills of Casimir the Great. Its effects influenced the development of the entire Central European region, leaving a lasting legacy in the continent's history.