The city's most picturesque street, Kanonicza is a cobbled alley which until the 14th century was lined with mansions of noblemen. Later, palace residences of canons took their place. They remain superb examples of renaissance and baroque architecture, and many of the facades feature colourful murals and passageways leading into quiet courtyards. Several buildings still belong to the Church.
Ending just at the foot of the hilltop of Wawel Castle, the street used to be the last and most glorious part of the Royal Road, the ceremonial route leading from the main city gate to the central square to the Royal Castle.