Krakow – a city rich in history and culture
Krakow is famous for its numerous tourist attractions which make each stay here a pleasant time. In the evening you may experience the magical atmosphere of Krakow’s pubs, cafés and restaurants in which you may eat well but also relax and enjoy the lovely views.
Krakow, with its population of nearly 800 thousand, has been awarded the reputable title of the European Capital of Culture and is the most frequently visited city in Poland. Krakow has earned its reputation not only thanks to its historical heritage but also by being a home for educated, creative and resourceful people. In Krakow we may find many unique building and the largest market square in Europe. Krakow’s Historic Centre is among the first sites chosen for the UNESCO's original World Heritage List.
In Krakow, something extraordinary awaits you each day. The city has a wealth of great plays of the Polish theatre, one-of-a-kind exhibitions in museums and art galleries, cinemas, charming parks, amusing street art performances, cultural festivals, astonishing events and legendary hangouts such as Piwnica pod Baranami.
Most popular tourist sites in Krakow:
- Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is , to this day, still crammed with stalls selling amber, jewelry , handicrafts (e.g. lace, woodwork etc. ) and other souvenirs. Underneath the Cloth Hall there is an ultra-modern museum showcasing the Krakow’s medieval past.
- Barbican (Barbakan) is a mighty structure – a fortified gateway leading into the Old Town, one of the few remaining relics of the network of fortifications that once encircled the royal city.
- St. Mary’s Church (Kościół Mariacki) is one of the most recognized churches in Poland. This majestic structure is a treasure trove of masterpieces of art such as the stunning altarpiece of Veit Stoss. It is from here that the city's well-known bugle call (hejnał mariacki) is played.
- Wawel Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski na Wawelu) is a potent symbol of Polish national identity, perched on top of the hill of the same name, on the left bank of the Vistula river. Wawel’s must-see highlights include the Cathedral, the Crown Treasury, and the hanging bundle of bones which are rumored to have belonged to a local dragon.
- Kazimierz – The Old Jewish Quarter, with its narrow streets is one of Krakow´s most unique sites. It boasts some of the finest architecture found anywhere in the city, including numerous synagogues and churches but also modern museums such as Schindler’s Factory, Galicia Jewish Museum or MOCAK. Centered around Plac Nowy, Kazimierz has emerged as the city’s premier destination for café culture and nightlife
- Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Łagiewniki (Sanktuarium Bożego Miłosierdzia) draws pilgrims from all around the world. The Sanctuary contains the famous painting “ Jesus, I trust in You” , created with Sister Faustina’s instructions as she had seen Jesus appear in one of her visions.
- The Czartoryski Museum is best-known for displaying Leonardo da Vinci’s The Lady with an Ermine, its collection also includes other magnificent pieces of decorative art, paintings (e.g. two works by Rembrandt), antique sculptures, tapestries etc.
- Krakow’s Mounds – The city is famous for its mounds i.e. earthen formations erected for commemorative purposes. The most prominent example is Kościuszko Mound, others include Piłsudski’s Mound, Krakus Mound, Wanda Mound and John Paul II’s Mound.