Krakow is one of the most important Polish cities due to its historical importance and enormous cultural heritage, it is an absolute must to visit. Since the Middle Ages, when Krakow became the Polish capital, it has stayed preserved and full of specific charisma. In contrast to Warsaw with its busy downtown and skyscrapers, Krakow is a thoroughly old city, abounding in cafes, university buildings and ecclesiastical architecture.
For more than five hundred years (1038-1596), the Royal Court resided in Krakov's Wawel Castle above the Vistula river. After the Swedish kings transferred the capital to Warsaw, Krakow remained the intellectual and artistic centre of the country and after the Partition of Poland, also the focal point of the national revival. At that time Krakow belonged to Austro-Hungarian Empire, a fact still echoed among Krakovians.
Visiting Krakow requires adaptation to its unhurried rhythm, a great deal of pubs, cafes, clubs or restaurants and getting ready for a lot of sightseeing. Moreover, Krakow is also a great base for further travels around Southern Poland.
Most of our apartments are desirably located between the castle, the old city and Kazimierz or right inside the Old Town.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Royal Castle - like in a proper fairy tale rests on a hill above the river and is protected by a dragon (his iron statue is in the lair where the beast lived). Renaissance style and the cathedral tower dominate the old royal precinct. The solemn Wawel cathedral was built on the shrine of the Polish patron saint, Stanislav - whilst here, do not miss the Sigismund and Holy Cross chapels. The Renaissance castle chambers still give an impression of an ancient residence including the throne hall. Also, special attention should be given to an exquisite collection of Flemish tapestries, rich treasury and the armoury.
Main Square - probably the largest one in Europe, elegant, vibrant and unforgettable. In the middle there is the oldest shopping mall in Poland - Sukiennice (cloth hall) and a lonely tower reminding of what used to be the town hall. A few meters from Sukiennice you will find the Gothic St.Mary’s Church (1222) with the largest wooden altar carved by Viet Stwoss. One of the most charming traditions is "hejnal" - a bugle call played every hour from the four sides of the highest tower of St. Mary’s church. Many interesting historic landmarks are scattered around neighbouring streets, lanes and squares - there are more than thirty museums and galleries.
Recently two new walking routes were established in the Old Town. Firstly, the University Route leads around the premises of Jagellonian University, established in 1364 by Casimir the Great (the second oldest north of the Alps). The other route commemorates the Krakovian period of John Paul II who was Archbishop of Krakow before his election as Pope in 1978 and spent most of his life here.
Kazimierz District was immortalized in Spielbergs’s Oscar-winning movie Schindler’s List. Its sombre ghetto-like atmosphere is well perceptible in chilly winter months. Kazimierz contains numerous monuments of Jewish, especially sacred, architecture, including an Old Synagogue dating back to the 15th century and the main Jewish flea market.
If you are staying longer, do not miss Krakow's man-made mounds, the oldest originated in the 7th century. Two are modern and have become key tourist attractions: The Kosciuszko and the Pilsudski Mounds. Close to the Pilsudski Mound is the large Blonia field which accommodated nearly 3 million pilgrims during the last Pope’s final visit.
Quite unexpectedly, the biggest socialist realism settlement in the entireity of Poland is in the eastern part of the town. The residential waste land of Nowa Huta displays some interesting features of Stalininist architecture and is worth a visit to see the dark side.
BEYOND KRAKOW:
Krakow is encircled by lovely countryside with the densest concentration of tourist sights in Poland. All accessible from Krakow by rail. The most flexible solution is, however, a cost-effective car rental. You can do several one-day trips.
Wieliczka Salt Mines - a suburb of Krakow, an underground labyrinth of tunnels, domed halls and splendid chapels. Everything carved from salt more than 100 meters underground. Some corridors go more than 300 meters below the surface.
Tatra Mountains - The highest mountain range in Eastern Europe, the highest Polish peak is Rysy rises 2444 metres. The national park abounds in beautiful geographical formations, unspoilt nature and picturesque villages. You can leisurely stroll or hike from both the Polish and Slovak sides. Travellers are usually based in the centre, in the famous town of Zakopane. We can find you accommodation also in highland chalets and recommend which Slovak areas you should visit.
Auschwitz Memorial in Oswiecim - The strongest symbol of the Holocaust, a museum made on the premises of Nazi concentration camps Auschwitz 1 and Auschwitz II (Birkenau).
Ojców National Park - An area of outstanding natural beauty (limestone rocks, gorges) adorned with two medieval castles.
Spisz Region and the Dunajec River - A traditional country region with preserved village culture, close to mountains and a handful of castles.
Czestochowa - The spiritual centre of Poland with the most important monastery Jasna Góra, close to the beautiful romantic ruin of Olsztyn. (a little off-hand, possible to see on the way to Warsaw).
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