Krakow is located in the south of Poland on the Vistula river. It is believed to be one of the most beautiful Polish cities and I personally recommend visiting Krakow as the city is really stunning.
THE WAWEL CASTLE
Krakow is the former royal capital city of Poland. In the Old Town there is the Royal Wawel Castle which used to be the home to Polish kings. The Castle dates back to the 14th century. It was built on the Wawel Hill together with the Wawel Cathedral.
Apart from the Wawel Castle you can also visit the Wawel Cathedral with the famous Zygmunt Bell which tolls only on special occasions.
THE WAWEL DRAGON
Have you ever heard the legend about the Wawel Dragon? He lived in a cave under the Wawel Hill and was defeated by a prince Krakus who is believed to have founded the city. Nowadays you can visit the sculpture of the Wawel Dragon which breathes fire or you can buy a souvenir which resembles the dragon as the one shown below.
THE MAIN MARKET SQUARE
Krakow's historic centre, which includes the Old Town, Kazimierz and the Wawel Castle, is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Main Market Square, which dates back to the 13th century, is the most beautiful place in Krakow and the largest medieval town square in Europe.
In the middle of it you can find the Sukiennice Cloth Hall where nowadays you can buy souvenirs.
On the corner of the Main Market Square there is the St Mary's Basilica with a beautiful wooden altar carved by Wit Stwosz. From the top of the church's tower the hejnal is played every hour. The tune breaks off in midstream which commemorates the trumpeter who was shot in the 13th century when he was playing the signal to warn against the Mongol attack.
AN ARTISTIC PLACE
Krakow is a very artistic and cultural city. Close to St Florian's Gate (Brama Floriańska) you can buy paintings which you can see below. Behind the Gate there is the Barbican of Krakow.
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Juliusz Slowacki Theatre
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As Krakow has a very specific atmosphere, it is one of the places frequently visited by tourists from all around the world.
Krakow is a very cultural city with many theatres, festivals and exhibitions. It is also a great place for students with many universities. Among them there is Jagiellonian University which is one of the oldest universities in Europe.
There are a lot of pubs, cafes and restaurants where you can eat, drink and relax. Many of them have got an amazing design and so the moment you enter the place you are already in love with it.
In Poland modern shopping mall is called Galeria and so Krakow has got lots of them. The most popular one is Galeria Krakowska which is loctaed in the city centre next to the railway station and very close to the Old Town.
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Inside the shopping mall - Galeria Krakowska
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Among the other popular shopping malls you can visit Galeria Kazimierz, Bonarka or Plaza.
A lot of famous people are connected with Krakow. Among them are Nobel laureates in literature Wislawa Szymborska and Czeslaw Milosz, film directors Adam Wajda and Roman Polanski and pope John Paul II. Every time the pope came to Krakow on his pilgrimage he stayed in the Bishop's Palace. He always appeared in the window to talk, pray, sing or joke together with people. During the last days of his life and after his death people kept vigil in front of the palace. They prayed, lighted thousands of candles and were together in this special and important moment for Poland and Poles.
KAZIMIERZ
Kazimierz, a Jewish district of Krakow, is another popular place among tourista. Unfortunately I have no photos to show you, which is a shame as I have been to Krakow so many times, but strangely enough I have never got to Kazimierz.
KRAKOW ZOO
What about a visit to a local zoo?
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
A lot of tourists come to Krakow every year. It's a good point to visit also other places which are located not so far away from Krakow like the Salt Mine in Wieliczka, the Tatra Mountains, the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz (Oświęcim) or Częstochowa where is the Monastery of Jasna Góra with the painting of Black Madonna.
So it's time for you to make a good decision and come to visit Krakow. I am sure you will enjoy the city.
