Awesome Krakow 02/2012

12.02.2012

Krakow is a city steeped in history and culture. It is home to numerous architectural wonders, including the Wawel Castle, the Cloth Hall, and the St. Mary’s Basilica. The city has been a center of culture and learning for centuries, with numerous universities and libraries dating back to the middle ages. Its old town is one of the most well-preserved in Europe, and it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

The city has also played a key role in Poland’s history, serving as the country’s capital for over 500 years. It was the site of many important events, including the coronation of Polish kings, the signing of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the beginning of the Second World War. During the war, Krakow was occupied by the Nazis and served as the headquarters of their General Government. However, despite the city’s tumultuous past, it has emerged as a vibrant and dynamic cultural center in the post-war years.

Today, Krakow is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene make it a must-visit city for anyone interested in exploring the best of Eastern Europe. Visitors can stroll through the streets of the old town, sample traditional Polish cuisine, or take in a performance at one of the city’s many theaters or concert halls. There is truly something for everyone in Krakow, and it remains a city that is full of surprises and delights.

1. The Wawel Royal Castle – architectural complex which consists of the Castle, Cathedral, Churches and Chapel. Wawel was built in the XIII c. and represents the most significant cultural and historical site in the country.

2. Wawel Dragon (Smok Wawelski) is a symbol of Wawel and Krakow. Used to breathe an intense flame every minute but this winter he “caught a cold” and kept silence.

3. The Wawel Cathedral – Royal Archcathedral Basilica of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslaus – main cathedral of polish catholic church. Through its long history (was built in XI c) every King that was ruling in Wawel decided to add something new to the Cathedral thus we can see a mix of architectural styles from various epochs.

4. Renaissance styled Yard in the eastern and southern wings of the Palace (Renesansowy dziedziniec zamku).

5. Bastion of Wladyslaw IV (Bastion Wladyslawa IV).

6. Saints Peter and Paul Church in Krakow (Kosciol Swietych Apostolow Piotra i Pawla w Krakowie) – baroque church built between 1597-1617 by italian architect Bernardoni who had built Farny Church in Nesvizh before.

7. St. Mary’s Basilica (Kosciol Mariacki w Krakowie) – one of the best examples of Polish gothic architecture, completed in 1347.

8. St. Andrew’s Church (Kosciol swietego Andrzeja) – really old church, was built between 1079 and 1098. Amazing how it could survive almost through a millennium.