The former Polish capital and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, which, by the way, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the city of Krakow receives hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Belarusians are also frequent guests of the city. In this article we will tell you about the most famous places in Krakow that you must see during your trip.
Krakow was once the capital of the Republic of Poland. There is an opinion that it is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Since it dates back to ancient times, Krakow is famous for its history. Tourists often come to it, because there are many attractions worth seeing.
Picturesque places and ancient architecture fascinate tourists. I want to come here again and again to feel the historical atmosphere.
Market Square
The first place to visit is the market square. Even though sales are in full swing here, there is still something to see. At one time the market area was much smaller. Over time, it was expanded, the population increased, and, accordingly, the number of trading tents increased.
On the market square you can buy any product at your discretion. It is noteworthy in that its size is included in the list of one of the largest squares in Europe. Plus, there are many fascinating buildings and establishments around the market that are worth checking out.
Wawel Castle
It is considered a symbol of Poland. The castle is an architectural complex that is visited by tourists from all over the world. In front of the main entrance stands the Coat of Arms Gate. They are distinguished by their sophistication.
In front of the main entrance to the castle there is a bronze monument dedicated to the national Polish hero. It was he who organized the uprising back in 1794. The hero's name was Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
Wawel Cathedral
In the courtyard there is a temple in memory of the holy martyrs Svyatoslav and Wenceslas. It is periodically restored and today it contains several styles. These are Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance.
In the courtyard you can see many interesting and ancient buildings that have been preserved since 975. As you can see, Wawel Castle must be visited at least once in your life.
The interior of the cathedral is distinguished by sophistication and luxury. There is the Mausoleum of St. Stanislaus and many other wonderful sights to see.
Bishops' Palace
Since 1944, John Paul II lived in this building. He became an archbishop in 1978, when he was elected by the Pope. The building itself looks outdated, although it is periodically restored, and near the entrance there is a monument to John, which is surrounded by bushes of amazing beauty and to this day they do not forget to look after it.
There is a museum in the palace. You can see the legacy of the Pope in it. There are various exhibitions, ancient paintings and several sculptures. All this was once brought as a gift.
Kazimierz
There is a wonderful Jewish district in Krakow called Kazimierz. This quarter has its own culture, religion and architecture. Kazemierz is the highlight of Krakow. It turns out to be a different civilization in one city.
When a tourist enters this quarter, a change in religion is immediately felt. There are no longer Catholic cathedrals here, but synagogues. Tourists will be interested to see this unique and original area.
Plants
Krakow is famous not only for its ancient architecture. The city also has many beautiful picturesque parks. There is an opinion that Planty is the most beautiful, vibrant place to relax. When you walk along the path, the aroma is amazing. Birds sing, deciduous trees seem to invite you to listen to the sounds of nature.
Not only friends, but also residents of the country come to Planty on vacation. After all, it’s worth seeing the beautiful landscapes and breathing in the clean air. You can come here at any time of the year, as it is beautiful here in any weather.
St. Mary's Cathedral
This is the main holy place in Krakow. Back in the XIV century. began to erect. True, its construction was completed only half a century later. The cathedral has two large towers that look royal. One of them has a golden crown and a high spire on top. There is a helmet on the other tower.
The interior of the cathedral delights not only tourists, but also residents of the country. After all, the building looks like an ancient castle. Paintings, sculptures and stained glass windows make you visit this attraction again and again.
Town Hall Tower
Every city has a town hall and Krakow is no exception. Once upon a time, it was here that the rulers of the city met. Now the town hall is gone, but only the tower remains, which has become one of the most beautiful landmarks of the city.
Near the entrance to the building sit two huge lions made of stone. If you go to the second floor, then you can see many artifacts. They were the ones that once belonged to the Polish government. Now these are only antiques that are of great value to the citizens of the country.
But in the basement there is a treasury and a theater. Their guides recommend visiting them first. After all, what you saw cannot be described in words, the beauty is so breathtaking.
Bastion Barbican
This is the cultural and historical value of the country. The Bastion is a must-see for every tourist. This building stands in memory of the fortified defensive structure. After all, it was from this point that they shot at the enemy and defended the city. The Barbican is the symbol of Krakow, and it is the one depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Krakow.
Any citizen can visit the Barbican. Inside, tourists will see exhibitions and learn a little history from them. A tourist should visit here, since he will not see such an attraction anywhere else.
Who doesn't love shopping? Of course, tourists will be happy to go shopping and buy a few souvenirs as a souvenir. So, the Krakow Gallery is what visitors need. There are a lot of stores (more than 100) of well-known brands in Europe. Moreover, if you take into account permanent discounts, and not just seasonal ones, you can profitably buy both a souvenir and a more expensive item in the form of clothing.
There are so many cafes and restaurants here that guests of the city never dreamed of. Therefore, while walking around the shops, you can safely go to any cafe you like and have a snack. The prices are quite reasonable. There are also several studios and even a cinema. As you can see, there are a lot of interesting things in one place.
The gallery differs from other well-known stores in that there are many sellers who are fluent in Russian. This is a nice bonus for tourists. Near the gallery there are many public gardens and a central square where you can take a break from shopping and unwind.
What to see in Krakow in one day
It's nice to know that Krakow is a fairly small city and you can see the main attractions in one day. Moreover, this applies to those people who are passing through the city.
We need to start from the center of Krakow. The most interesting and fascinating places are collected here. For example, Stare Myasto and the market square. Here you can linger a little and buy yourself something interesting as a souvenir.
There is St. Mary's Church on the square; a trip there will not take much time. Then you can visit the Jagiellonian University. Afterwards you should definitely visit the museum called Czartoryski.
A little further from the market square is the National Museum, which preserves the history of the city. There are 11 halls and almost 1000 antiques and art objects. You can spend a lot of time here, so it's best to see the most famous and fascinating antiquities.
You can also visit the Bishops' Palace and see the beauty of the Florian Gate. Not far from the castle is the Kazemiž district. This is an interesting place because you immediately find yourself in a different religion and culture. It feels like there is a completely different country in this area, not Poland. Moreover, here citizens also lead a different life, which is very different from the Polish one.
Krakow Meadow is a beautiful and large area, and once upon a time there was a very ordinary pasture. Here you can relax after your trip and have a snack. Citizens walk here, especially in the evenings. After all, the air in this place is special and you can feel a friendly, calm atmosphere.
Plus, there are many restaurants in Krakow with reasonable prices. Therefore, after a grueling hard day, you can just go and relax, even if you drink a cup of tea.
What to see in the vicinity of Krakow
If you have seen everything interesting in the city, then you can go to other beautiful places. For example, to the State Museum, which is called Auschwitz-Birkenau. It is located in the western part of Krakow, where the drive is about 60 km.
This museum is also called a death camp. Once upon a time, more than 2 million citizens were killed here. Not every tourist dares to come here. Unless he doesn’t know the true name of the museum.
The Wieliczka Salt Mines are underground corridors, or rather labyrinths, where there are many sculptures, and they are made of rock salt. Tourists can walk no more than 2 km. But this is enough to get tired.
Near Krakow there is an architectural and park area where monasteries and a national park are located. It is very beautiful here and you can just relax and unwind. Because the air and nature are wonderful.
The Niedzica Fortress is another attraction, but it is located a little far from Krakow. Approximately about 100 km. Here you can take wonderful pictures not only against the backdrop of the fortress, but also in nature.
You can also go to a park called Tatransky. It is located in the southern part of Krakow. Here you can see a real mountain peak, caves, glacial lakes of birch and fir forests.
The reserve is also located near Krakow. It is also called Babiegursky Park. There are deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as many species of birds (more than 100). Tourists will also be able to see wild animals that do not rush at people, but go about their business. And many species of mammals live in these areas. Citizens who visit the reserve will never forget this amazing and beautiful world.
Any place can be reached either by bus or by train. Difference in ticket prices. Moreover, transport only runs on schedule. If you are late for it, you may have to wait a long time for your transport.
Since bus and railway stations operate 24 hours a day, you can purchase round-trip tickets in advance. Then citizens can have a specific time.
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See the main square of the country
Krakow is a unique city, the unofficial capital of Poland. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in subsequent years. The city was built so skillfully that the center of Krakow was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The heart of the city is Market Square, where there is a beautiful St. Mary's Church, monument to Adam Mickiewicz, luxury shopping arcades Cloth Hall, urban town hall and original sculpture “Bound Eros” or simply “The Head” is a favorite place for photographs among city guests.
Walk around the Wawel Royal Palace
The most beautiful palace in Poland and the home of many generations of Polish kings is located 1 km from Rynok Square.
On the territory of the palace there is royal garden with an observation deck, Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas, many museums, a post office where you can buy and send beautiful postcards to friends and relatives.
You can visit the cathedral and the royal treasury for free. There is a museum adjacent to the cathedral, entry to which costs an additional fee. On Mondays you can visit almost all museums and exhibitions in Wawel for free, but to do this you need to get a free ticket at the box office (so come early, there may not be enough tickets for everyone).
See thousands of beautiful details
Krakow is a city of art, beauty and inspiration. There is beauty here at every step, behind every second gate, behind every third door. Feel free to turn into gateways, look at the streets and rooftops, look into the windows, stop halfway and admire the moment.
Try the National cuisine
In Krakow, you definitely need to organize a marathon in cafes and restaurants, fortunately the prices allow it. The city has a lot of establishments for every taste and budget, and there is no point in going to the same place, even if it seemed ideal to you. The basis of Polish cuisine is meat, stewed or pickled vegetables and beer. Try the soup in bread, which is called zurek, bigos- a dish of cabbage, meat and mushrooms, knuckle and other meat dishes, which are prepared simply excellent here.
View the city from above
There are a lot of excellent observation platforms in Krakow, from which there is definitely something to see. We talk about the most popular ones.
- St. Mary's Church observation deck- 82 meters, 409 steps and a beautiful view of Krakow at your feet. The observation deck can be visited from 11.30 to 20.00. Cost of visit is approximately 2 euros.
- Kosciuszko Mound- this mound is visible from almost anywhere in the city and, of course, the entire city is visible if you climb to the very top. The mound is part of a museum complex, the entrance to which costs approximately 3 euros. You can get to the mound by public transport (bus No. 100 or No. 101) or by taxi. It is better to climb the mound in the warm season; firstly, the ascent must be done on foot, which is difficult to do in winter, and secondly, at the foot of the hill there is a beautiful deciduous park, which is much more beautiful in summer than in winter.
- Piłsudski Mound- the highest point of Krakow is located 8 km from the center of Krakow, near the Krakow Zoo. The Piłsudski Mound is located on the territory of the Bielsko-Tynecki National Park. You can climb the mound for free, and get there by bus (No. 134) or by taxi. From the hill there is a magnificent view of Krakow, the surrounding area of the city and Krakow airport. The city center is better visible from the Kraka Mound, which we will discuss below, but the Pilsudski Mound has a bonus - a beautiful forest with many paths where you can spend at least the whole day.
- Kraka Mound— is located 3 km from the city center and provides an opportunity to look at Krakow from a bird's eye view. Residents and visitors of the city love to come here in the evening to enjoy the sunset and the rays of the sun reflecting from the roofs of Wawel. You can climb the hill for free, and you can get here from the center on foot.
- Tvardovsky Rocks- one of the most beautiful non-tourist places in Krakow. The rocks are located 3 km from the city center. You can get there by bus, taxi or even on foot. There used to be a quarry here, which is now filled with water, and from the top of the rock there is a magnificent view of the city. People come here to take a break from the bustle of the city, have a picnic, watch the sunrise or spend the sunset and, of course, admire the panorama of Krakow.
Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine
Walk along the Vistula boulevards and have a picnic
The Vistula Boulevards are located on both sides of the Vistula River and are a favorite place for walks among citizens and guests of Krakow. Multi-kilometer embankment, slopes covered with thick green grass and the measured splash of waves. There are benches along the embankment where you can sit and relax, ducks and swans swim near the shore, dog owners walk their pets here, companies have picnics on the lawns, lovers spend romantic evenings here - you definitely need to come here.
Visit the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz
The Kazimierz quarter is considered one of oldest ghettos in the world— Jews have lived here compactly since 1495. Until 1800, the city, named after the Polish King Casimir, was separated from the rest of Krakow by a high wall. For many years, Kazimierz was an educational and cultural center; schools, universities, and synagogues were built there. The Nazis exterminated most of the inhabitants of Kazimierz, with only a small remnant of their descendants living outside Poland today. Worked on the territory of Kazimierz Oskar Schindler's factory, where he and his wife Emilia saved hundreds of Jews from a terrible fate.
The quarter today is a cultural landmark. There are cafes and restaurants serving Jewish and European cuisine, exhibition centers, galleries and museums.
Visit Auschwitz (Auschwitz)
A monument to human cruelty, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp (that’s what the Poles call it in the German version) is the site of the tragic death of 4 million people. This is the place where the largest mass murder of people in the entire history of human existence was carried out.
Entrance to the museum free, excursion is paid separately (optional). Independent visits (without a guide) are possible early in the morning (before 8 am) and after 17.00. You can view the schedule of excursions on the official website of the museum.
In order to definitely get into a group or get a ticket for an independent visit, it is better free register online on the museum website.
Auschwitz is located 55 km from Krakow. You can get there by bus or train (you can buy a ticket at the station or online). Train departs from the main station (address: Kraków Główny), fare approx. 2 euros.
See the beautiful Tatra Mountains and Zakopane
A year-round resort, the cradle of the Tatras and the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane is located just 111 km from Krakow. In summer it is a wonderful place for walks in the mountains, and in winter it is a mecca for budget tourists from all over Europe.
The easiest way to get here from Krakow is by train. Travel time is 4 hours. Travel cost approx. 3.5 euros. Trains depart from the main station (address: Kraków Główny). Tickets can be purchased at the box office or on the railway lines website.
Zakopane is a beautiful city surrounded by nature where you can spend a few days. The average cost of a good double room is 25-35 euros. Find hundreds of budget hotels on Booking.com
Go shopping
Krakow pleases huge selection of brands and amazing low prices, people from all over Europe come here to spend a pleasant shopping weekend. We have already told you, and you come and see for yourself.
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According to one legend, Krakow is named after Prince Krak, who founded this city in the 10th century. At the beginning of the 11th century, the small city, having received the status of the capital of the state, began to rapidly develop and expand, turning into the main residence of the Polish kings. During its existence, Krakow more than once experienced major political and military uprisings, but managed to maintain its “face” as a cultural and scientific center. It has many ancient monuments and cathedrals, which are real works of architecture from different directions.
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This unusually beautiful building is located on the Market Square, serving as its main architectural decoration, which embodies three styles: lush Baroque, elegant Renaissance and strict Gothic. Otherwise it is called the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The central facade of the church faces the square with two quadrangular towers of different heights, topped with short turrets on the upper platform and a long spire in the center. A tall (82 m) square tower, rising upward, turns into an octagon due to 8 short turrets that shoot upward into an openwork of thin graceful spiers. The second, lower tower serves as the cathedral's bell tower. It contains a chapel made in the Renaissance style, outside the window of which there is a bell that rings for the dead. Its top in the corners is crowned with 5 domes: 4 small ones in the corners and one large one in the center, crowned with low spiers.
The interiors dazzle with their luxurious beauty and the rich splendor of the decoration of the altar and vaults. The Gothic carved wooden altar is unique among others of its kind in the size of its gates, decorated with huge figures of saints. The entire altar is painted with scenes from the Holy Scriptures, decorated with rich sparkling gilding, and has a chapel depicting the family tree of Christ.
Wawel Castle
The significance of the ancient castle in Wawel for the Poles can be compared with the significance of the Moscow Kremlin for the Russians. For many years, Wawel was the political and administrative center of the state, until the capital was moved to Warsaw. The royal castle, the cathedral, and a number of defensive fortifications located on the banks of the Vistula are part of the Wawel castle complex. Now it is essentially a museum, where excursions are organized for those who want to get acquainted with the historical past of Poland. At the entrance to the castle, everyone is greeted by a sculptural monument to Tadeusz Kościuszka, depicted sitting on a mighty horse. Everyone enters the main royal courtyard through the Armorial Gate, to the right of which is the Cathedral with mammoth bones hanging above the door - a symbol of prosperity; on the left is the Cathedral Museum.
On the territory of the courtyard there are thematic exhibitions introducing the royal rooms, luxurious chambers, and the art of the East; There is a treasure repository here, the Armory. Through the main courtyard you can enter the Dragon's Cave. Polish rulers were crowned in the Cathedral and buried here. The current building, built in the 14th century, is a striking example of Gothic style with characteristic pointed spiers, square columns and an abundance of long windows. Here are the chapels in which the remains of the Sigismund kings are buried, and the rotunda of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Wawel Castle is an entire city that personifies the history of the Middle Ages of the Polish state.
Bishops' Palace
This strictly majestic building of light yellow tones is connected with the history of one of the most noble and kind-hearted popes of Rome - John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla), who settled in it back in 1944, while a student at the seminary of the Archdiocese of Krakow. He left it with the rank of archbishop in 1978, when he was elected pope. The Poles sacredly honor this palace as a memory of their wonderful fellow countryman: after his death, for more than a month, the square in front of the palace was filled with flowers, candles and people praying.
The entrance to the palace is unusually beautiful, where, surrounded by picturesque bushes and flowers, stands a monument to John Paul II with his hands raised in blessing to the flock. Above the entrance door there is a symbolic window from which the pontiff greeted the Krakow youth who came to meet him. Now inside the palace there is a museum of the pope's heritage, the exhibitions of which present collections of gifts presented to him by heads of state around the world; objects of ancient painting and sculpture. The Palace of Bishops is never empty during the day; there are always people there who come to pay tribute to the memory of a wonderful man and religious figure with a pure and kind soul.
Krakow Market Square
Do you want to see the place where Polish trade began? Then head to Krakow's Market Square soon! This is a huge territory, which in the 13th century was set aside for business negotiations and trade. It is believed that the square is included in the list of the largest markets in Europe. In addition to the opportunity to plunge into local traditions and learn interesting facts from the history of the city, tourists will be able to see the famous sights of Krakow, including the Town Hall tower, the Church of St. Wojciech, a monument to local celebrity A. Mitskevich and some others.
The buildings surrounding the market deserve close attention. Many of them were created during the Renaissance and Renaissance periods, they are distinguished by strict forms and are a real decoration of the square. At the end of the walk, do not deny yourself the pleasure of purchasing souvenirs sold here. Entrance to the square is free and it is open 24 hours a day. It is better to visit during the daytime, when local attractions are open. The market is located at Stare Miasto, Rynek Glowny. You can get there by trams and buses, as well as on foot.
Kazimierz
Surprisingly, Kazimierz is a city within a city. This is the part of Krakow that was historically occupied by representatives of the Jewish community. Therefore, it should not be surprising that Jewish synagogues in this part of the former capital of Poland predominate over Catholic churches. All lovers of Jewish history should definitely visit this place, which is overflowing with Jewish cemeteries, Jewish cultural sites and religious sites. By the way, this particular place was chosen by the authors of the film about the Holocaust “Schindler’s List” as a filming location.
If you find yourself in Kazimierz, we recommend paying special attention to the two main attractions of the center of Jewish culture - the Church of St. Catherine and the Cathedral of Corpus Christi. The first will enchant you with the sound of a huge organ, which no other musical instrument in Krakow can compare with. Well, in the second temple, tourists will have the opportunity to see in person the famous painting “The Adoration of the Magi.” You can find the Jewish quarter at Szeroka 24. As you understand, entry to the center of Jewish culture is free. You can get to the attraction by trams that run along Starovishchlna Street.
Do you love the dizzying attractions of water parks and their amazing atmosphere? Then we invite you to visit one of the largest and most famous complexes in Eastern Europe! Guests can enjoy huge water slides, swim in clear water pools, relax in a jacuzzi and just have fun with friends or family. The main pride of the water park is a 202-meter slide, which will give visitors a three-minute descent along dizzying turns and fall into a pool of warm water. There are simply no analogues to this attraction in Europe. All attractions are divided into four groups and differ in color.
Some will provide indescribable emotions with a downhill ride, others will add adrenaline to the blood with the help of all sorts of effects, and others will be suitable for young vacationers. Of course, such a landmark cannot go unnoticed. That’s why it’s always crowded here: together with tourists, Poles ride the slides and come to the water park from all over the country. The amusement park is open all year round. Tourists can buy a full-day pass, which costs about 15 euros. Children under 3 years old are admitted free of charge. You can find the Krakow water park at Dobrego Pasterza, 126. You can get there by bus, getting off at the “Park Wodny” stop.
Planty Park
But for those who are tired of the bustle of the city and visiting the sights, the best place to take a break will be the park ring - Planty. Poles like to spend their free time here. Young people hide in the dense green thickets in search of solitude and romance, older people breathe free air or play chess, and tourists enjoy taking pictures against the backdrop of magnificent plants. But even here you won’t be able to hide from the sights that are found at every step. Here you can find amazing sculptures, monuments, historical and cultural buildings, and even an archeology museum.
By the way, his collection contains many exhibits from the history of Ancient Egypt and the Middle Ages. To find Planty, you just need to be in the Old Town area. This park ring surrounds its entire territory. According to historical information, this place was previously occupied by huge stone walls, which were designed to protect residents from uprisings and warriors. Entrance to the park is free, but you will have to pay a small amount to visit certain attractions on its territory. You can visit the park at any time of the day (although until recently tourists were prohibited from being here in the evening).
Florian Gate and Barbican
It is recommended to visit these two attractions of Krakow as part of one excursion. The Florian Gate is located in the city wall and was built in 1307. They owe their name to the patron saint of Krakow. The peculiarity of the gate is that it houses the chapel of the Mother of God, and the decoration is a coat of arms with an eagle and a relief that depicts St. Florian.
The Barbican is also located here, which is a fortification structure in the form of a massive tower. There is a historical museum here and on certain days real knightly competitions are held. You can find attractions at ul. Basztowa, 30-547. They are open daily from 10.30 to 18 hours. You can get there by trams or buses, the route of which runs through this area. The ticket price for adult visitors is 7 zlotys, and for beneficiaries and children it is 2 zlotys cheaper.
Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas
The Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas is one of the most revered churches in Poland. The basilica rises on Wawel Hill among the monumental and luxurious architectural ensemble of Krakow. The residence of the kings of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was located here, so the cathedral occupies a sacred place in Polish history. From time immemorial, the basilica was intended for the ceremonial coronation of monarchs, holding divine services, and also served as a tomb for rulers, bishops, politicians and generals.
The cathedral was erected at the turn of the 11th-12th centuries. The original church building was a small Romanesque basilica made of white limestone. In the 14th century, the temple was rebuilt, thereby expanding the cathedral with three naves, chapels and towers. Numerous reconstructions of the church have significantly changed its appearance. Today the cathedral reflects an amazing confluence of different architectural styles - from Romanesque to Art Nouveau.
Along the perimeter of the quadrangular brick basilica with elongated window openings there are chapels, treasuries and a church. The façade of the cathedral is majestically decorated with three towers, a triangular pediment, relief ornaments and sculptures of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas. On the north side of the temple rises the Sigismund Tower. It houses a massive cathedral bell, which weighs 11 tons. In the halls of the cathedral, separated by high arched openings, there are luxuriously decorated altars and royal stone and marble sarcophagi.
The relics of the patron saint of Poland, Bishop Stanislaus, rest here. His remains are preserved in a silver tomb, which is a masterpiece of jewelry art. The sarcophagus is decorated with twelve relief images of scenes from the life of the saint. The cathedral's high altar, erected in 1650, features a large painting of Jesus crucified on the cross. The panel is framed by a gilded arch, pilasters and a pediment in the center.
Krakow Town Hall Tower
In the central square of Krakow stands a Gothic structure made of red brick and creamy stone. This is the town hall tower, which was erected at the beginning of the 14th century. The structure was part of a municipal building that was demolished due to disrepair in the 19th century. The austere façade of the tower, which is 70 meters high, is decorated with lancet and square windows, a mechanical clock, and is also framed by protruding vertical ribs. Throughout the history of its existence, the structure has undergone several reconstructions after fires caused by lightning strikes. The tower is crowned with a baroque dome mounted on a polyhedron with arched window openings. A raging strong wind in 1703 tilted the structure 55 centimeters to the side.
The tower's narrow and spiral staircase leads to an observation deck, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Krakow. Inside the building there are museum exhibits related to the history of the municipality. Noteworthy are the tower's basements, which were originally intended to store beer and wine. Later there were dungeons with torture chambers there. Today, the building’s underground attracts visitors with aromatic coffee prepared in the cafe.
Collegium Maius
More than 100 thousand students live in Krakow. Most of them study at the Jagiellonian University, which is considered one of the oldest in Europe. An illustrious graduate of the college is the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The main historical building of the institution is called Collegium Maius (Great College). The three-story Gothic structure with two stepped pediments, a small octagonal projection and rectangular windows was erected from red brick in the 15th century. The walls of the college form a quadrangular courtyard, surrounded by an arched gallery with a vaulted ceiling and massive white stone columns. There is a well in the center of the courtyard.
The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the transformation of the Collegium Maius into a museum. Here you can visit the personal chambers of professors, lecture and ceremony halls, and the dining room. The premises display original wooden furniture, unique scientific instruments, astronomical instruments, and a collection of globes. On the walls of the large hall of the university are hung picturesque portraits of professors who taught for 600 years.
Ghetto Heroes Square
Among the many attractions of Krakow, there is one place that reflects sad events in Polish history. This is the Ghetto Heroes Square. What stands out here are the memorial cast iron and bronze chairs standing on the paving stones. They symbolize the tragedy of the Jews of Krakow, imprisoned in the ghetto by the German occupiers during World War II. Ghetto Heroes Square is located on the site where in 1941 the Nazis herded all the city's Jews behind the fence. More than 20,000 people lived in this territory with their belongings and furniture in inhumane conditions. From here the ghetto residents were transported to Auschwitz.
Modern Art Museum
In 2004, the Krakow municipality bought the building of the former Schindler factory to create a museum of modern art. A few years after reconstruction, the plant's pavilions were transformed into an avant-garde structure with a glass facade and pointed roofs. The museum is divided into several thematic zones. The spacious halls display interesting works that embody current problems of society. These are exhibitions of conceptual art, collections of paintings by contemporary artists, sculptural compositions, photographs and performances with audiovisual accompaniment. Several cinema halls show short films that make museum visitors think about existence.
Catacombs under the Market Square
Under the Market Square in Krakow there is a local history museum. This unique institution reflects the history of the medieval city. The exhibition was opened in 2010 after six years of archaeological excavations. As a result of the research, ancient fragments of houses, buildings, monuments, sidewalks and a market were discovered. The museum, located at a depth of four meters, is an amazing labyrinth of a medieval street in Krakow. Here you can see ancient walls, coins, vases, and trade carts. Among the exhibits there are multimedia displays equipped with touch screens with holograms. Modern technical equipment recreates the atmosphere of an archaic settlement.
Polish Aviation Museum
On the territory of one of the oldest military airfields in Europe, in the suburbs of Krakow, there is a museum of Polish aviation. Here are real airplanes, helicopters, gliders and engines. The museum contains more than 200 pieces of aircraft from different eras, both civil and military types. The models are located in four buildings of a building built in the shape of a rotating propeller, as well as on the former airport runway. The museum premises include a cinema hall, a library, a flight simulator simulating a cockpit, information stands and interactive displays. The alley where Soviet MiG fighters are parked is especially impressive.
Juliusz Słowacki Theater
The Square of the Holy Spirit is dominated by a majestic palace erected in 1893. This is one of the most famous theaters in Europe, named after the outstanding Polish poet and playwright Juliusz Słowacki. The building is considered a masterpiece of eclectic architecture, embodying the layering of different styles. The sandy facade of the building is decorated with numerous bas-reliefs, a portico with pilasters, balustrades, sculptures, massive vaulted windows and cornices.
The structure is topped with Baroque domes. Architectural decorations give the building sophistication and pomp. The interior of the palace is no less impressive than the exterior. The halls are painted with frescoes by Austrian artists. The theater has four stages where modern and classical dramas, operas, musicals, and comedies are staged.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Krakow's Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, consecrated in 1635, is Poland's first Baroque church. The church, built of dolomite and brick, is surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, in front of which 12 statues of the apostles stand on pedestals. The three-tier facade of the temple is decorated with pilasters with ornate capitals, pediments, bas-reliefs, and niches with statues. The basilica building is single-nave with attached chapels and a semicircular apse. The structure is topped with an elegant large dome.
The interior of the church is quite modest and monumental. In the main hall, which is framed by an arched arcade, there are carved benches for parishioners. The apse vault is decorated with bas-relief images describing scenes of the life and death of the apostles Peter and Paul. The main altar, which is a marble pedestal with gilded sculptures, deserves attention. In the center is a picturesque panel “Presenting the Keys to Saint Peter.” In the chapels you can see many paintings and sculptures created according to all the canons of the Roman Catholic Church.
Basilica of the Holy Trinity
Not far from Krakow's Market Square stands an example of Gothic architecture - the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. The temple was erected in the middle of the 13th century under the leadership of the Catholic missionary Jacek Odrowonz. The church is a stronghold of tonsured monks who devote their lives to serving God. The basilica consists of three naves. They contain ten chapels. The brick facade of the building is decorated with lancet windows with ornate bars. The temple is crowned with a large stepped pediment with Gothic turrets. The entrance to the basilica leads through the annex. It is decorated with three graceful arches and pediments decorated with bas-reliefs.
The interior of the church amazes with its richness. Along the main nave there are arches on high columns. The walls are painted with colorful floral patterns, and the ceiling is in the shape of a cruciform vault. In the halls of the basilica you can see many wooden sculptures, sculptures, frescoes and beautiful stained glass windows.
An ancient Polish city on the banks of the Vistula, the former capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Krakow captivates tourists with its mysterious beauty.
Below, we have selected for you a list of the most beautiful and famous places in Krakow. Each city attraction is accompanied by a beautiful photo and description:
1. Old Town
In the old part of Krakow, Stare Miasto, founded in the 13th century, there are more than one and a half thousand attractions representing a variety of architectural styles from the Middle Ages to the present. The old town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.
2. Market Square
The Main Market Square in Krakow is one of the largest in Europe. It is surrounded by houses from the 14th and 15th centuries, each of which has a unique history.
3. City Hall
The observation deck of the tallest building of the Main Market offers a breathtaking view of Krakow.
4. St. Mary's Church
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary is one of the main shrines of Krakow. More than one legend describes the striking difference in the heights of its towers. Since the time of the Mongol invasion, a trumpeter has been on duty under the roof of the highest of the towers, who hourly plays the melody of “Hejnal” and greets the townspeople.
5. Market Dungeons and Adam Mickiewicz Monument
The dungeons, located under the Market Square, are a branch of the Krakow Historical Museum. Today it is a monument of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, with a total area of about 6 thousand square meters. Not far from the entrance to the dungeons, a monument to the great Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz was erected in the 19th century.
6. Cloth racks
In the center of the Main Market Square there is the longest building on the square - the Cloth Rows. The first shopping arcades were founded in the 13th century, but to this day the building has been reconstructed and completed several times. Today, the first floor of the Cloth Hall is occupied by souvenir shops, and on the second floor there is a branch of the National Museum of Krakow.
7. Church of St. Wojciech
An unusual building in the south-eastern part of the Market Square is the upper part of a religious building. The church was built at the beginning of the 12th century on the legendary site where St. Wojciech baptized the Poles.
The picturesque park area enclosing the Old Town instead of fortress walls is beautiful at any time of the year. Its length is 4 km and the total area is 20 hectares.
9. Wawel Royal Castle
The main attraction of Krakow is located on the Wawel Hills and is a castle complex that was the residence of Polish kings until the 17th century. The architectural ensemble includes royal chambers, as well as three towers with their own legends. The most famous of them is the Sigmund Chapel, where the largest bell in Poland from the 15th century is located. In addition, Wawel Castle is the repository of the Szczerbiec sword, which was used to crown Polish rulers. Also buried on the territory of the complex are Adam Mickiewicz and Juliusz Słowacki.
10. Wawel Dragon
An ancient legend tells of the dragon Smoke, who lived under Wawel Hill, terrorized the inhabitants and was defeated by a tailor using a chemical reaction. Today, the dragon monument regularly spews flames for guests of the Royal Castle.
11. Jagiellonian University
The oldest and largest higher education institution in Europe was founded by Casimir III in 1364. However, after the death of the king, the work of the university was suspended. The university owes its revival and name to Wladyslaw Jagiello, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. The most famous graduates are Nicolaus Copernicus, Stanislaus Lem and John Paul II.
12. Krakow water park
A visit to the largest water park in Eastern Europe is a must for lovers of water activities. There are 740 m of roller coasters in total, the largest of which is a 201-meter black tube with a unique backlight, 18.5 m high. The pools with ozonated water at about 30°C cover an area of 1586 m2.
13. Salt mine
In the suburb of Wieliczka, 8 km from Krakow, there is an interesting attraction - the salt mines. Salt mining has been carried out here since the 13th century. The mine consists of corridors and galleries on seven underground levels at depths from 57 m to 198 m with a total length of more than 200 km. At a depth of 101 m there is the world's deepest museum and a working chapel.
.Although we visited Krakow on the way back from Slovenia home to St. Petersburg, I decided to write about it now in order to logically complete the series of articles about Poland.
Krakow has been the capital of Poland for over 500 years and is home to about 25% of all the country's museums. Krakow's Old Town and the Jewish district of Kazimierz were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List back in 1978. At that time, there were only 12 other places on the planet on the list. Krakow was included in the list along with the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Wall of China. Now the World Heritage List includes about 900 places.
The most important attractions of Krakow are the Old Town in the Plantow ring (a park on the site of the former city walls), if you look at the map, this place is clearly visible, the adjacent Wawel Castle, the Jewish district of Kazimierz and the Schindler factory. It is offered to go around all these places on a special excursion transport for only 140 zlotys (about 32 €), but it is quite possible to get around all this on foot, excluding only the Schindler factory. It is located on the other side of the Vistula, a little to the side. If you do not want to visit the museum, now located in the building of the former Schindler factory, then there is no great need to go there; the building itself is not interesting from the outside.
Excursion transport in Krakow
You may want to find yourself excursions in Russian around Krakow. To do this, I would recommend that you read the article - Four sites that specialize in selecting excursions around the world.
In Krakow, tourists are given rides on the most beautiful horse-drawn carriages, but it’s scary to think how much this pleasure could cost if an excursion on a motorized chaise costs 32 € per person.
Horse-drawn carriages Very close to Krakow there is the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, Stanislaw Lem's Experiment Garden, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, the former Auschwitz. But in one day, alas, it is impossible to embrace the immensity, you can only run along the most significant sights of the city center, look at the huge Polish churches, ancient streets, and enjoy the excellent panorama of the Vistula, opening from the walls of Wawel. When we visited Krakow, a Catholic youth festival was being held there, perhaps that’s why there were simply so many people in the city. It was practically impossible to enter the churches; the crowd began already at the door.
We took the tram to the Kraków Główny stop and walked around the city center all day. There is no metro in Krakow (the population is only 700 thousand), but the tram service is very well developed. The organization of public transport is very similar to what I described in the article. Tickets can be bought directly from the machine inside the tram; the language can be selected in Russian. At the Kraków Główny station, there is a “Tourist Information” office, where you can get a free map of the city center with marked attractions and other brochures.
The very first thing that appeared before our eyes was the monumental theater building.
Juliusz Słowacki Drama Theater Krakow Market Square
Krakow has the largest medieval square in Europe (200x200 m). The square itself was created in 1257, simultaneously with the granting of Magdeburg Law to Krakow. And to this day, the square has retained its commercial significance, although now only food and souvenirs are sold on it, no live goats and chickens, as was the case during the Middle Ages. And as it should be in a decent market, of course, artists perform in order to keep potential buyers longer.
Local mass entertainers The Church of St. Mary (St. Mary's Church) and the Church of St. Adabelbert were founded before the formation of the Main Market Square, and the Cloth Hall (Cloth Hall) and the town hall later than this date. Until the beginning of the 19th century, there was a cemetery around the St. Mary’s Church right on the square. And right under the Market Square there is now a Dungeon Museum, since the square is so old, much has gone underground and the historical exhibition has been set up right there.
The Church of St. Adabelbert also went underground. which is not surprising at her age, you can also go down into the church’s dungeon for a fee. St. Adalbert's Church is the oldest in Krakow and one of the smallest. It is believed that it was founded in the 10th century. The church acquired its modern appearance in the 18th century.
The youngest monument on the old Market Square is the monument to the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz, erected just in 1898; for the Poles, Mickiewicz is the same as Pushkin for us. By the way, Mitskevich was well acquainted with Russian writers, including Pushkin, then they lived in the same country.
Monument to the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz When you look at the cute colorful houses surrounding the square, you can’t tell that they are 500-600 years old. We went into one store, it turned out that behind the ancient facade there was a modern shopping center, which very harmoniously combines modern retail equipment and very ancient walls, with ancient masonry visible in places.
Houses on the market square 
Houses on the Market Square Cloth rows
The Cloth Hall was first built on the market square in the 13th century, during the time of Casemir the Great, but the 108-meter building fell into oblivion as a result of a fire in 1555. The cloth halls were rebuilt in a much more impressive form with stairs and a loggia, and the cloth rows acquired the appearance that we can see now in the 19th century. Inside, on the ground floor there are numerous souvenir shops, and on the second floor there is a gallery of 19th-century art, part of the National Museum of Krakow.
Cloth rows St. Mary's Church
One of the main decorations of the Main Market Square in Krakow is certainly the St. Mary's Church, famous for its medieval wooden altar by Wit Stwosz. The altar was shown in the program “Heads and Tails”. Unfortunately, we were not able to see this miracle. The church was packed with people. Photography is prohibited there. The interior makes an indelible impression, the starry sky is depicted on the vault and there is practically not a single section of the walls or ceiling inside the church that is not painted. The inside of the St. Mary's Church is almost entirely multi-colored.
St. Mary's Church, facade, rear view, courtyard nearby There are many streets radiating from the market square, but two of them stand out - Florianska and Grozdska, which were once part of the Royal Road.
Florianskaya street
Florianska Street is one of the oldest in Krakow, where you could write a book about every house; one end ends at the Florianska Gate. At the moment, this is the only gate preserved in Krakow; previously there were 8 and 47 towers.
Florianskaya Street and Florianskaya Gate Medieval walls adjoin the Florian Gate. The total length of the walls was about 3 km. In the 19th century, most of the city walls were demolished by the Austrian authorities after the partition of Poland, they were rightly afraid. that the rioters could hide behind them. In place of the destroyed walls, a park was laid out - Planty.
The walls of Krakow next to the Florian's Gate Restaurant Yama Mihalika
In the evening we went to the famous Krakow restaurant Jama Michalika, also located on Florianska Street. The establishment is over 100 years old and has been awarded a separate article on Wikipedia. The point is that on the Internet it is written that entrance to the folklore show costs some money, but they didn’t charge us anything, we only paid for the food. We didn’t know about the show in advance at all, we just found the address of the restaurant in the guidebook and that’s it.
restaurant Yama Mikhalika on Florianskaya street It's pretty dark inside, so we didn't get any photos, but we did get a video. The food is tasty, but not enough, the portions could have been larger. Therefore, if you want to eat a lot, you need to choose another place, and if you want to watch Polish folk dances, then Michalik’s Pit is not even bad.
Barbican
The Barbican came to European military architecture from the Arab world. Usually the Barbican was built into the walls of the city. The Krakow barbican stands about 100 meters from the city walls as a separate structure, just opposite the Florian Gate. The thickness of the walls of the Barbican in some places reaches three meters, and there are about 130 embrasures on the sides.
Barbican Grozdskaya street
Then we continued our walk along the former Royal Route, connecting the Florian Gate and Wawel Castle. On Grozdskaya Street we were surprised by the Pod Aniolami restaurant, which decorates its interior with bunches of overgrown dill. In Krakow, in addition to traditional restaurants serving Polish and Italian cuisine, which will surprise no one anywhere, there are also restaurants serving Georgian and Ukrainian cuisine.
Restaurant on Grodzka Street 
Seller of souvenirs in national clothes The Church of Peter and Paul is located on Grozdskaya Street. This is one of the first buildings in Krakow built in the Baroque style, decorated with the splendor typical of the Jesuits. For a short time at the beginning of the 19th century it was an Orthodox church.
Church of Peter and Paul What surprised me most were the Polish nuns. They organized numerous events on the streets as part of the Catholic Youth Festival, sang and simply promoted faith in God in two languages in turn, first part of the speech was spoken in Polish, then repeated in English, and all this without the help of translators. It seemed that men in Poland do not become monks, only women and all with knowledge of foreign languages.
Events in honor of Catholic Youth Days Wawel
Wawel Castle has sacred significance for the history of Poland; Polish statehood was born at this place; all Polish kings were crowned in the Cathedral and many of them are still buried there. Unfortunately, almost nothing remains in the castle from the Middle Ages; first, the Swedes ravaged Wawel during the Swedish Flood (1655-1660), and then the Austrians, who inherited Krakow after the partition of Poland, set up barracks in the castle. The Swedish flood is artistically described in the novel “The Flood” by G. Sienkiewicz; a film of the same name was made based on the novel. Therefore, everything that can be seen there is the result of careful restoration.
The Bernardine Gate was built already during the years of occupation during the Second World War to protect the German Governor General who settled in Wawel.
Bernardine Gate and Sandomierz Tower 
View of the street from the castle walls In summer the castle is very beautiful, there are greenery and flowers all around. And in the building covered with ivy there are ticket offices where you can buy tickets to museums located on Wawel. There were queues at the box office. We didn’t go to museums, because they say you need to spend about 5 hours for this event, which is not realistic in the format of visiting Krakow in one day.
At Wawel Castle, administrative building The layout of the lock clearly demonstrates its structure.
Model of Wawel Castle You can enter the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and Wenceslas for free, you only need to pay for using the audio guide; there is a ticket office in the building opposite. Inside the cathedral there are many sarcophagi of kings and saints, as well as the graves of famous Polish poets, political figures, even President Lech Kaczynski and his wife are buried there; they died as a result of the Smolensk plane crash in 2010.
Wawel Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and Wenceslas John Paul II was born in a village near Krakow and spent many years of his life in the city, studying at the Jagiellonian University, so a monument to him was erected next to the Cathedral. John Paul II became the first Slav in the history of the papacy and the first Pole on the Roman throne; before that, only Italians were elevated to high rank.
Monument to John Paul II at the Cathedral The palace houses museum exhibitions.
Castle We looked at the Vistula from the cave of the legendary Krakow dragon; entry into the cave itself is only possible with tickets, but after Postojna the tiny Krakow cave could hardly surprise us. On the largest boat on the pier there is a restaurant “Stefan Batory”, this historical character is very popular in Poland.
Vistula Right under the walls of the castle on the banks of the Vistula, already at the end of the 20th century, a monument to the legendary Krakow dragon was erected. A dragon breathes fire for just one coin; you can even make a dragon breathe fire using an SMS sent to a specific number. Numerous tourists climb onto the pedestal and take pictures with the fire-breathing dragon; the pebble of the pedestal could make it more comfortable to climb onto it.
Mercantile gasified dragon It turns out that Krakow hosts a film festival and even has its own Walk of Fame, it is located very close to the dragon monument.
Walk of Fame on the Vistula embankment Kazimierz, Jewish city
We honestly walked around the Kazimierz district, a former Jewish city, and did not find anything interesting there, except for the strange Catholic churches. The Jewish ghetto during World War II was located on the other side of the Vistula and has nothing to do with Kazimierz. In addition, during the war the quarter was almost destroyed and all that can be seen is the result of restoration work. The synagogues there are small and unprepossessing, the houses are shabby in appearance, and all the architectural monuments look like ordinary houses, not at all remarkable in appearance. The Jewish Quarter of Krakow is much less interesting. And Jewish Square reminded me very much of St. Petersburg Aprashka in its worst version, just a dirty and shabby shopping area, where in unsanitary conditions you will be offered street food.
I think so, Kazimierz became more popular among tourists thanks to Spielberg’s film “Schindler’s List”. Fans of abandoned buildings and artistic ruins will love it there.
The white building is a synagogue But the Catholic churches located in Kazimierz are very impressive, as always huge and very richly decorated.
Basilica of Corpus Christi in Kazimierz In the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Margaret, we witnessed the veneration of St. Rita, her day was just celebrated. In the church there were simply crowds of people with roses, symbols of the saint. The entire church was filled with people and they began to sell roses already on the approaches to the church. The sight of so many believers with roses amazed us. By the way, it is the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Margaret that is considered the largest Gothic church in Krakow. It is not possible to photograph it entirely on a narrow, densely built-up street; you will have to take my word for it, the church is really huge.
Very close to the huge Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Margaret is the Baroque Church of St. Stanislaus on Skalka, i.e. on the hill. According to legend, the Polish king Boleslaw the Bold in 1079 killed and cut into pieces the body of Archbishop Stanislaw of Krakow and threw the remains into a pond.
There, outside the gates, is the Church of St. Stanislaus and the Pauline Monastery The body of Saint Stanislaus, cut into pieces, miraculously grew back together, like Poland, which was first divided and then united again. The pond into which the saint’s remains were thrown was beautified and now it looks almost like a memorial.
The pond into which King Boleslav the Bold threw the remains of St. Stanislaus This is where I will finish my story about Krakow, although we also took a walk through Planty Park.
In contrast to Warsaw, it seemed to us that Krakow was much more popular with tourists; there were much more people on the streets. Of course, Krakow contains a lot of architectural and historical monuments, and the city was not heavily destroyed during the last war, unlike Warsaw. For a more detailed inspection, you should probably plan at least 5 days in order to have time to go to the salt mine, visit museums, and eat delicious Polish dishes in restaurants.
