Kelly Robertson
Krakow is the second largest city in Poland and one everyone should visit in his/her lifetime. The city dates back to the 7th century, and has been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural and artistic life. In fact, it used to be the capital of Poland from 1038 to 1569, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from 1569 to 1596, the Grand Duchy of Kraków from 1846 to 1918, and Kraków Voivodeship from the 14th century to 1999. It is now the capital of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Here are 5 things to check out on your visit to Krakow.
1. Old Town
The heart of the city, Krakow’s Old Town is beautiful, featuring a number of different shops, café’s, pubs, restaurants, and so on. Amongst the many sites of Old Town are the Krakow National Museum, Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, 1,000 year old Gothic Wawel Cathedral and Church of St. Andrew. However, you’ll have the best time simply walking around. It’s that awesome.
2. Wawel Royal Castle
Built at the behest of Casimir III the Great, who reigned from 1333 to 1370, the Wawel Royal Castle consists of a number of structures situated around the central courtyard. In the 14th century it was rebuilt by Jogaila and Jadwiga of Poland, when the tower called the Hen’s Foot and the Danish Tower were added. Other structures, including defensive walls and towers, were developed on the hill during that time as well, in order to serve as quarters for the numerous clergy, royal clerks and craftsmen.
3. Wieliczka Salt Mine
Located in the town of Wieliczka in southern Poland within the Kraków metropolitan area, the Wieliczka Salt Mine was built in the 13th century, producing table salt continuously until 2007. It’s one of the world’s oldest salt mines and something worth visiting. Not only will you see the old mine, but also dozens of statues, three chapels and an entire cathedral that has been carved out of the rock salt by the miners. About 1.2 million people visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine every year.
4. Auschwitz
The site of the horrible genocide today houses the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, which is devoted to the memory of the murders in German concentration camps Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau during World War II. The museum performs several tasks, among them research into the Holocaust. In 2011, more than 1.4 million people from 111 countries visited the museum.
5. Kazimierz
Historical district of Kraków, Kazimierz is best known for being home to a significant Jewish community from the 14th century on until the Holocaust in the World War II. In the district, you can see a number of beautiful churches and synagogues…
