Krakow’s remarkable Stare Miasto, or Old Town, is above hyperbole. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland, the notable medieval quarter is a national treasure.
So indeed, is the former royal capital of Poland. In the wake of economic reform and inclusion in the European Union, Krakow has become a desirable and fashionable destination. While the brilliant UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre is the focal point, the city of 750,000 people is the cultural linchpin of Poland and a former European Capital of Culture as well. With so much in store for visitors today, we narrow Krakow down to ten must-see attractions.
Most people will inevitably start off in the Old Town of Krakow. Sukiennice Cloth Hall is one of the symbols of the quarter and indeed, the city. In the 15th century, the halcyon era of Krakow, the marketplace was a busy hub of international trade and prominent symbol of wealth and affluence.
Impossible to miss from the vast Main Market Square in Old Krakow, St. Mary’s Basilica is a vital landmark. With origins in the 13th century, the church was a design pioneer for other religious monuments throughout Poland and abroad.
On the shores of the Vistula river looms a Gothic masterpiece that provides Krakow with yet another extraordinary landmark. Wawel Royal Castle dates back to the 15th century and the rule of Sigismund I the Old, who was far from frugal when it came to his future Renaissance palace.
7. Barbican
The Barbican of Krakow is a dramatic Old Town gateway that survives in spectacular fashion. The ancient fortification is one of the few left in Poland, let alone Krakow, and together with the incredible Florian Gate, provides the city with a medieval masterpiece par excellence.
One of the most senior academic institutions in Europe, Jagiellonian University in Krakow dates back to 1364 and the reign of Casimir III the Great. With a student body well over 50,000, the school consistently ranks as the best in Poland. A tour of the historic campus is a must.
The decimation of the vital Jewish population of Poland is one of the most tragic chapters of the 20th century. Of the 6 million Poles to perish at the hands of genocidal Nazi Germany, over half were Jews. As a result, Krakow’s 15th century Old Synagogue is one of the most invaluable symbols of Jewish architecture left in Europe.
The town of Wieliczka, in metro Krakow, has a strange UNESCO World Heritage Site. In operation from the 13th century until 2007, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is rather remarkable. Known as “The Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland”, the mine was one of the original UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978 and draws well over a million visitors every year.
Beautiful Slowacki Theatre is one of the main reasons why Krakow is the de facto cultural pulse point of Poland. The Baroque tribute masterpiece was built in 1893 and was the first in the city with electric light. Beyond grand, the opulent space is a magnificent point of interest.
2. The Planty
On the perimeter of Old Town Krakow is a tremendous 21,000 square metre public park, replete with ponds, gardens and excellent photo ops of many city monuments. All in all, Planty Park is a real Krakow gem, especially in clement weather.
Though no longer active, the former Orthodox High Synagogue is a significant Krakow symbol and landmark. Built in Romanesque style in the 16th century, the important ecclesiastical edifice has been open to the public since 2005.
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