The history of Krakow dates back to the early 11th century when wooden structures began to appear here and there amidst the forested countryside. Most of these were confined to the area around Wawel Hill. The cathedral itself and the castle (not the structures you…Read More

The history of Krakow dates back to the early 11th century when wooden structures began to appear here and there amidst the forested countryside. Most of these were confined to the area around Wawel Hill. The cathedral itself and the castle (not the structures you see today which were rebuilt much later) were also constructed during this epoch of history. In the mid-13th century however, the Mongols, formerly known as Tatars, attacked the city, burnt down all the existing buildings and devastated the entire area. A couple of decades later, a new town was designed and construction work in stone started immediately, adopting the Gothic architectural style that was prevalent throughout Europe at that time.

The city expanded rapidly. The population increased so quickly that more buildings had to be constructed to accommodate the ever-increasing number of merchants and tradesmen who came here from other parts of Poland. Palaces, churches, more residential buildings and the second largest university of Central Europe were built during this period of time. Consequently, Krakow experienced an economic boom and a cultural revolution, a transformation from a village of farmers and herdsmen to a city of art and science. Great works of art and numerous scientific discoveries came into view for the first time during this epoch of history.

However in 1596, after political pressure from the Polish parliament, King Zygmunt III Wasa moved the capital from Krakow to Warsaw. This political maneouvre resulted in Krakow getting a hard blow, both economically and culturally. To make matters worse, in the mid-17th century, the Swedes attacked Poland and Krakow was heavily damaged, many buildings were destroyed and works of art were stolen. The 18th century was even worse. Krakow was attacked and invaded several times uprooting in the process the prosperity and the cultural revolution the city once enjoyed.

During the third Partition of Poland in 1795 when the country was eradicated from the map of Europe, Krakow was assigned to Austria and it was now Austria's turn to rule the city. For a second time since its existence, Krakow began experiencing again a cultural revival. Artists started giving birth again to great works of art and scientists made new discoveries. So, intellectual life flourished. After Poland's independence in 1918, Krakow was changed into a historical and cultural centre where Polish intellectuals from all corners of the country found the right place to develop their artistic or scientific talents.

World War II broke out on 1st September 1939 with a massive invasion of Poland, the north part of the country being the most easily accessible from Germany through the Baltic sea. Luckily enough however, Krakow in the south was not bombed or devastated like most other Polish cities. Although 70 thousand Jews were expelled from the city, probably to concentration camps or gas chambers, the city itself didn't suffer major structural damages, although great works of art were stolen by the invading Germans.

After the war, as soon as Poland was assigned to the Soviet communists at the Yalta conference, the communist government started building large housing estates to accommodate the working classes. Consisting mostly of similar side-by-side concrete blocks, these were ugly, monotonous and out of place in a city that contains within its walls the best artistic expositions Poland offers. Factories, mostly manufacturing heavy machinery were constructed not far away from Krakow's historic centre. This development ruined the environment and produced much undesired pollution, consequently eroding the beautiful stonework or brickwork of the medieval buildings and churches that stand to witness Krakow's glorious past. However, since the establishment of a democratic government after the end of Soviet communism, much restoration work has been done. Krakow is again making giant steps forward to confirm itself as a city of culture and history.

Come here, walk along the city's medieval streets, enjoy the majestic opulence of the stately palaces and imposing churches and savour Krakow's magnificent past.

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Krakow is a pretty small town. We didn't realize just how small til we arrived. If you look on the map, you can see the center (Stare Miasto) is surrounded by a ring road. It's incredibly easy to walk all throughout this center, not to…Read More

Krakow is a pretty small town. We didn't realize just how small til we arrived. If you look on the map, you can see the center (Stare Miasto) is surrounded by a ring road. It's incredibly easy to walk all throughout this center, not to mention beyond. Our first evening, we were wandering around Kazimierz (the Jewish quarter), and decided to walk across the bridge to the other side of the river. It's not far at all from the center! I was surprised and I think this may have influenced my choice of accommodation. I remember thinking some hotels or apartments looked out of the city but actually the city is very small so keep this in mind when you are booking your accommodation!

Also, we never used public transport except for our trip to the Wieliczka salt mine. This bus took twenty minutes just to get from the train station to the other side of the city center!! It would have been faster to walk and get on the bus at a later stop!

If you do need to use the bus, you can buy a ticket from a machine on the bus, but you will need coins. Some bus stops (like those at the train station) take ten or twenty zlotych bills as well as change.Close

I think a visit to Krakow is not complete without a walk on Kanonicza street by night. Though located just off the Royal Way and the noisy Grodzka street, it offers not only refuge - but a sense of travelling back in time. This street,…Read More

I think a visit to Krakow is not complete without a walk on Kanonicza street by night. Though located just off the Royal Way and the noisy Grodzka street, it offers not only refuge - but a sense of travelling back in time.

This street, paved with cobblestones gets very romantic after dark. Even though it's short, a twist hides you from your final destination - the royal castle (by the way, it's the entrance from Kanonicza that's most popular).

And, if you want to sit for a while - there are a few decent cafes and restaurant - including one of Krakow's pearls, the Copernicus (yes, Krakow University is where he graduated from).

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Just got back from a trip to Warsaw and Krakow Poland. These are two cities not to be missed. The food was spectacular (as was the beer), the people were very nice and both cities are beautiful. Warsaw is a "new" city, thanks to the…Read More

Just got back from a trip to Warsaw and Krakow Poland. These are two cities not to be missed. The food was spectacular (as was the beer), the people were very nice and both cities are beautiful. Warsaw is a "new" city, thanks to the devastation of WWII. The Old Town has been rebuilt, however, to look "old." While it has a little bit of an "Epcot" feel, somehow it still works. We went in the winter, and I would like to go back and experience the Old Town Square in the summer when it is more lively. Krakow is the closest you can get to Prague in Europe. While Warsaw was destroyed in the war, Krakow remained intact. The large town square is a sight you will never forget. (It is the largest square in Europe.) Take the Royal walk and retrace the steps to Polish kings all the way to Wawel Castle. On the castle grounds, the Wawel Cathedral is something to behold. Think of it as Poland's Westminster Abbey. You can't go wrong at any of the restaurants in Krakow, although it is a little cheaper to eat off the beaten bath and not on the Town Square.Close

In the center of the old town is the main marketplace where sellers scope out likely purchasers for clothes, compact disks, food and lots of other things. We enjoyed walking along admiring the architecture of the square and checking out the coffee shops. I bought…Read More

In the center of the old town is the main marketplace where sellers scope out likely purchasers for clothes, compact disks, food and lots of other things. We enjoyed walking along admiring the architecture of the square and checking out the coffee shops.

I bought some hand made wool sweaters for family members, and my friend bought some carvings for his family. It was a beautiful sunny day for a stroll. The Planty Gardens are near by and definitely worth a look around, too. Plus, the air is much, much fresher there!

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I enjoy exploring the region south of Krakow almost as much as the city itself. There are many old villages in the hills between Krakow and Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, and they are absolutely "untouristy". Which isn't to say you shouldn't visit…Read More

I enjoy exploring the region south of Krakow almost as much as the city itself. There are many old villages in the hills between Krakow and Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, and they are absolutely "untouristy". Which isn't to say you shouldn't visit them, rather it makes them that much more interesting. It's wonderful to see people living in traditional (old and new) Polish houses, and carrying on their daily routines. You definitely need a car to do "off the beaten path" explorations like this, and car rentals in Poland can be pricey. We usually rent a car in Germany and drive over through Vienna and Slovakia to get to this region.

There are many nice and inexpensive B&B-type accommodations to be found year-round, giving you a clean, comfortable place to sleep and a hearty breakfast for $5-10. If you expect Best Westerns, TVs, and McDonalds, this isn't the region for you. If, however, you want to visit an area that is unlike anything else, this might be just the ticket.Close