When in Krakow
Krakow is one of the most historical cities at the heart of Europe. Once the capital of Poland, it is a city steeped in history and culture, formerly home to kings and the cream of the European art world, as well as renowned scholars.
Many of the city's buildings reflect the huge influence Krakow once held around the world, with large gothic structures bearing imposingly down on the city's streets. The architecture also offers a guide to the wide variations in the people who have settled here over the years, from the gothic St Mary's Basilica, to the opulence of the former Royal Castle, to the former separate Jewish city of Kazimierz. At the other extreme of these wonderful old sights is the socialist-realist architecture of a modern, industrialised city of Nova Huta.
All these buildings and areas have a different feel to them and the city is full of different cultures which have come together to form a wonderfully unique atmosphere throughout the city.
Krakow's Old Town at the heart of the city is the original site of the mediaeval city which was established in 1257 and there remain a large number of elements which have been preserved from this time. For example, the streets remain based on the original grid set out by Prince Boleslaw V, then ruler of Poland, when he decided to build the city on top of a previous settlement. The Old Town's Main Square is at the heart of the city and was the largest city square in Europe during the Middle Ages. Even today, its grand scale remains impressive and it represents a fine example of mediaeval city planning and artistic ability.
The city's Old Town has become such an important example of mediaeval architecture, in fact, that the whole area has been decreed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.
Krakow fell under Communist rule after the Second World War and its status and influence as part of the Soviet regime diminished considerably. However, since the fall of Communism Krakow has once again flourished and is becoming a major centre for tourism and commerce once again. Its attraction for travellers is often the fact that it has remained relatively undiscovered over the past two decades since Communism collapsed, unlike other areas such as Prague in the Czech Republic. This has ensured that the city has remained relatively cheap for visitors while offering them a range of interesting and exciting experiences.
The city has a wealth of cultural experiences, largely thanks to its long and vibrant history, which has seen it accrue a variety of important artefacts and paintings located in its many museums and galleries. At the same time, Krakow offers excellent shopping opportunities, with a wide array of shops and boutiques for travellers to enjoy and there is always the chance of bagging a bargain.
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Introduction
