Krakow city. The second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. The city dates back to the 7th century.
Traditionally, it’s one of the leading centers of polish academic, economic,cultural and artistic life.
Krakow is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Its old town is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world.
It is Poland’s second most important city.
It has a population of about 770,000 people with approximately 8 million people living within 100km radius.
In 1978, the Archbishop of Krakow, Karol Wojtyla was elevated to the papacy as Pope John Paul II.He was the first non Italian Pope in 455 years.
Krakow is among the global city classification.
It has extensive cultural sites including the largest medieval market square in Europe, Rynek Glowny.
It is home to Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest in the world. The University is also Poland’s most reputable institution of higher learning.
It is a UNESCO’s city of literature.
9 THINGS TO DO AND NOT TO DO IN KRAKOW CITY
- Do not cross a road from any point. Instead, wait for the green light before crossing. This will help you avoid the fines.
- Don’t get on a ram without a ticket. Instead, you must buy a ticket and stamp (validate) it immediately you get on.
- Do not drink alcohol in the streets. Instead, you can use the designated areas for drinking alcohol.
- Do not just get into any taxi. Instead, before boarding, make sure it is registered and has a valid sticker on it.
- Don’t greet over a threshold when saying goodbye. Instead, choose a side of doorway to do so. Polish people, for some reasons don’t like it.
- Don’t wear shoes in a Polish home. Instead, wear slippers or remain bare feet.
- Do not forget to carry an ID with you. Instead, always, at all times, carry your ID in Poland.
- Do not forget to tip in Poland. Instead, always double check your bill and tip accordingly.
- Don’t be late. Instead, when meeting someone, always be there on time. Polish people are pretty much “on time” people.
9 INTERERSTING FACTS ABOUT KRAKOW CITY
- St. Mary’s Trumpet Call can be heard playing hourly from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica – a major symbol of Kraków.
- The Town Hall Tower of Kraków is the city’s own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Even though the tower deviates from the base by mere 55 cm, it can be clearly seen thanks to its being 70 m high.
- The 11-tonne Sigismund Bell, located in the bell tower of the Wawel Cathedral, is sounded only during the most important of the Polish holidays.
- The Caste of Wawel has a “one painting exposition”. The exhibit in question is Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine” original.
- . Kraków’s Market Square is the largest medieval commercial square in Europe (each of its sides is 200 m long).
- he Plantais Boulevard, which stretches all around the Old Town, is the most popular place of recreation in Kraków. Plantais has trees that are centuries old.
- The old Town’s main square welcomes over 10 million tourists every year.
- The Main Market Square of Krakow covers 40,000 square metres above ground and yet more below. Countless pubs and restaurants operate in cellars. There is even an underground museum.
- The Old Town of Krakow encloses six thousand historic sites!
History
Climate
Geography
8 MOST POPULAR THINGS IN KRAKOW
#1 - Wawel Castle
The variety of Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo, and Romanesque engineering that is the incomparable Wawel Castle can be seen overshadowing the entire city. It was previously the home of the Polish rulers and sovereigns and still has incredible historical centers and courts as a declaration to its previous brilliance. There are likewise top views from the bulwarks!
#2 - Planty Park
The green belt Planty Park rings the entire region of Krakow's memorable Old Town. Pathways weave thusly and that past figures and prattling wellsprings, while local people walk their pooches and bistros spill onto the walkways. It's loaded up with life in the mid-year and a genuine winter wonderland during the colder months.
#3 - Barbikan
The Barbikan is the main outstanding gatehouse of the medieval fortresses that once enclosed the entire city. It's redbrick defenses and considerable turrets assisted with fighting off the Mongol crowds during the thirteenth century. Today there are periodic theater creations and other workmanship shows facilitated inside.
#4 - Kosciuszko Mound
Built in the image of the primeval Pagan hills that encompass the city at different focuses, the taking off the slope of Kościuszko was brought up in 1823 to respect its namesake national saint Tadeusz Kościuszko. From the top, explorers appreciate clearing scenes of the city, while crisp mornings even uncover the Tatra tops toward the south.
#5 - St. Mary's Basilica
The redbrick façade and incredible twin towers of St Mary's Basilica have become authentic images of the city of Krakow. Approaching high over the Market Square, they were first brought up in the fourteenth century, have endured Mongol attacks, and still host the hourly trumpet call – the Hejnał Mariacki.
#6 - The Jewish Quarter
Set inside strolling separation of the Old Town, the notable Jewish Quarter of Krakow was at one time a different city in its own right. Today, it's completely subsumed into the texture of the town, yet at the same time holds an interesting society and vibe with its disintegrating apartment squares, incredible temples and gobs of cool bohemian brew joints.
#7 - The Dragon's Den
In the wake of hearing all the captivating, swashbuckling stories of brutes and sovereigns that encompass the establishment of Poland's southern city, make certain to make a beeline for the base of the Wawel Hill, where a profound cavern is said to have once been the den of the impressive Smok Wawelski mythical serpent himself! Furthermore, just to demonstrate it, a sculpture outside even inhales fire!
#8 - Wawel Cathedral
Holed up behind the old dividers of the Wawel Castle, apparently, the most significant church in all of Poland can be found approaching high with its Baroque and Gothic frontispieces. Attractions are both high and low, going from the taking off posts of the Belfry to the national tombs under the fundamental basilica.