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Krakow is one of the first two cities to be included in the Unesco World Heritage List with its undamaged architecture.
Krakow was the reason I planned my Poland trip. I wanted to see this newly famous city for about 10 years and I’ve finally done it! Krakow, which survived from the Second World War with nearly no destruction, never disappointed me with its impressive medieval architecture, chirping cafes and restaurants and green parks. Krakow is one of the first two cities to be included in the Unesco World Heritage List with its undamaged architecture (and the other is Quito, the capital of Ecuador).
First Capital of Poland
When visiting Krakow and Warsaw, you see that these two cities are often compared and everyone tends to praise their own city. This is because Krakow has been the capital of Poland over the years. This city, which was declared a capital city in the early times of Poland, lost its title because of the king of the period who moved to Warsaw during the restoration process of the palace; when it was damaged due to a fire in the 16th century. This is the only reason, so the people of Krakow say 🙂
Old Town
Krakow’s historic city walls are still standing today and surround the old city. The Florian Gate, which is located on these walls, is very convenient to start to visit the old city. After entering the door, I was fascinated with the city view that greeted us from the very first minute.
We follow the street to the city square. This is the largest city square in Europe. You see the symbol of the city, St. Mary’s Basilica on one corner of the big square. With the Basilica of St. Mary, the old cloth hall in the middle, the chirping restaurants lined around it, and the colourful carved phaetons waiting for tourists, this is a very active square.
One of the World’s First Shopping Malls
Our first stop in this square is the cloth hall. In this beautiful building, in which fabric was sold in the middle Ages, there are souvenir shops today. Considering the period it was built, it is considered as one of the first shopping malls of the world.
St. Mary’s Basilica and its Story
St. Mary’s Basilica is quite striking with its two towers of different structure. It is said that the basilica was built by two brothers, and because of the quarrel between them, they built their towers in their own way. The interior is also magnificent. Trumpets are played every hour from the towers of this church. According to the story, this melody was played as a warning for an invasion in the 14th century, the soldier who played it was killed by an archer. Therefore, today the unfinished melody is still played every hour in the memory of the dead soldier and the invasion.
Krakow Clock Tower
Another building in the city square is the clock tower. This tower used to be a part of the town hall. However the building was sadly demolished under the name of renovation. Right now, this tower and the interesting head statue in front of it are quite remarkable.
The Royal Route
We walk through the square and continue towards the castle. This street, so called royal route, is the oldest part of the city and is unspoiled. There are many churches on the way. Actually there are totally 175 churches in this religious city!
Wawel Castle and Cathedral
Wawel Castle, or the royal palace, is located on a hill by the river. It became a command centre during the Nazi occupation and was renovated according to the wishes of the Germans. This new part is designed in the German style of that period, not aesthetical but functional 🙂 You can immediately distinguish it.
There is also a cathedral inside the castle. At the entrance to this cathedral, there are two huge bones hanging, and when they were first found, it was believed that these were dragon bones because they couldn’t actually define them. So, the dragon become the symbol of this city. At the foot of the walls of the castle on the river side there is a statue of this dragon, and from time to time a fire sprays from his mouth.
On one corner of the castle’s courtyard, is believed to have one of the chakras of the world. You can recognize this point from the group of tourists standing there, facing the wall 🙂
Kazimirez, Jewish Quarter
We continue to walk to Kazimirez, the Jewish quarter. This is the area where the Jews used to live. During the war, of course, emptied, but today is trying to gain attention again. I think it is a very pleasant region with its colourful cafes and restaurants. There are many churches also in this area, but there are also synagogues and the Jewish cemetery.
After the Traces of the Second World War…
When you finish this area and cross the river, the traces of the Second World War begin. One of the bridges you can use to cross the river is quite pleasant. There are acrobat statues on it and it gives a different pleasure to your trip by moving slightly in the wind. I think it’s one of places that shouldn’t be skipped.
Ghetto Region
After crossing the bridge you find yourself in the Ghetto region. Traces of war are still on the streets today. As you can read from the signs hanging on the buildings, you can also still see them on the facades of the buildings.
Ghetto Heroes Square
Then we arrive at Boheterow Square. It witnessed the most terrible pain and humiliation of the Jews during the Ghetto time. Tortures and executions were carried out in this open area, exile to the concentration camps was initiated there. Today, this square is known as the Ghetto Heroes’ Square, and there is a monument to remember the sufferings here: 70 chairs placed at wide intervals.
Schindler’s Factory
When you pass through this monument and continue walking, you come across one of the most famous elements of World War II: Schindler Factory. Oscar Schindler’s factory is turned into a museum today. He was a pro-Nazi in the beginning but when he saw that the war turned into genocide, he hired Jews as workers in order to protect them. You can visit this factory, which prevented more than 1200 Jews from being sent to camps, during your visit to Krakow. The details are in the famous Schindler’s List film.
Other Krakow Attractions…
When you come all way to Krakow, you can also have a day trip Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. The main camp is about 50 km from Krakow. This is a place that really affects people deeply, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
Another option is the salt mine, about 20 km away from Krakow. I haven’t visited, but it is said to be quite impressive. If you decide to go, don’t forget to buy tickets online to avoid waiting in the long ticket line.
How Much Time Should Be Planned for Krakow?
2-3 days will be enough to discover this city step by step. If you want to visit many museums and also do the daily tours, I recommend you to plan a few more days.
Last word
Krakow is really beautiful and a very pleasant city to visit. If you get the chance to visit and experience this beautiful city, do not miss it!
