You can soak up wonderful culture in this former capital of Poland. According to 800zipcodes.com, the city, which is full of students, has a lot to offer in terms of museums, historic buildings and a vibrant nightlife with hundreds of clubs and cafes. The city originated around the Wawel Hill, where you can see the cathedral and the castle sticking out above the city. Where the current capital Warsawsurvived the Second World War very badly, Krakow miraculously escaped unscathed. As a result, the city has a lot of historical value. Krakow has therefore become a true public favorite in recent years. The city has managed to conquer the hearts of city trippers at breakneck speed. Those who want to can make a trip from Krakow to Auswitch. You can book excursions to this former concentration camp via the internet.
Top 10 sights of Krakow
#1. Main Market Square (Rynek Głowny)
This large and important market square is the bustling heart of the city. The square, which covers more than 40,000 m², has a number of impressive sights. You will find here, for example, the very beautiful Mariakerk, Adalbertkerk, Raadhuistoren and the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall). At the center of the square is the monument to Adam Mickiewicz, the greatest Polish romantic poet. The square is a popular place to hang out or enjoy a delicious drink on one of the many terraces.
#2. St. Mary’s Church (Kościół Mariacki)
This church was founded by the citizens of Cracow in the 13th century. Everything has been done, both inside and out, to make this one of the most beautiful churches in the region. The altar in particular is exceptionally beautiful and impressive. It was designed by Veit Stoss and is known as the largest altar in Europe. Every hour a bugle signal sounds from the tower, which immediately attracts attention. In 1421 this was used to warn the city of an attack. The bugle player at the time was killed and since then the signal has stopped halfway through the last note. From the tower you have a spectacular view of the city.
#3. Town Hall Tower (Wieża Ratuszowa)
On the beautiful Main Market Square (Rynek Głowny) square, the Town Hall Tower radiates towards you. With its seventy meters in height, it has acquired a prominent place since it was built in 1316. Over the years, various alterations and renovations have taken place. The basement of this building used to house the prison with its associated torture chamber. From the tower you have a nice view over the city.
#4. Lakenhallen/Sukiennice
Those looking for an authentic souvenir should definitely not pass by the Lakenhallen. On the main market square (Rynek Glówny) is the bazaar, which is filled with all kinds of Polish handicraft products. Stalls selling jewellery, sheep’s wool sweaters, crystal glass, bags, belts, works of art and even shoes abound. The building itself is already a feast for the eyes.
#5. Wawel Castle (Pałac Królewski na Wawelu)
You can reach this royal castle via the old town centre, where you can take a path up to the most beautiful part of Krakow. For some Poles, this is even declared a sanctuary. The castle is right next to the cathedral. This royal palace certainly has an area of more than 7000 m². During a tour you walk from one beautiful room to the other. The most special locations are: the knight’s hall, armory hall, senator’s hall, audience hall and of course the royal private quarters.
#6. Wawel Cathedral (Kathedra Wawełska)
Many kings have been crowned in this very beautiful cathedral. This beautiful piece of history is located next to Wawel Castle on the hill of the same name. Already around 1320, the cathedral on Wawel Hill was built. The fact that the cathedral has always been very important is evident from the row of important and influential people who are buried there or are in the crypt. The Zygmunt tower high in the cathedral has a large clock that is said to bring good luck in love if you touch it.
#7. Kazimierz
Close to Wawel Hill lies the former Jewish district of Kazimierz. It was only added to Krakow at the end of the 16th century. Before that it was an independent city. In the district is the old and largest synagogue in Poland and the Landau Palace also called the Joranow Palace. The neighborhood is lively and has plenty of restaurants and terraces to enjoy a meal and/or a good glass of wine.
#8. National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe)
Founded in 1879, this museum is the largest museum in the city. The museum has very extensive and special collections of Polish art. Another part of the museum has many military attributes from history on display.
#9. Barbakan
Those who used to visit the old town of Krakow had to pass through the beautiful gate of Barbakan. This fortress complex from the 15th century still has a very impressive medieval appearance. It is not for nothing that medieval festivities are still held here every year, which do not lack knight battles. There are also regular exhibitions to admire.
#10. Teatr im Juliusza Słowackiego
Krakow’s most beautiful theater is located in the old part of the city. Between 1891 and 1893, the magnificent neo-baroque building was built after a real competition was organized for the most beautiful design. This was won by John Zawiejski. The appearance and allure certainly remind you of the Paris Opera.
