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Cracow
It is the most beautiful city in Poland and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe; with its rich offerings it is a city which should not be missed.
An ideal location of Cracow makes it a perfect starting point towards other important places in Poland, like the concentration camp in Auschwitz, the Salt Mining Museum in Wieliczka, the Monastery in Czestochowa or the Tatra mountains.
Cracow, which was chartered in 1257, is a former capital of Poland. Here, since 1038 the Royal Court resided and the city was then the centre of political life. With respect to this, despite of the transfer of the capital to Warsaw, nothing had really changed in Cracow, which remained the centre of cultural life of the country, and which is still the undeniable cultural capital of Poland. In none other Polish cities will one find so many exciting events, from theatre performances, cabarets, concerts to different kinds of festivals, such as the Jewish Culture Festival that takes place annually in June.
Cracow is a city full of relics, museums, old churches and small streets, where, on every step one encounters history. The city is also a very vibrant university centre; here is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest one in Poland - Jagiellonian University, established in 1364 by King Casimirus the Great. Outstanding scholars, like Nicolaus Copernicus, studied here.
Finally, Cracow is a city of Pope Jan Paul II, who, in none of his pilgrimages to his homeland neglected to visit the city, where from a Catholic priest he was ordained bishop, later to be elected Pope in Rome.
Being a pearl of medieval and Reneissanse architecture, Cracow survived until today virtually intact; even WWII did not damage this beautiful city, which, because of its historical and cultural value was registered on the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage, along with the nearby Salt Mining Museum in Wieliczka.
Cracow is a city of magic and charm; the legend has it that on Wawel Castle hill, in one of the walls of St. Gereon chapel lies one of the seven magic stones - the "Chakras", which, according to a Hindu legend, were scattered on seven corners of the World and are treated by the Hindu religion as holy places. You can check it out by coming to Wawel Castle hill to draw the magic energy, along other people from all over the world.
Cracow is a city full of tradition and with a unique climate, where what is old and beautiful intertwines with the new, where the time has stopped. Despite of this particular climate of the city, since the beginning of the previuos century, Cracow has been vibrating with life, giving one a choice of hundreds of its bars, cafes and restaurants around the Main Market Square, with concerts and festivals giving an oportunity to spend a great time.
   
The Monastyr in Tyniec
Tyniec is one of Cracow districts situated on the river bank. The Benedictine Monastery in Tyniec was founded in the 11th century. One of its interesting monuments is a beautiful altar made of black marble and the medieval Monastery buildings.
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Market Square
This is the biggest medieval market place in Europe, in the middle of which is situated the previous market-hall (the Cloth Hall); currently one can buy here peices unique Polish amber jewellery. On the first floor museum of 19th century Polish painting is located.
In the vicinity of the Market Square, at the far end of of Florianska street is situated the one and only municipal gate preserved in Cracow. The 13th century gate, adjoined with a defence wall, is a fragment of the Royal Way. Outside the former municipal walls, the Barbican is situated, one of the most remarkable work of defensive architecture in Europe.
St Mary`s Church
Situated on Main Market Sq., St Mary's Church is one of the oldest Polish churches. Dated for the first half of teh 12th century, it was originally built in Roman style; however, after the Tartar raid it was rebuilt in Gothic style. A particularly precious monument of the Church is the Weit Stoss altar, dated for the 15th century, as well as the stained-glass windows, said to have been made in the 14th century.
Wawel
The Royal Castle of Wawel with its Cathedral and the complex of monumental buildings, is settled on a picturesque hill, in the heart of Cracow.
This is an extraordinarily important monument of Polish history, the place where Kings' coronations took place, and where their necropolis was located until the end of Polish Monarchy. This royal abode, despite of the transfer of the capital to Warsaw, through all the history of the Polish State played a key role, being a symbol of the State and, has survived until today retaining a special position in Polish history and in Polish hearts.
Wawel, whose uppermost time of extension and afflorescence occured in the 16th century, is a beautiful example of Reneissance art. It is in the 16th century when one of the most unique work of Reneissance art in Poland was compleetd - the Sigismund Chapel.
Particularly important exposition of the Royal Castle Museum are the royal chambers with an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, Flemish tapestries from the 16th century and a unique collection of Oriental and contemporary art. While visiting the museum, try not to miss the Armoury and the Treasury.
The Wawel Cathedral, the most important Polish temple was a place of coronations and the eternal resting place of Polish monarchs. Together with a Reneissance Sigismund Chapel, it is one of the most beautiful examples of Polish architecture and sacral art.
Jagiellonian University
Established in 1364, by King Casimirus the Great, Jagiellonian Univerity is one of the oldest European univerities. Among the University buildings, the 15th century Collegium Maius is proudly located, with its beautiful yard and an extremely interesting museum. The attention of visitors is particularly attracted by astronomical instruments, which are part of the Museum exhibition, including an astrolabium said to have been used by Copernicus himself, or the alchemist room.
Kazimierz
The former Jewish district; here, until the outbreak of the Second World War religious, cultural and economical life of the Jewish society flourished. Before the beginning of the Second World War, in Cracow lived over 60 thousands Jews, who made up 25 % of the whole population. Kazimierz has an unforgettable ambience, having preserved its individual style it has become a favourite place and inspiration for artists. Worth visiting are especially the Old Synagogue and Remuh Synagogue, both dated for the 15th century.
     
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