Krakow-terra incognita, a place, which you do not expect to see, waiting to be discovered …

The question, asked a random person on the streets of New York, Berlin and Tokyo, “What do you associate Poland with”, without a moment’s thought will hear the answer: “John Paul II”, “Lech Walesa”, “pierogis” and, of course Krakow , the pearl of Poland! It is one of the oldest (loc.987) and the most beautiful cities in Europe; the top destination in Europe in 2007 (Orbitz) and selected European Capital of Culture in 2000 …

What really attracts our attention in this town?

The unique character of the city, monuments; moving through the streets, you can participate in a living history lesson ;a magic place full of art and culture … often called “the Polish Bohemia“.

Over a hundred years, Poland did not exist as a country on the map of Europe. Probably it would disappear forever if not for people who have preserved small fragments of the country in their hearts, minds and pockets.In this dark period of history, Krakow was a special place – a city which attracted artists from everywhere and people of culture, to speak and write about Poland, to paint their portraits and leave future generations traces forming national identity.

Noteworthy is definitely the kings, medieval Wawel Royal Castle, the seat of Polish kings, shrouded in legend of the Wawel dragon …;The Wawel Cathedral, the coronation place of Polish kings, burial place of kings, the great chiefs and seers nation, and President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria Kaczynska. We cannot forget the Old Town – since 1978 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main sights of Krakow’s Old Town is located on The Main Market Square(the largest medieval town square in Europe): St. Mary’s Church (gothic church built in 13 century. Standing 80m tall, it is particularly famous for its wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss);The Renaissance Cloth Hall(It was once a major centre of international trade. Traveling merchants met there to discuss business and to barter)and the Town Hall Tower(Its cellars once housed a city prison with a Medieval torture chamber) and the remains of defensive walls – Florian’s Gate and the Barbican.

We cannot also forget about Kazimierz Town Hall(15th century Kazimierz is a historical district of Kraków (Poland), best known for being home to a Jewish community from the 14th century until the Second World War).

The culmination of our historic trip through the streets of Krakow will be the Kosciuszko Mound where we can see the panoramic view of the Vistula River and the city. Kościuszko Mound inspired Count Paul Strzelecki, Polish patriot and Australian explorer, to name the highest mountain in Australia Mount Kosciuszko, because of its perceived resemblance to the Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow.

 I want you to visit our museums, galleries, cafes favorite Polish artists, so you will be able to feel the atmosphere of this amazing city, where the sacred and the profane sit together at the café table, and ordinary cabby deserves to be called an artist …The art lovers cannot pass by  Collegium Maius – the oldest part of Jagiellonian Univeristy; museums etc. Krakow also has become a place for filming movies, among others Steven Spielberg’s ” The Schindler’s List” and the films of Andrzej Wajda.

Why Krakow?

Because it is a place where everyone can feel at home, a city whose streets intersect the representatives of different nationalities, different religions, people for and against, adventurers and pilgrims …

Since the concept of time in Krakow does not exist, life goes on around the clock, and the night is only a pretext to turn a page in the calendar.

Krakow, the pearl of Poland is a city of people with passion, student festivals, art cafes, theater performances and bohemian neighborhoods..

Surely you should add Krakow to your places which you see before you die … It must be the part of your” Bucket List”..

About the Author :-

Anna Lapinska was born in Poland and have been living in Chicago since 2005 , studied at Warsaw University , Anna is in great love with History , travelling, cultures , nature, music  and extreme sports. She believes in ” Live as you’re going to die tomorrow , learn if you’re going to live forever.”