Krakow, with its population of nearly one million inhabitants, is one of the most frequently visited cities in Poland. It is an important centre of science with its renowned Jagiellonian University, established in 1364, is one of the oldest places of learning in Europe. The old city centre of Krakow has been enlisted as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and with its exceptional atmosphere and flair attracts thousands of tourists every year. The city also offers a number of interesting tourist attractions which makes a visit to Krakow really memorable.

What to See in Krakow

Main Market Square – The City's Heart

Krakow's Main Market Square is the largest medieval urban centre in Europe. The centrally positioned Cloth Hall, a building from the turn of the 12th century, was originally designed for the cloth trade but greatly modified over the centuries. Overlooking the square from the east is St. Mary's Church with its magnificent high altar carved by the Nuremberg sculptor Veit Stoss (known in Poland as Wit Stwosz).

Every hour, a bugle call (hejnal) is played from the highest tower to commemorate the Tatar raids on the city in the 13th century. The Town Hall Tower dominates the western section of the square. The Main Market Square is the key focal point of the city's life with its numerous cafes, bars and restaurants all within a short walking distance from one another.

The Royal Route

This starts in Matejko Square and leads through the Gothic Barbican and Florianska Gate into the Main Market Square. The route continues along Grodzka Street with its Neo-Classical architecture and the Church of St. Peter and Paul. It then follows the medieval picturesque Kanonicza Street and finally reaching Wawel Hill where tourists can visit the cathedral and the royal castle.

The Barbican is a masterpiece of mediaeval fortification and it is one of only three such structures preserved in Europe. Florianska Gate was once part of the system of defensive walls, fragments of which are still visible on either side of the gate. Today the walls serve as an outdoor gallery for artists and vendors of art work. A number of historical buildings can be found along both sides of Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets. The oldest part of Krakow is surrounded by a beautiful park known as the "Planty", a green oasis in the very heart of the city.

The Royal Castle

Royal Castle and Cathedral are located on top of Wawel Hill which commands a view over the entire city. Wawel Cathedral has witnessed royal coronations and funerals and Wawel Castle was the residence of Polish kings. The origins of this magnificent structure date back to the year 1000 but almost every era has left its architectural signature upon its walls. The castle museum has a unique collection of Flemish tapestries on display. Wawel Cathedral is Adjacent to the castle and is not only a splendid historical building and a parish church but also the national Pantheon where the tombs of Polish kings, national heroes and poets of the Romantic period have been laid.

Kazimierz

Kazimierz is a historical borough on the outskirts of Krakow's city centre but today it is also one of the city's most up and coming districts. Kazimierz was home to the largest Jewish population in Krakow till 1939. The famous Remuh Synagogue and the Alte Schule, Poland's oldest synagogue can be found here which today is an important museum of the district. A visit should include the Templ founded by the local Association of Progressive Jews and the Wolf Popper synagogue. In June and July every year a Festival of Jewish Culture is held in the Kazimierz district. It attracts hundreds of performers and thousands of spectators from all over the world.

The official website of Krakow

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