
Krakow © Sebastian Warneke
The only major city to escape the destruction of World War II,
Krakow has one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in all
of Europe. The Old Town is a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site
and retains a wealth of architectural gems from different periods,
with magnificent churches and aristocratic palaces lining the old
streets, reminding travellers that in its glory days this city was
the abode of kings and royalty.
At the heart of Krakow lies one of the grandest squares in
Europe, the Old Market Square. The charming Old Town is a compact
area encircled by leafy parkland that forms a green belt around the
historic centre. The main entrance to the old city was through the
Florian Gate, set within the original city walls, now the haunt of
artists and full of galleries containing their work. With a
thriving cultural life, Krakow has been home to many of the
nation's greatest writers, artists and intellectuals, and is one of
the main cultural centres in the country, a spirited city with
personality and charisma.
Overlooking the city is Wawel Hill, topped by the striking Royal
Castle and Cathedral, the seat of Polish kings for seven centuries
and the symbols of Polish national history. Also important is the
city's Jewish roots, and the history of one of the great Jewish
centres in Europe can clearly be seen in the old ghetto area of
Kazimierz, and starkly remembered in the memorial death camps of
Auschwitz and Birkenau, west of Krakow.
Situated on the banks of the Vistula River, Krakow is also a
modern city, the second largest in Poland, and an important
university centre boasting the oldest university in Europe. The
large student population creates a lively atmosphere and a vibrant
nightlife. Countless cafes and outdoor restaurants surround the
cobbled main square. The unique atmosphere of this medieval city
has made it one of Poland's most popular tourist destinations.