" K R A K O W " Krakow by sihi

Krakow Travel Guide: 4,415 reviews and 10,236 photos

KRAKOW

Krakow: Considered the most beautiful city in Europe , most of its original, medieval buildings are still in place. It is the cultural heart of Poland.

You have to know that Krakow is TOP 10 cities of the world

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Wawel-kings castle

The historic seat of government and power in Poland can't be missed - from here Polish kings ruled the country for over 550 years. The castle and cathedral are firmly set in a defensive position, revealing the past insecurity of life in this part of Europe.

The Cathedral is stuffed with statues, gilding, famous dead Polish monarchs, and altars. It is inspiring, and takes a couple of visits to take in properly. Most of the Polish monarchy was crowned and buried here, and there are a number of spectacular tombs in the Cathedral to see. The current Cathedral is not the original one - two earlier versions burnt down, and the present incarnation was constructed in the 14th century. An underground burial chapel, now called St. Leonard's, survived from the 12th century, and can be seen at the north end of the present building. When you get to the entrance to this crypt, you must first walk through the 12th century St. Leonard's, before reaching the magnificent, mainly gothic tombs of the Kings and Polish heroes. The castle on the same hill is over 350 years old, and is now museum inside that's well worth a visit. From here, the country was governed by the Kings, who worshipped in the cathedral next door. (Conveniently for the kings at the time, and the tourist now, temporal and spiritual power were adjacent.) Parts of the museum are very good, but others are miss-able. The best part is the Royal Chambers museum - the first one you come to as you enter the building. They are set up as the kings would have arranged them - but it is recreated as the castle's been sacked by everyone you can think of, and a few you can't

The Rynek (town square)

The Rynek Glowny, or main town square, is the centre of old Krakow. All roads lead to it, and you're bound to end up here early on in your stay. It's an immense square, dominated by the Cloth Hall in the middle, which is now a market, selling beautiful amber, kitsch religious stuff, and leather goods such as bags and slippers. Upstairs there's an art gallery. I bought quite a lot of presents for my family and friends from here while I was living nearby, and the amber earrings went down best! Look at several before you choose, as those with small leaves or other things caught in them are the most interesting to buy.
All around the square are things to enjoy - churches, museums, and a tower, all worth a visit. If you go in the summer, you can enjoy watching the world go by from one of the many outdoor cafes, but this isn't cheap! There is a growing number of good restaurants, with tables outside in the summer, to chose from in Krakow, and many of them are in the Rynek. To get to the Rynek from the train and bus stations, you walk due south for about 10 minutes. From the square, it's another 10 minutes walk south-west to the Wawel Hill.
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Where to go after Krakow???

Bochnia and Nowy Wisnicz -worth a visit!
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Pros and Cons

Pros:100% nice , beautiful and nice city.
Cons:-

Last visit to Krakow: Jul 2002
Intro Updated Jan 26, 2005
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Reviews (13)

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Comments (42)

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diana_renou Oct 22, 2009 at 5:34 AM

Great page!! beautiful pictures!! How many days at lest do you recommend me to stay in Krakow?
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Laura_Mexico Jul 18, 2007 at 9:54 AM

Krakow really is a wonderful town, just visited it and willing to go back soon already. Hope to see more of your tips soon!
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scottishvisitor Jan 30, 2007 at 8:48 AM

Thanks for visitin Lorsch = Krakow will be a destination for me some day
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margaretvn Jan 25, 2007 at 11:47 PM

your photos are great - hoping to get to Krakow this year
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bugulma Jan 11, 2007 at 2:11 AM

...and one of my dreams is to visit Krakow one day :-)
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MalenaN Dec 21, 2006 at 12:34 AM

Krakow looks like a very beautiful place! I shoud really go there one day!
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ThiagoRamos Aug 22, 2006 at 11:28 AM

Hi there!!! Thanks for your complements to my Krakow page. Very nice of you. Please tell your sister to enjoy it. For me Krakow is THE PLACE TO BE. I envy her. Take care!!! Thiago
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lnalba Aug 2, 2006 at 12:09 PM

Hi! Thanks for the birthday wishes. Krakow looks beautiful, I am now wanting to visit! Good luck with your studies. Lynsey
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Sue08080 Jun 29, 2006 at 8:33 PM

Hello Sihi! I love beautiful Krakow too! Thanks for visiting my Wadowice page. We were there for one afternoon only. Pope John Paul is a hero of mine and seeing his home was wonderful.
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Texfo Apr 1, 2006 at 10:41 AM

Hi sihi, Thank you for the wonderfull commentary and pics of Krakow, I will visit there and Warsaw this summer. I am from Texas,USA. You should think about being a travel guide or travel writer. :) I would like to meet you. Thanks