"Krakow - History, Beauty, Culture " a Krakow Travel Page by mightywease

Normally before a trip I spend hours scouring Guide Books, the internet - including, of course, the VT pages - and other information in order to plan an itinerary, where to go, what to see, where to eat etc.. However, for various reasons this didn't happen with Krakow. The guide book was flicked through but un-read and I had a shamefully quick look at some VT pages but that was about all.

So I boarded the plane to Krakow not really knowing much about the city or what there was to see when I got there.

What I found was a wonderful, impressive, historic city with a releaxed and friendly atmosphere. Days were spent wandering around churches, galleries and beautiful medieval streets, evenings were spent eating fantastic food and enjoying hearty glasses of warming - and strong - vodka!

As I said I didn't know what to expect from Krakow but if I had what I found in visiting the city would have by far exceeded any expectations I might have had.

We were on a fairly short break to Krakow - 4 1/2 days, barely enough time to scratch the surface - so we stayed mainly around the central area exploring the Old Quarter, Wawel Hill, Okol and Stradom Quarters and Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter.

There was certainly plenty to see, The Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill are well worth lingering in, you may find you want to linger longer than you should over coffee while watching the world go by in the Market Square and the dignity and peace of the Remu'h Cemetary will make you want to stand in quiet contemplation.

MORE,MORE, MORE!

Just as a kind of addendum to all of the above we have now been to Krakow four times and it has become one of our favourite places. As well as architecture and art - of which there is still a lot we have not seen -we have also 'discovered' a thriving bar and nightlife scene as well as a number of great places - and great dishes - to eat. It's a fantastic place. Go!

The compact nature of the central area lends itself to walking and public transport does not run through many of the old town streets. Mind you there is so much to see in the architeture of those streets that walking seems to be not only the easiest but the best way of getting aound. Your feet may start to protest but your eyes will never tire of searching out the next spire or gable or facade.

Orientation is also easy. The Market Square, with the spires of St. Mary and the Town Hall Tower, are good focal points in the Old Quarter. Grodzka Street which runs from the Market Square through Okol and down to Wawel Hill is a good place to get your bearings. And if you find yourself in Planty, the landscaped gardens laid out on the site of the city's medieval fortifications, it is easy to find your way back to the Okol, Stradom or the Old Quarter.

Arm yourself with a good street map (although as with a lot of places getting lost or off the beaten track can often lead you to an unexpected discovery or pleasure) a sturdy pair of walking shoes, for all those cobblestones, and plenty of camera film!

Muttley very much enjoys the wonderful architecture, art and culture to be found in Krakow. Also the Rynek Glowney is a good place for pigeon chasing.

However, like the Mappley's, he isn't always sensible in his vodka intake so can find he becomes a small Muttley with a sore head!