"KRAKOW *** CRACOVIA" Krakow by LoriPori

Krakow Travel Guide: 4,941 reviews and 9,847 photos

Charming view of ul. Slawkoska Street - Krakow

KRAKOW --- CITY OF CHURCHES

Main Pic - Charming view of ul. Slawkoska Street

The second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland (dating back to the 7th century). KRAKOW is one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural and artistic life. It began as a Hamlet on Wawel Hill and was already a busy trading centre in 965.
The city is a major attraction for both local and international tourists, attracting seven million visitors a year. I can attest to that, as there were tons of people there at the time of our visit.
The main landmarks include the Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica (photo #3). the Sukiennice Cloth Hall, Wawel Castle, Wawel Cathedral, the Medieval St. Florian Gate (photo # 2) and the Barbican.
Krakow boasts 28 museums and public art galleries. Krakow is known as the City of Churches with dozens of Roman Catholic places of worship. Krakow was once an influential center of Jewish spiritual life before the outbreak of WWII. There were at least ninety synagogues active before the Nazi German invasion of Poland, but most synagogues of Krakow were ruined during WWII.
Points of interest outside the city includes Wielicska Salt Mine, Tatra Mountains and the former Nazi Concentration Camp at Auschwitz.

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My Krakow Video is courtesy of Hans - Waalewiener - and it's called "VT KAOS IN KRAKOW". It's a seven minute video of our First Official Group Pic in front of the Barbican. It really is hilarious. I think Matt took about five pics -- "Take Five"

Second Video also courtesy of Hans - Waalewiener - is of our Saturday night dinner at Restauracja Bohema. We were treated to traditional Galician Live Folk Music and dancing.

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank Matt and Urszula and their many helpers, for an absolutely wonderful VT Euromeet 2010. Your outstanding organizing skills helped make this one of the best Meets ever. Lori and Hansi

THE FLORIANSKA GATE - BRAMA FLORIANSKA

The Florianska Gate

Built at the end of XIII century to protect the northern entrance to the city of Krakow THE FLORIANSKA GATE or BRAMA FLORIANSKA is the main city gate. The roof, built in the barocque style, was constructed in 1660 by Jan Zaleski. An interesting part of the gate (inside the gate) is the altar to the Holy Mother of Piaski. On the first floor is the chapel constructed in 1885-86 by Wladyslaw Czartoryski.
The elevation shows the Polish Eagle, symbol of Poland's first rulers.
From Florianska Street, you can see the XV11 century Saint Florian Frieze. Both sides of the gate are flanked by the Medieval Walls.
Most days you will see artists and their paintings being shown just to the side of the Gate.
I thought it was a beautiful building and just couldn't help taking many pictures of it.

BASILICA OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY

Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary

Dominating the Main Square, the BASILICA OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY or KOSCIOL MARIACKI, was constructed from 1287 - 1320 on the site of a former Romanesque Church which was destroyed by the Tartans. It was built originally in the Gothic Style, with Baroque Chapels and altars.
The two towers of the Church differ in height and style. The higher one is 88 m (the lower 69 m) and when built, did not belong to the Church but was under municipal management. It served as the city guard tower, where lookouts watched over the countryside. When a horn was blown from the tower, this was a signal to shut the gates against approaching enemies. This horn signal is called the Hejnal. Today it is heard every hour from the tower.
For our VT Meet, the Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary was part of our Medieval Walking Tour. We entered from Mariacki Square at which point you buy your entrance tickets.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Never seen so many Churches, nuns, priests, monks, brothers, sisters
In a nutshell:Krakow is a definite - WOW!

Last visit to Krakow: May 2010
Intro Updated Jul 23, 2011
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Information Centre at Town Hall Tower - Krakow

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Off The Beaten Path (2)
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Comments (29)

roamer61 May 8, 2012 at 8:51 AM Report Abuse

Good advice and tips Lori.
Paris92 Jan 31, 2011 at 11:38 AM Report Abuse

Lori! Big props on your Barney nomination!!! This page in incredible! Hope you and Hansi are having a great time!
chocolatecake Jan 24, 2011 at 5:41 AM Report Abuse

Hi Santa Lori, GOOD LUCK to your Krakow Page which is filled all my sweet memories of YOU all!
hopang Jan 5, 2011 at 5:03 AM Report Abuse

Fascinating Krakow travel page. The city certainly is a great tourist destination with lots of lovely attractions. Churches, basilicas, market square and Wawel Castle seem wonderful to visit and explore! Thanks for your virtual tour. ~ho & pang
matcrazy1 Dec 26, 2010 at 8:48 AM Report Abuse

WOW! Lori, you created great page full of beautiful pictures, useful info and first of all great memories. Thanks a million, you made my day. Hugs :-]]], kisses :-ooo and smiles :-))) from both matcrazies!
breughel Sep 27, 2010 at 5:43 AM Report Abuse

Me again to remember these nice days... . Reading your tips I realized that you have seen many things I haven't seen. I know, I have been drinking too much Porter's beer!
greekcypriot Sep 12, 2010 at 1:29 PM Report Abuse

A destination which I long to go. Very nice tips and photos Lori!
MalenaN Sep 12, 2010 at 6:28 AM Report Abuse

I saw this page in the beginning, but now there are many great updates! It looks like you had a wonderful VT-meeting and I wish I could have been there!
angiebabe Aug 17, 2010 at 1:53 PM Report Abuse

next time I want to do a bike tour - though dont know how I can take stacks of photos at the same time as manage bouncing over cobblestones!excellent page as usual and so lovely to see the place in summer!
hunterV Jul 21, 2010 at 9:59 PM Report Abuse

Hi, Lori! Krakow is very beautiful and as charming as Lviv.... You have superb pictures, videos and stories... Thanks! ><><><><