Krakow Local Custom Tips by ZiOOlek

St Mary's Tower and Hejnal

Also known as the Watch Tower, Wake, Alarm or Bugle Tower, it is the only tower in the world at which a bugle has been played every hour for six hundred years for the entire world to hear. To see and to hear these wonders one must climb 239 steps, to a floor 54 m above ground level. The trumpeter takes just two and a half minutes to ascend the tower but visitors do not need to hurry. At the top they will be heartily greeted by bugle players - members of the fire service, perhaps the last magicians of Krakow...

Bugles have always been played from Krakow towers and gates to announce the beginning and the end of the day. Travellers had to stay outside the city walls if they were caught by night near Krakow and wait until the gates were opened at sunrise.
What were the tunes played from the city's towers and the Royal Castle of Wawel? We will never know. It is only known that the tradition of the bugle call began in the late 14th Century, when Krakow saw the influx of Hungarians, and queen Jawiga, the future wife of king Jagiello was about to ascend the throne. It came here and stayed to resound in Krakow's skies forever. It was probably first played by Hungarians, and later, when the guards of the Wawel and St Mary's were changed, was taken over by the Poles.

Dragons' Parade

On June3rd there was a Dragons' Parade organized in Krakow. It was becasue of the city's day. It is a unique show of light and water. Dragons are famous in Krakow, especially the Wawelski Dragon. You may see it just ubove the Wawel castle. The show takes place also near the Wawel and along the Vistula river. During the parade you may see fireworks. This year it was the best fireworks I have ever seen! Really worth seeing! The only bothering thing is the crowd.;)

Gardens

Gardens are everywhere around the main market square. There are many restaurant arounf the square and all of them have their own garden, facing the square. This is very important for them as those garden are really crowded during summer. Prices are high but it is even worth to sit and drink a beer and observe the beauty of the Krakow's Old Town.

This is unforgettable memory.:)

Pictures near Florian's Gate

There are many pictures in front of the Florian's Gate (Brama Florianska) from the side of Florianska Street. I think that everyone may find something interesting and choose from a wide variety and adequate price.:)

Lajkonik

Lajkonik is a man in Tatar disguise riding a hobby-horse. A fairytale figure in traditional Tatar dress, beautifully embroidered, "perched" on a little wooden horse, the figure dances, jumps and parades through the streets of Cracow and if you are lucky you may see its show.:) Miniature figures of the Lajkonik are available daily to buy on the Main Square.