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12 Must-Visit Historical Sites in Krakow, Poland

7/24/2017

6 Comments

 
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Krakow is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. With ancient squares and classy dressage, travelers visit Krakow year-round to explore its exquisite historical sites. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and strolling through Krakow makes you feel as if you are lost in time.
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Old Town Market Square
This is the area where most people congregate to, and once you lay eyes on the square you’ll know why. The grandiose square contains spirit of the past and the present. Small birds circle the cathedral and horse and carriage loop around the square. It is the largest medieval square in Europe, which dates back to 1257. St Mary’s Basilica is a site to see and the 14th Century Cloth Hall contains countless souvenir stands. Some claim cloth hall is the oldest “shopping mall” and the edifice dates to 1555. 
 
Explore the 10th Century St. Adalbert Church, which is a mix of pre-Roman, Roman, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Explore what is left of Krakow Town Hall with its tower as the rest of the facility was demolished to open up the square. The 13th Century Town Hall Tower stands 70 meters, but leans 55 centimeters as a result of a storm in 1703. Two stone lions guard the tower, which were brought from the Classicist Palace.
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Wawel Castle
Built between the 13th and 14th Century, Wawel Castle is the most impressive landmark in the city. Fifty thousand years ago, people lived on Wawel Hill during the Paleolithic Age. In the early 16th Century, King Sigismund I the Old brought in some of the best native and foreign artists to create the castle you see today. Permanent exhibitions include the State Rooms, Oriental Art, The Lost Wawel, The Royal Private Apartments and the Crown Treasury and Armory. Don’t be in too much of a rush, and be sure to stop and smell the flowers. 

Wawel Cathedral 
Inside the Wawel Castle is the cathedral where visitors marvel and decadent artistry and architectural wonders of the 18 chapels. Most of the Polish King’s and their family members, along with the nation’s greatest heroes, bishops, two poets and four saints, are buried in the cathedral.
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Planty Garden Ring
Planty is a green belt of public parks, similar to a chain consisting of 30 gardens. Today, the area of Planty consists of 41 hectares. It takes one to two hours to walk around the Old Town district through the tree-covered pathways.
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Schindler’s Factory
The once World War II factory is now a historical museum. The factory housed the former Nazi industrialist who saved the lives of his Jewish workforce during the Holocaust. Guests will see Schindler’s desk intact to what it would look like during the war alongside with walls filled with plates, Nazi propaganda and photos of the factory workers.
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Jewish Ghetto
On March 3, 1941, the Nazi occupation created a dwelling place for Krakow Jews. Podgorze is the conception of the Jewish ghetto located on the right side of the Wisla River. The ghetto consisted of 15 streets and some 320 buildings and 3,200 rooms, completely walled off from the rest of the city. The ghetto's western edge, at Limanowskiego Street near Rynek Podgorski square was the main entrance gate to the ghetto along with another gate on Limanowskiego Street, which was solely for the entrance of German military trucks.
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http://top-poland.pl/
Wierzynek Restaurant 
This is Krakow’s oldest restaurant, which traditions date back to 1364. It’s become a landmark of its own regardless of if people actually eat. Dine in what looks like 1800’s décor and marvel at the beautiful wallpaper.  Wierzynek’s website states, “The tradition of the Wierzynek Restaurant dates back to 1364, when a wealthy merchant Mikołaj Wierzynek hosted a splendid feast for the monarchs of Europe on behalf of the Polish King Casimir the Great. Wierzynek undertook the task of hosting the feast with great care and overwhelmed his noble guests with a truly lavish welcome. The tables were groaning with food and drinks and the guests celebrated for 20 days and nights. Upon departure, the generous merchant presented each guest with a splendid gift – gold and silver tableware. At the Wierzynek Restaurant we continue this great medieval tradition of feasting until the present day by giving a royal welcome to each and every one of our guests!”
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St. Peter and Paul Church
Built between 1597-1619, this is the biggest church in Krakow in terms of seating capacity. The Baroque Jesuit church is most known for its facade, containing the 12 apostles. The church was built shortly after the arrival of the Jesuits to defend the Catholic faith after signing the Council of Trident.


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 12 Must See Historical Sites in Krakow, Poland. 
6 Comments
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5/1/2023 07:43:32 am

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8/30/2023 02:44:00 am

ClearHolidays™ extends a warm invitation to Indian travelers seeking a journey through history and culture. As you plan your escapade for 2023, allow us to guide you through the captivating historical sites that Krakow, Poland, has to offer. Immerse yourself in the stories of the past and experience the charm of this enchanting city.

1. Wawel Castle: Begin your historical journey at the iconic Wawel Castle, a symbol of Poland's rich history. Explore the castle's regal chambers, discover the treasures of the Crown Treasury, and marvel at the intricate details of Wawel Cathedral.

2. Main Market Square: Step into the heart of Krakow at the Main Market Square, where history comes alive amidst stunning architecture. Visit the Cloth Hall, absorb the vibrant atmosphere, and relish the charm of Europe's largest medieval town square.

3. St. Mary's Basilica: Admire the Gothic beauty of St. Mary's Basilica, an architectural masterpiece located on the Main Market Square. Witness the hourly Hejnał Mariacki, a poignant trumpet call that resonates across the city.

4. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: Pay homage to history's victims at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. This solemn site serves as a reminder of the Holocaust's tragic events and offers insights into the past.

5. Schindler's Factory Museum: Step back in time at Schindler's Factory Museum, a poignant tribute to Oskar Schindler's heroic efforts during World War II. Explore the exhibits that chronicle the city's wartime experiences.

6. Wieliczka Salt Mine: Venture underground to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a subterranean wonderland carved entirely out of salt. Wander through the intricate chambers and marvel at the awe-inspiring salt sculptures and chapels.

7. Collegium Maius: Uncover the academic heritage of Krakow at Collegium Maius, the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University. Experience the history of knowledge and exploration that the university represents.

8. Kazimierz District: Immerse yourself in Krakow's Jewish history at the Kazimierz District. Explore synagogues, visit museums, and wander through charming streets that tell the tales of a vibrant past.

9. St. Florian's Gate: Walk through the iconic St. Florian's Gate, a symbol of Krakow's fortifications and historical significance. Discover the stories hidden within its centuries-old walls.

10. Barbican: Stand in awe of the Barbican, a formidable fortress that guarded the city's entrance. Let your imagination run wild as you step back in time and envision its role in defending Krakow.

11. Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory: Commemorate the stories of resilience at Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, which now houses a museum dedicated to Krakow's wartime history.

12. Jagiellonian University: Experience the intellectual legacy of the Jagiellonian University, one of the world's oldest universities. Explore its historic buildings and libraries that have shaped centuries of learning.

A Message from ClearHolidays
In the year 2023, ClearHolidays™ invites Indian travelers to embark on an unforgettable journey to Krakow, Poland, where history and culture intertwine seamlessly. As you plan your expedition, allow us to be your guide through the must-visit historical sites that Krakow boasts. From the grandeur of Wawel Castle to the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, each site narrates a chapter of Krakow's rich history. Walk the cobbled streets of the Main Market Square, marvel at St. Mary's Basilica's intricate architecture, and reflect on the stories of Schindler's Factory Museum. Descend into the depths of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and experience the vibrant heritage of the Kazimierz District. Krakow's historical landmarks invite you to travel back in time, to an era of kings and queens, tragedy and triumph. Join us in exploring the depths of Krakow's history and creating unforgettable memories in 2023.

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2/23/2024 01:41:38 pm

very helpful information, Wawel castle is truly amazing peace of historic architecture. Krakow is the best city for holidays. best regards

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    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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