Stroll the streets of Stare Miasto, the medieval heart of Krakow, and you’ll be transported to the past. Step out beyond that, however, and you’ll find a fresh and vivacious Krakow taking shape.
The wonders of Wawel
Wawel sits on a hill near the Old Town, and is the biggest visitor attraction in all of Krakow. You’ll find both Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Castle here, the latter being a 16th century Renaissance palace.
The 14th century cathedral has a stunning interior and crypt – the Holy Cross Chapel, complete with its 15th century elements, is a particular highlight. Climb the 70 steps of the Sigismund Bell Tower for a fine view and to see Poland’s largest bell. The crypt contains kings and national legends aplenty. On the riverbank below you’ll find the 1972 statue of the Wawel Dragon, derived from Polish folklore. It still guards a cave and breathes fire every couple of minutes.
The salt of life
A salt mine might not automatically jump to the top of your ‘to do’ list, but the Wieliczka Salt Mine, just a short drive from Krakow, draws crowds from far and wide for a unique experience. The tunnels cover some 180 miles, with some lying more than 300 meters below the surface.
It’s atmospheric and full of surprises, chief among them the Chapel of St. Kinga, fashioned entirely from rock salt from floor to ceiling. It took two men some 30 years to carve it by hand, and you can even book the Chapel for a unique wedding.
New life in Kazimierz
This district has been home to Krakow’s Jewish community since medieval times, although it was decimated during World War Two. Today you can explore the cemeteries and synagogues, but also see how the area has been magnificently revived in recent years. Take a walking tour or browse the stalls at Sunday’s weekly flea market.
New cafes and galleries abound, and a Jewish culture festival takes place every summer. Nearby is Studio Qulinarne, a highly regarded restaurant situated in a former bus depot. It brings Polish classics into the modern age with dishes like sweetbread with parsnip and blackberries or wild boar with red cabbage and chanterelles. Ariel is more traditional and combines a restaurant serving hearty Jewish fare with a cultural center. Expect Sephardic carp, beetroot soup, chopped herring and gefilte fish dished up in charming rooms.
Many of the people who lived here in the war years worked in Oskar Schindler’s factory, brought to public attention by Steven Spielberg in his film Schindler’s List. It’s now possible to visit the factory, which has been turned into an interactive museum. Learn about life in the city under German rule, as well as the inspiring stories of the resistance.With history both recent and ancient brought to life in Krakow, and the sense of revival in the air and on the streets, there has never been a better time to visit this corner of Poland. Car rental in Krakow will open its doors to you.
With history both recent and ancient brought to life in Krakow, and the sense of revival in the air and on the streets, there has never been a better time to visit this corner of Poland. Car rental in Krakow will open its doors to you.