Things to do in Krakow

Poland’s cultural capital is a richly historical city, packed with culture and architecture which will transport you back to the 13th century. Thanks to a lucky escape during WWII, most of Krakow’s majesty remains intact, making it one of the few cities in Europe to have any depth of historical architecture. From the main Market Square to the green Planty Park which encircles the city, Krakow is filled with storybook streets, castles, churches and many great places to visit and enjoy the ambiance.

Auschwitz

The notorious Nazi concentration camp is located just 70kms from Krakow, making it an essential daytrip if you have the time and desire. The preserved buildings of the camp offer a sober perspective of the last days of the million or so victims of the Nazi horror, who were kept here. There is also a memorial museum on-site which exhibits personal items, photographs and other historical memorabilia. Phone: +48 033 843 2022.

Churches of Krakow

This city is packed with extraordinary churches, many dating from the last great rebuilding period in the 13th century. Among the finest are the 15th century Corpus Christi Church, used by the King of Sweden as his headquarters during his siege, in 1655; the 13th century Franciscan Church and Monastery, with its beautiful Art Nouveau stained-glass windows and wall decorations; the Church on the Rock, which is the centre of the cult of St Stanislaw; the 11th century Church of St Andrew, which is the finest surviving example of Romanesque architecture in the city; and the Church of Our Lady, where Krakow’s famous bugle call is sounded to mark each hour.

Dragons Den (Smocza Jama)

The cave at the foot of Wawel Hill was once the den of the legendary dragon that terrorised early inhabitants of this area. The story goes that the dragon demanded to be fed a maiden per week. The king offered his daughter’s hand in marriage and half his kingdom to the man who could slay this dragon. After many knights tried and failed, a clever cobbler tricked the dragon and killed him. Nowadays, you can tour the site where it all supposedly happened.

Market Square (Rynek Glowny)

Europe’s largest medieval marketplace is a hallmark of this city and the heart of public activity. Rynek is also Krakow’s largest outdoor café area, with more than 20 cafés scattered around its perimeter during the warmer months. The history of this square is extraordinary. From 1320, the kings of Poland came here after their coronation to meet the city’s burghers and receive tribute. Today, Rynek is the best spot in Krakow to hang out, watch the myriad people and daydream about the times when knights and kings strolled about this very square.

Stara Synagoga (Old Synagogue)

Built in the 15th century, this synagogue is the oldest surviving example of Jewish religious architecture in the country. Looted and badly damaged by the Nazis during the occupation, it has since been restored and is now home to the Museum of the History and Culture of Krakow Jews. Phone: +48 012 422 09 62.

Sukiennice (Cloth Hall)

This Renaissance cloth hall stands in the middle of Market Square, with a statue of Adam Mickiewicz dominating the entrance. The Gothic arches are from the 14th century and the inner arcade still holds traders’ stalls, much as it did centuries ago. Nowadays, however, the traders sell local crafts instead of cloth.

Synagoga Remuh

This synagogue, from the 16th century, is still used for worship and is an important part of the Jewish community here. More interesting is the cemetery attached to the synagogue, which was used between 1533 and 1799. It is the only well-preserved Renaissance Jewish cemetery in Europe.

Ulica Florianska

This street in the Old City was laid out in 1257, during the great rebuilding period, and many of the Gothic houses of 13th century Burghers still remain. At the end of the street is the inspiring Florian Gate, which was built around 1300, providing access through Krakow’s original city walls. This neighbourhood is one of the best areas for wandering around and soaking up the ancient atmosphere.

Ulica Kanoncza

Considered by many to be the most beautiful street in all of Europe, Ulica Kanoncza runs from the foot of Wawel Hill right to the centre of town. Most of the houses along the street were built in the 14th and 15th centuries and are remarkably preserved. Many of the canons of Wawel Cathedral lived here , including Pope John Paul II, hence the name.

Wawel Cathedral
Crowning the top of the dominating Wawel Hill is this well-preserved cathedral. The present cathedral, the third on this site, was consecrated in 1364. Due to the small size of the hill top, no expansion was possible, meaning little of its original structure has changed. Polish kings have traditionally been buried here since 1037, when the first cathedral was established. Climbing the Sigismund Tower gives visitors an amazing view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Royal Castle (Zamek Krolewski)
The castle standing on this site was built by King Sigismund the Old in the early 16th century after fire razed the Romanesque residence that stood here before. Many parts of the Renaissance castle still remain including its lovely arcaded courtyard. Inside, visitors can tour the Royal Treasury, with its collection of Polish crown jewels and the Szczerbiec, the jagged sword used at the coronation of Polish kings since the 14th century. The Royal Armoury, also on-site, houses an interesting collection of Polish and Eastern armour and weapons. Perhaps most intriguing is the importance of this castle in Hindu esoteric thought. It is believed to be a chakra, one of the planet’s mystic centres of energy. Polish believers think that they will absorb this vital energy by rubbing against the castle walls.