Krakow - Kraków

Cracow
Collage of views of Cracow.PNG
Arms
POL Krakow COA.svg
Map
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Information
CountryPoland
RegionLesser Poland Voivodeship
Surface326.8 km²
Population766 739
Area code12
Postal Code30-001
website

Cracow - a city in the south Polandlocated above Vistula.

Characteristic

One of the largest and oldest cities in the country, with high cultural and architectural values. A city shrouded in legend, where time passes differently and where every moment becomes history.

History

Wikipedia-logo.png See on Wikipedia: History of Krakow

For centuries, Krakow was the capital of Poland, the seat of kings, attracting scholars and artists from all over the world. It is to their talents and imagination that we owe the rich heritage of unique historical monuments reflecting the most important trends in European culture.

Drive

By plane

There is an international airport in Krakow-Balice. John Paul II [1]. It has a direct connection with dozens of cities in Europe.

  • The airport is connected by a railway line with the Main Railway Station in Krakow. A ticket for this route costs PLN 10.00 (EUR 2.5). Travel time to the station - 16-18 minutes.
  • Public transport buses 208 and 292 also go to the airport (ticket: PLN 4(as of: Aug 2017)because the airport is located outside the city limits), travel time to the city center - 35-45 minutes.

By train

Two important railway lines run through Krakow:

Krakow is the main transfer point for tourists going to Zakopane in Tatra Mountains. There are also trains running through this city to Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest.

When traveling towards Opole, Wrocław and further to Poznań, Szczecin, Berlin, it is important to choose a connection via Częstochowa, as it is much faster than the route via Katowice.

By car

  • From Warsaw and Świętokrzyskie: National road No. 7 (E77) via Radom and Kielce or national road No. 79 via Sandomierz
  • From Gdańsk: National road No. 1 (E75) via Toruń and Łódź; in Mysłowice enter the A4 (E40) motorway
  • From Wrocław and Rzeszów: A4 motorway (E40), section Wroclaw – Gliwice and Mysłowice - Krakow paid
  • From Tarnów: A4 motorway (E40)
  • From Zakopane: National Road No. 7 (E77)
Wawel - a view from afar

Transport

Public transport

St. Mary's Church

Krakow has an extensive public transport network. It includes bus and tram lines and the Krakow Agglomeration Railway (Krakow-Balice Airport - Krakow Główny - Wieliczka Rynek Mine) (timetables). You can get to the nearby towns by PKS buses.

MPK ticket prices [2]:

  • one-ride regular ticket: PLN 3.80
  • discounted single-travel ticket: PLN 1.90
  • 1-hour ticket: PLN 5.00
  • discounted hourly ticket: PLN 2.50
  • 24-hour normal ticket: PLN 15.00
  • two-day ticket (48h) PLN 24.00
  • three-day ticket (72h) PLN 36.00

Most buses and all trams have a ticket machine inside the vehicle. Older ones accept only cash (coins), newer ones also accept card payments. On several bus lines there are vehicles equipped only with automatic payment cards. In addition to vehicles, ticket machines are located at many larger stops (e.g. in the vicinity of the train station).

Baggage transport is free.

On the eastern side of the Kraków Główny railway station there is a PKS bus station.

Cloth Hall and Town Hall Tower

Taxis

  • iCar [3] tel. 12 653 5555 or 12 888 0000, a mobile application is also available
  • Radio Taxi Barbakan [4] tel. 196-61
  • Radio Taxi Wawel [5] tel. 1-9666
  • Radio Taxi Twos [6] phone 196 22
  • Uber and Taxify operate in the city

Car

Car rental companies are located, among others at the airport in Balice.

Attractions

Royal Castle

Krakow is an important cultural and tourist center. The historic Old Town and Kazimierz in 1978 were entered on the first UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2000, Krakow was awarded the title European Capital of Culture. In 2008, it was visited by nearly 7.5 million tourists, including over 2 million foreigners.

Market square and surroundings

  • Main market and Town hall Tower - The market square in Krakow is perceived as one of the largest and most beautiful markets in Europe. It is a unique place that has participated in many historical events. The symbols of Krakow that have remained unchanged for years are St. Mary's Church, the Renaissance Cloth Hall, the Town Hall, the Adam Mickiewicz monument, Wojciech, atmospheric cafes and, of course, tame pigeons. The Krakow Market Square also hosts the most important Polish holidays and regional events, such as: exhibitions of nativity scenes, Lajkonik, juwenalia, and many others. The height of the Town Hall Tower towering over the Market Square is 70 meters and it is about half a meter inclination from the vertical, which is undoubtedly its characteristic feature. The tower is built of brick and decorated with a baroque dome. Inside, there is the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, and in the basement, once famous for the torture chamber and the prison, there is a cozy cafe at the time.
  • St. Mary's Church - view from a closer distance
    Hall - Renaissance shopping arcade located in the middle of the Main Square. The first stalls dealing with the cloth trade were established in this place in the second half of the 13th century. In later centuries, the Cloth Hall underwent numerous reconstructions. The most important reconstruction in the Renaissance style took place in the years 1556-1559 after the fire in 1555. The last reconstruction was made in 1875-1879. Currently, the Cloth Hall has numerous stalls with jewelry, amber products, handicrafts, traditional Krakow costumes, souvenirs and stained glass lamps. One of the most important Krakow 'institutions' is the historic Noworolski Cafe. Above the stalls there are the coats of arms of Polish cities and craft guilds. The Gallery of 19th-century Polish Art (a branch of the National Museum) is located on the first floor.
  • St. Mary's Church - is a rectangular three-nave basilica and one of the most important symbols of Krakow and its main monument in the Gothic style. The building is located at the north-eastern corner of the Krakow market square, near Floriańska Street. St. Mary's Church is decorated with two towers of different heights. The famous resounds every hour from the top The bugle call of Mary. The church was built in the years 1290-1300. Its interior, engulfed in twilight, is filled with rich Baroque works of art. The most outstanding work in St. Mary's Basilica is the St. Mary's Altar, made over 12 years by a master Wit Stwosz - it is also one of the most valuable wooden altars from the Gothic period. Made of linden wood, which was then polychrome. It is a magnificent pentaptic, with 2 moving and 2 fixed wings. There are about 200 figures in it, and the largest of them are approx. 3 meters high. These figures show scenes from the Marian cycle. The chancel is covered with a stellar vault with characteristic soaring windows. Also valuable are the stalls from the 16th century and 120 stained glass windows from the 14th century. An interesting fact is that the future Pope John Paul II gave his sermons in the basilica in his youth.
Krakow Barbican
  • Barbican - was erected in the years 1498–1499 as a defense against the threat of the Wallachian-Turkish invasion and is the only such well-preserved building of this type in Europe. Due to its shape, this monument is also called a saucepan. Its diameter is 24 meters, and the surrounding walls are 3 meters thick! The Barbican is a defensive structure with seven turrets, with 130 arrowslits on 4 levels. In the past, the building was surrounded by a 24-meter moat and connected with the walls of the Florian's Gate. Today's Barbican allows tourists to feel the power of medieval Polish weapons. The atmosphere of the monument favors the concerts and performances organized here, so it is no wonder that many tourists from all over the world come here every day. An additional attraction are painting exhibitions located along the defensive walls. This monument is just a few minutes' walk from the Main Market Square, you should go along Floriańska Street.
  • Collegium Maius - it is the oldest building Krakow Academy founded in the fourteenth century by Casimir the Great, later changed its name to Jagiellonian university. The building is built in the Gothic style and currently houses the Museum of the Jagiellonian University. There are famous museum collections here, incl. astronomical instruments, the oldest globe with the outline of America as well as paintings by Matejko and Malczewski.
  • Planty - were built in the nineteenth century in the areas of the remaining defensive walls. They are considered the most famous green corner in the city. There are various species of trees, flowers and shrubs in the plantations, which not only give them a beautiful appearance, but also please the eye of many walkers.
  • Florian gate - was established around 1300, the first mentions of it come from 1307. The fortification of this section of the city walls was particularly important, as the fortifications guarded two routes: the northern route towards Miechów and the eastern route, departing from the town towards Mogiła and Sandomierz. The Florian Gate is 34.5 meters high and is extremely photogenic, so it is no wonder that it has long been one of the first places on the list of postcard hits. Tourists are also eager to take photos of them.

Wawel

Information icon.svg Main article: Krakow / Wawel.
  • Wawel Royal Castle – Wawel is a picturesque Krakow hill, located 25 meters above the Vistula water table. Its historic buildings (cathedral, castle of Polish kings, defensive buildings) are considered to be one of the most important Polish monuments. The beautiful location emphasizes their uniqueness, and the views from the high walls, once adapted to defend themselves against attacks by hostile enemies, still take the breath of tourists. According to historical records, in the past this residence belonged to the most famous kings of Poland. The oldest buildings were built in the 11th century, during the reign of Bolesław the Brave. The modern Renaissance style of the building appeared during the reign of another ruler, Sigismund the Old. Around Wawel, just in front of the entrance to the Royal Castle, there is a mysterious, spacious courtyard that attracts the attention of tourists. When we delve into these interiors touched by the spirit of the times, we can certainly feel the breath of the past on our own skin. When visiting this historic place, we will appreciate not only its uniqueness, but also the valuable monuments located here. The interiors of the castle are decorated with expensive fabrics and fabulous paintings depicting the history of humanity from prehistoric times. One of the greatest admirers and connoisseurs of valuable items was undoubtedly Zygmunt August, who brought about 35 tapestries decorating the palace to Poland.
Wawel cathedral
  • Wawel cathedral - it is a symbol of glory and the resting place of Polish kings and outstanding poets valued in the artistic world. A three-nave basilica with a transept and two towers: Clock Tower and Zygmunt Tower. It is one of the oldest buildings in Wawel. The mysterious twilight inside the building adds to its charm and magic. The walls are decorated with the remains of prehistoric animals, which are intended to protect Wawel from evil. It was once believed that when some of the bones hanging on the walls fall to the ground, then the danger associated with Wawel should be expected. In such a specific place, wedding ceremonies are also often held. The cathedral is also a place of numerous monuments, noteworthy, among others Renaissance Sigismund Chapel. The play of lights, shadows and colors makes a great impression on tourists. It is from this place that the most important ceremonies in Krakow are accompanied by the sound of the Sigismund bell, which was first sounded on July 13, 1521.

Kazimierz

Szeroka Street in Kazimierz

It is an ideal district for both day walks and night madness. It is known primarily for the fact that it was a Jewish district before the war. The followers of Judaism settled there in the fifteenth century and survived five centuries, leaving a legacy on a European scale, which, above all, left its mark on the architecture of the district. Kazimierz is also a history of Christianity. It is here in Skałka, when the city was not yet founded, Saint Stanisław was to die, here also its founder Kazimierz The Great he built two great Gothic churches: Corpus Christi and St. Catherine. These two reasons meant that two Krakow tourist routes run through Kazimierz: Jewish monuments and St. Stanislaus. There are also many interesting restaurants, clubs and venues in the district, where the artistic life of Krakow is concentrated.

the remaining

Kosciuszko mound
  • Kosciuszko mound[7] - located west of the city center, it was built in the years 1820-1823. In the years 1850–1854, the Austrian authorities surrounded the base of the mound with a ring of fortifications. Currently, in the restored part of the post-Austrian fort, there is a hotel and the seat of the RMF FM radio. At the mound, there is an exhibition devoted to Tadeusz Kościuszko and the history of the mound, as well as an exhibition of wax figures devoted to Polish national heroes and outstanding Poles. From the top of the mound, you can admire the vast panorama of Krakow and the surrounding area. You can get there by bus no. 100. The admission ticket costs 7 zlotys (reduced 5 zlotys).
  • Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Łagiewniki - worship of the Divine Mercy, relics of St. Faustina and the miraculous Image of Merciful Jesus makes more and more pilgrims and tourists visit this place every year. The green areas created after the former "White Seas" make tourists and Krakow residents eagerly relax here, visiting the old buildings of the Sanctuary and the New Basilica with numerous chapels in the basement. In the immediate vicinity of the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy there is the Sanctuary of Bl. John Paul II and the Center of Bl. John Paul II "Do not be afraid".

Museums and galleries

  • National Museum
  • Wawel Museum
  • Historical Museum of the City of Krakow
    • Krzysztofory Palace - headquarters
    • Dom pod Krzyżem - "History of the Krakow Theater"
    • Old Synagogue - "History and culture of Krakow Jews"
    • Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory - the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow and the Museum of Contemporary Art
    • The Eagle Pharmacy
    • "Pomorska Street" branch - House of Silesia, exhibition entitled "The history of Krakow in the years 1939-1956"
    • Celestat - "The History of the Krakow Fowler Brotherhood"
    • The Hipolit House - "Town House"
    • The Zwierzyniec Art Salon
    • Town hall Tower
    • Barbican
    • The history of Nowa Huta
    • Defensive Walls tourist route
  • Museum of the Jagiellonian University
  • Cathedral Museum
  • Museum of the Polish Academy of Sciences
  • Polish Aviation Museum

City districts

Krakow districts

District I - Old Town

The Old Town is one of the most beautiful districts worth seeing.

  • You can walk from here to: Kazimierz, Kleparz.
  • The Old Town is a historic district of Krakow; many restaurants, clubs, pubs, bars invite you to visit the wonderful, charming monuments.

District II - Grzegórzki

The main attraction of Grzegórzki, located east of the Old Town, is the Krakow Opera (at ul. Lubicz). From the vicinity of the Main Market Square (Poczta Główna stop) there are trams 10 and 52 (you have to get off at the Mogilskie roundabout, direction Pleszów / Osiedle Piastów).

District III - Prądnik Czerwony

District IV - Prądnik Biały

District V - Krowodrza

District VI - Bronowice

Bronowice is a quiet district with an interesting history - it was here that the famous wedding took place, later known from the theater and film performance ("The Wedding", interestingly, this is also the name of the stop near Rydlówka). You can also visit "Rydlówka" - the Tetmajerów manor, which now houses this museum. In November, there is an event there to celebrate the anniversary of art events. You can get there from the center (Teatr Bagatela stop) by trams 4, 8, 24 and 13 and 14 (the last two end the route earlier, at the beginning of Bronowice; the Bronowice stop - the others have a loop in Bronowice Małe, at the end of the district).

District VII - Zwierzyniec

Sanctuary in Łagiewniki

District VIII - Dębniki

District IX - Łagiewniki

Łagiewniki is situated in the southern part of Krakow. They are known all over Poland from the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy. There is the tomb of St. Sr. Faustyna Kowalska. From the Market Square, you can take tram no. 8 (direction Borek Fałęcki, get on at the Plac All Saints stop), and from the train station and from Galeria Krakowska (get on at the Dworzec Główny stop) by line no. 10 (direction Borek Fałęcki). In all cases of access to the sanctuary, you need to get off the tram at the "Sanctuary of Divine Mercy" stop and walk about 400 meters.

District X - Swoszowice

District XI - Podgórze Duchackie

District XII - Bieżanów-Prokocim

District XIII - Podgórze

Information icon.svg Main article: Krakow / Podgórze.

District XIV - Czyżyny

District XV - Mistrzejowice

District XVI - Bieńczyce

District XVII - Wzgórza Krzesławickie

It is a former village, incorporated into the city limits during the construction of Nowa Huta. The tourist attractions include:

  • Jan Matejko's manor house from the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries
  • wooden church of st. John the Baptist

District XVIII - Nowa Huta

Nowa Huta is the eastern district of Krakow. Among the monuments, it is worth visiting the metallurgical plant (access by tram No. 4 from the city center) and the Wanda Mound (access by tram No. 10). You can also take a ride from the steelworks to the rolling mill (tram 22) and the Church of the Ark of the Lord on Obrońców Krzyża Street.

Entertainment

Events

Shopping

Shopping centers

  • Bonarka City Center - www, ul. Kamieńskiego 11, free parking
  • Serenada Shopping Center - www.centrumserenada.pl/, al. Gen. T. Bora-Komorowski 41
  • Galeria Krakowska - www, ul. Pawia 5, paid parking (2 PLN - 2 hours, each next - 4 PLN)
  • Gallery Bronowice
  • Crocus
  • Shopping Park Zakopianka- www
  • Galeria Kazimierz
  • Shopping Center M1
  • Krakow Plaza
  • Czyżyny Shopping Center

Internet service providers

Gastronomy

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Monarchy[8], Kazimierz, Józefa 6, tel. 0 12 430-60-13
  • Restaurant Gościniec Pod Zamkiem[9], ul. Stradomska 11; tel. 012 292 22 12, 012 292 22 10. Traditional Polish dishes. Organization of special events, banquets and business meetings.
  • Restaurant Palermo[10], ul. Peat 3; phone: 12 26-27-100.

Bars

KRAKUS milk bar, ul. Limanowskiego 16, tel. 12 656 68 83, traditional Polish cuisine.

Pubs

Mr. Vavelsky Pub & Garden Karaoke Bar - Kraków, Golebia 6, tel. 48 512 747 918 - variety of organized events (including karaoke, broadcasts of sport events, vodka tasting, pub quizzes, concerts, stand ups, speed dating

Cafes

KAMA Coctail, ul. Jagiellońska 8 (at the corner of Szewska and Jagiellońska streets), tel. 12 421 97 08, Ice cream desserts. Cakes and pies. Coffee and tea.

Accommodation

Motels

Hotels

Apartments

Hostels

Accommodation bases

Consulates

  • United States Consulate
  • Hungarian Consulate

In the area

Routes through Krakow
Wroclaw ← Katowice ← IN A4 E. → Tarnow → Rzeszow
Kielce ← Jędrzejów ← N 7 NS → Myślenice → Rabka-Zdrój
Auschwitz ← Skawina ← IN 44 ∎ 
 ∎ 75 E. → Niepołomice → Bochnia
Bytom ← Katowice ← IN 79 E. → Sandomierz → Warsaw
Dąbrowa Górnicza ← Olkusz ← IN 94 E. → Wieliczka → Bochnia
 ∎ 776 NE → Kocmyrzów → Proszowice
Alwernia ← Kryspinów ← IN 780 ∎ 
Wolbrom ← Scale ← NW 794 ∎ 


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