Krakow

There are many wonders found in Eastern Europe which one should not miss traveling in their lifetime. Krakow is one such beautiful place that is considered as unofficial capital of Poland. Krakow is the second major and one of the oldest cities in Poland that is situated on the Vistula River. Krakow has been the symbol of Polish culture, academics and arty environment of Poland. It is also the most significant economic centers. The main attractions of the place are the line of old and ethnic landmarks that include churches built many centuries ago, museums, art works and restaurants that serve great food. Summer is the best time to visit the city as winters are unbearable in Krakow.

Character of the city

Krakow is the only major city to not get completely destroyed by the World War II. The medieval city has managed to keep itself safe and secure and has not succumbed to the political influences coming from different spheres.

History of Krakow

The history of Krakow is a long one and can be divided into different phases. Through excavations, it has been proved that people had lived there in the stone ages. A famous legend holds Krakus, a mythical king, as the founder of Krakow. It is believed that he built the city above a cave occupied by a dragon called Smok Wawelski. In the Bohemian period it was considered as the best commercial center. Later, in the 15th and 16th centuries were considered as the Golden Age of the place and the Polish architecture and Renaissance came into prominence. In between 18th century to 20th century there was some weakening of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth which leads to the divide of the area among its neighbors. Krakow came back to its academic and cultural prominence with the hold taken by the Second Polish Republic.

Architecture of Krakow

The architecture of Krakow is known for its splendidly designed and spacious buildings. Churches in Krakow are the major reflectors of the culture and architecture that prevailed in the different periods all through the history of the place. The exotic nature and centuries old architect of the place is sure to dazzle all the tourists. There is no dearth for grandeur and magnanimity in the buildings of Krakow.

Must watch sights of Krakow

Wawel Royal Castle and Wavel Cathedral

The Polish rulers had been living in this magnificent royal castle for several generations. It has a separate burial place that has all the Kings of Poland buried over there in the Cathedral. Italian and German artisans were roped into the construction of the castle under the order of the King Sigismund I. The halls and chambers are spacious and comprises of some of the old artistic materials and some of the best wooden furniture.

St. Mary Church

Poland is a land that has some huge and astounding churches. Krakow is basically a catholic area and its church architecture leans towards this aspect more. The Basilica of the Virgin Mary church is built in the 13th century and is one of the most prominent Churches that depict the gothic sculpture. It has a huge brick building that splits into two distinct towers. The towers are of different size with one being smaller and thinner than the other. There are many legends attributed to the building and its current structure.

Cloth Hall

Cloth hall is a shopping mall in Krakow and it is considered to be one of the oldest of the shopping malls all over the world. It has been known to be in operation for about 700 years. The place was caught up with fire on the year 1555 and the place got damaged. Later it was rebuilt by Santi Gucci which had a huge covering on the top. The area bustles with liveliness both during the night and the day time. Especially, in the night time the area is covered with lights and it is a wonderful sight.

The Great Barbican of Krakow

This wonderful fortification is definitely a must watch in Krakow. The construction of the Barbican dates back to about 500 years at around the 16th century. Walls are high in this building and its main aim is to protect the space from any enemy attack that may take place in the ancient period. The width is also more with the thickness and the building has some seven turrets on the top. It was built in such a way that if an enemy tries to break in they would be trapped inside and shot from all the sides.

Old Nowa Huta

This place is an exclusively planned and built urban area with great architectural touch to the entire space. The style of construction reminds one of the totalitarian and neoclassical fusions in it. It will dazzle you with its fantastic and beautiful environment in the summer. The place will be covered with green lush vegetation all throughout the place that promises a healthy surrounding to people living there.

Few ideas for your accommodation in Krakow

Krakow is one of the most liked tourist spots and there is no dearth for fun and frolic in this astounding place. Each year the number of tourists visiting the place keeps increasing and there are many repetitive tourists visiting the city over the years. Accommodation is not at all a problem in this place as there are many five star hotels here that prove out to meet the international standards. These hotels offer great and comfortable lodging to you and your family.

Grand Hotel Krakow

It is one of the most famous hotels in Krakow. Grand Hotel is the first hotel in Poland that came with electric lighting and water running throughout the hotel. The hotel was built in the year 1887 and has a list of famous personalities visiting the hotel ever since it was opened up. Grand Hotel has some 62 rooms that include nine suites and all the rooms in the hotel are air-conditioned. Furnishing is great in the hotel and has a collection ranging from the contemporary to old fashioned styles embedded in it. The hotel has all the basic amenities and it also provides with some value added services like that of spa and sauna.

Hotel Pod Roza

Pod Roza is a luxury hotel in Krakow that is one among the favorite hotels in Krakow. It is popular because of the fact that meets up to the requirements of the international clients to a greater level. Fully marbled floor gives a cooling effect to the whole space. Likus brothers who are prominent in the hotel business have brought in this hotel to the place as well. Restaurant is good in this hotel which serves some exotic foods.

Hotel Grodek

In the lines of Likus boutique hotels, there is yet another chain called Donimirski Boutique Hotels. These hotels add up a great comfort level to the entire Krakow scene and the Grodek hotel is no exception to it. It has got a very subtle look to it and the interiors are astounding. The hotel is known to be the best romantic spot with great lighting and ambience.

Ostoya Palace

The hotel is found near the National Museum. It was initially a palace and it has the traditional appeal to it all throughout the place. The palace was completely reworked to become a full-fledged hotel. Best part about this place is that many periodical pieces and objects are stored there. Attractive architect along with the traditional feel makes it one of the best hotels in Krakow.

Apartment facility

Krakow has some great hotels but your choice is not limited to just that. There is yet another comfortable option for accommodation and that is the apartment facility. Instead of going for a luxury hotel you can book an apartment where you and your family members can stay comfortably.

Fun factor

The land is full of festivities and you can very well see that there is some sort of festival going around all through the year. The Krakow film festival is famous all over the world and people throng from all corners to the place to take part in it. It will cover the categories like short films, animated films and documentaries. Best performances are recognized by way of awards and prize both in the local Polish level and international level. Photomonth is yet another event that is focused on photography which brings in some exhibition to Krakow.

Get right with traveling

It is absolutely must for one to make some planning before plunging into the traveling mode. There are many places that should not be missed out in the tour. Hence one needs to have adequate traveling plan. It is best to have a traveler’s card in your hand to get to know the various places in Krakow. Enquiring the local people and using the internet is also a good idea to know more about the place. Also, these travel cards will help you out to find the right mode of transport to a particular area from your place of stay.

A stay in Krakow is definitely a great thing to look forward as people there are hospitable and respects tourists who visit the place. If you know to put off any unwanted events like that of pick-pocketing you need to be extra cautious. It is wise to carry all the emergency numbers with you always wherever you go.

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Krakow Tour