Krakow (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre
Once Poland's royal capital, the splendor and pomp of Krakow's history is still visible everywhere in its architecture. Now an eclectic modern city, first-time visitors can be overwhelmed by the variety of its attractions. Here are seven must-see things to begin with.
Krakow - view by the river (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre
1. Wawel Royal Castle
Perched high above the Vistula river, Wawel Royal Castle is Poland's most important historical and cultural monument – a place where the nation's story has often been written.
Built for King Casimir III the Great in the 1300s, the castle has undergone many changes over the centuries. Today it's a visual record of all of Europe's main architectural styles, reflecting every manner from Romanesque to Renaissance.
Early Morning near the Wawel Castle (Planty Park at Dawn) (1894) by Stanislaw WyspianskiThe National Museum in Krakow
The castle is also home to one of Poland's most illustrious art collections. Along with great works from artists like Rubens and Botticelli, the museum contains the largest collection of Ottoman tents in Europe and many artefacts from Polish history.
Krakow Main Square, view from the above (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre
2. Main Square, the Old Town
The largest medieval town square in Europe, Krakow's Rynek Główny dates back to the 13th century. The scene of great victory parades, ceremonies and congresses through Polish history, it has served mostly as a traditional market square.
St. Mary's Basilica, Krakow (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre
The square is also home to several historic buildings that should be on any visitor's itinerary. The most impressive of these are St Mary's Basilica, a 14th-century Polish Gothic church, and the central feature, the grand Cloth Hall, once a hub of commerce.
Mascarons of Krakow (2020)Cracovia Danza Ballet
Today, the Main Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the rest of Krakow's picturesque Old Town. Just as it has been for centuries, the square is a lively place, where you'll find seasonal festivities, concerts, beer gardens and horse-drawn carriages.
Rock SaltNatural History Museum Vienna
3. Wieliczka Salt Mine
Up until 2007, the Wieliczka Salt Mine continuously produced table salt. It was one of the oldest salt mines in operation – with a history dating back, incredibly, to Neolithic times.
Tap to explore
Today the salt mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Poland's official Historic Monuments. You'll find the old mine shafts and a maze of passageways, along with an underground lake, exhibits on historic salt mining, and statues and sculptures hewn from rock salt.
Kościuszko Mound (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre
4. Kościuszko Mound
In Kraków's Zwierzyniec District is a towering earth structure with a spiral path that runs all the way to the top. This is the Kościuszko Mound, a memorial to Tadeusz Kościuszko – a military leader and statesman who fought for Polish freedom against Russia in the 18th century.
Today, visitors can walk the serpentine path all the way to the summit. Once at the top, approximately 326 metres above sea level, they'll find scenic views of the city spires and Vistula river.
Kazimierz by night (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre
5. The Kazimierz District
Until the events of the 20th century, Krakow's large Jewish community lived and worked in the picturesque Kazimierz quarter. Today, you'll still find Jewish-themed restaurants, bars, bookstores and souvenir shops dotted along the winding streets.
Kazimierz, night life (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre
In summer, Kazimierz hosts Europe's largest Jewish cultural festival, attracting visitors from around the world, with music from the Middle East, the United States, Africa, and elsewhere. An enchanting place at any time of the year, Kazimierz is popular on the tourist trail.
Trumpeter playing St. Mary's Trumpet Call in KrakowInternational Cultural Centre
6. St Mary's Trumpet Call
Anyone who stays more than sixty minutes in Krakow will hear St Mary's Trumpet Call, a five-note bugle call which sounds on the hour, every hour. The bugler blows in the four principal directions – east, west, north and south – from St Mary's Basilica in the Market Square.
Trumpeter playing St. Mary's Trumpet Call (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre
Why the trumpet call? The exact origins are unknown. The most plausible theory is that the bugle call originally announced the opening and closing of the city gates at dawn and dusk, during the reign of King Louis I in the 14th century.
Today, the bugle halts abruptly just before the final note. This is to honor the brave Cracovian bugler who, long ago, was cut down by a Mongol's arrow just as he was sounding his warning – or so legend has it.
Zakrzowek, Krakow (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre
7. Zakrzówek
Just a short distance from the center of Krakow is the spectacular Zakrzówek reservoir. A former limestone quarry, it was flooded in 1990, creating a dramatic natural environment that is now popular with hikers, cyclists and anglers.
Zakrzowek, Krakow (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre
With crystal blue waters and thick green forest, Zakrzówek is a haven for locals and tourists alike. On the ledges surrounding the quarry, there are butterflies and birds of many species, while the clear deep waters of the reservoir hold pike, trout, perch and Wels catfish.
Sir TwardowskiInternational Cultural Centre
As with many famous landmarks around Krakow, there is a legend attached to the place. In this case, it involves a figure from Polish folklore, Master Twardowski. A sorcerer who made a deal with the Devil, he was said to practise his spell-casting near Zakrzówek.
