Krakow (collage)

Walking around Krakow Main routes: 🏰 Royal Route and Old Town (Stare Miasto): Florian Gate and Barbican - the beginning of the Royal Route and powerful medieval fortifications. The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Shopping arcade (Sukennice) is a historical center of trade, now there are souvenirs and amber. St. Mary's Church is a majestic Gothic basilica, from where a trumpeter plays the hejnal (alarm signal) every hour. The Town Hall Tower is the only surviving part of the old Town Hall. 🐉 Wawel Hill: The Royal Castle is the former residence of the Polish kings, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The cathedral is the coronation site and tomb of Polish monarchs and national heroes. The Sigismund Bell is the main national symbol, which is rung only on major holidays. The Cave of the Wawel Dragon (Smocza Jama) is the legendary lair of a dragon under a hill, from whose mouth fire bursts out. ✡️ Kazimierz (Hebrew) quarter): Historical center of Jewish culture with ancient synagogues (Old Synagogue, Remukh Synagogue). Old Jewish cemetery. New Square (Plac Nowy) - famous street casseroles (zapiekanki) and flea market on weekends. Atmospheric streets with street art, hipster bars and cozy cafes. 🏭 Podgórze: Ghetto Heroes Square - a poignant memorial of 33 empty chairs. Oskar Schindler's Factory is a stunning interactive museum about the history of the occupation of Krakow. Features and atmosphere: 🎺 Legends: The city is shrouded in myths about the Wawel dragon, a trumpeter shot by a Tatar arrow, and medieval alchemists. 🥨 Street food: Be sure to try the Krakow obwarzanek bagels with poppy seeds or salt, as well as the famous Polish pierogi dumplings. 🏛️ Architecture: Krakow miraculously survived the Second World War, completely preserving its authentic historical appearance. Practical tips: 🚶 Compactness: The historical center (including Kazimierz and Wawel) is very convenient for walkers walks. 🚋 Transport: Trams and buses are well developed, there are convenient bike paths. 💰 Currency: Polish zloty (PLN). 📅 Best time: May-September, as well as December for the famous Krakow Christmas markets on the Main Square.