Feeling a “confined” and contemplating Botox and Juvéderm :o), I decided to move forward with the next trip and booked January flights and an apartment in Kraków. Kraków is a pilgrimage site, and considered the “intellectual, cultural, and religious center of Poland.” The city is known for its spectacular architecture, rich culture, and compelling history. I’m doing research to educate myself on Polish politics, attractions, transportation, and food. There’s lots to learn!
This is my first visit to Poland. During a 2023 tour of Lara Bay in Cyprus, I met a lovely Polish couple who told me about Kraków. Fascinated with Central and Eastern Europe, the city and surrounding areas became more and more interesting, so for the first three months, I’ll explore the EU via train, focusing on Poland. Then, who knows?
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“The Historic Centre of Kraków, the former capital of Poland, is situated at the foot of Royal Wawel Castle. The 13th-century merchants’ town has Europe’s largest market square (Rynek Główny) and numerous historical houses, palaces, and churches with magnificent interiors.” UNESCO
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My apartment in Podgórze District is near the Historic Centre and within walking distance of Market Square and other attractions. Until 1795, Podgórze was an independent city along the Vistula River. In 1941, the Nazis created a Ghetto in the area, where Jews from Kraków were placed during WWII.
Eclectic Kraków architecture includes Gothic and medieval monuments, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque churches, and there are ample art galleries and museums to explore. Kraków has a great music scene, including several notable jazz clubs. Frederic Chopin is Poland’s most-celebrated composer, and live classical music is at the top of my list.
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“Kraków is an urban architectural ensemble of outstanding quality, in terms of both its townscape and individual monuments. The historic centre of the town admirably illustrates the process of continuous urban growth from the Middle Ages to the present day.” UNESCO
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Sixteenth century Wawel Castle has lush gardens and is home to the Polish Crown Treasury, State Rooms, Royal Apartments, and permanent and temporary art exhibits. Art at Wawel includes an Oriental Exhibition and Masters of the Italian Renaissance – Bellini. Titian. Bassano.
Another fascinating attraction is the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine has an unbelievable 300 km (186 mile) “subterranean labyrinth of tunnels and chambers distributed over nine levels”!
Although English is widely spoken throughout the EU. I’m slightly concerned about the language barrier and will surely butcher pronunciation of complicated Polish words and names. However, like most Europeans, Polish people are known to be kind, friendly, and appreciative of those who attempt to speak their complicated language. Google Translate is always on standby – not sure it will help much…
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“Kraków holds everything from Gothic spires to great medieval castles, making for a city that’s rich in magnificent architectural feats and lived-in districts alike.” Culture Trip
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Oskar Schindler’s Museum, a “poignant piece of World War II history,” is another attraction on my list. His enamel factory is where hundreds of Jewish employees were saved from deportation.
If it’s not too cold, night cruises along the Vistula Riverside sound visually spectacular, with landscapes and buildings like Debnicki Bridge, Kazimierz District, Church on the Rock, and Wawel Hill beautifully illuminated in the moonlight!
More from Kraków…