Krakow Travel Guide

'Poland's historic and cultural gem'

Smitten visitors- and locals- have dubbed Krakow the `Cultural Capital of Poland’, and there are many reasons for it. 140 monasteries and churches; 50 museums; 100 art galleries; 600 monuments; 11 universities and academies- justification enough. The Old Town of Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is designated one of the twelve most important cultural sites in the world- and it’s almost the same as it was when the Tatars attacked the city in the 1200s. The city’s medieval squares, cobbled streets and imposing churches are among the most historic in all of East Europe.

Add to that an unbelievably wide range of yearly cultural events, ranging from rock concerts and cabaret reviews to folk art fairs and theatre festivals- and you’ll get an idea of what Krakow has to offer. But Krakow is not just fun and great sightseeing. It’s also one of Poland’s major industrial and commercial centers, and it’s a city with a past. This was the capital of Poland for almost two centuries; this was one of the worst hit cities during the Jewish holocaust.

Krakow can mean many things to many people:it can be a magical, beautiful town; an unforgettable and poignant piece of the past; a slice of all that’s pure enjoyment. But what’s certain is that you won’t go back unaffected.

Kraków has some six thousand historic sites and more than two million works of art in its museums and art galleries. So culture vultures will surely have great time here.

Kraków is known by many names:Krakov in Czech and Slovak;Krakko in Hungarian;Krokuva in Lithuanian;Cracovie in French;Kroke in Yiddish and Krakiv in Ukaranian. But who cares? Didn't Shakespeare say 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet'?