About Krakow

Krakow was entered in the UNESCO World Heritage Register in 1978

The city is rich in picturesque relics of all epochs. In Krakow you can admire many different styles of architecture, unique Romanesque objects, monumental Gothic edifices, and masterpieces by some of the most outstanding architects of the Renaissance and Baroque period. As long ago as the 11th century Krakow became the capital city of Poland. The Royal Castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill was the coronation and burial place of Polish monarchs. In the 13th century the layout of the city, was established and has been preserved till today, with one of the biggest market squares in Europe (200 m x 200 m), a Gothic-Renaissance Cloth-hall (Sukiennice) and the Town-hall tower. The city fortification system was built in the 13-15th centuries, parts of the wall, four turrets and a barbican have survived to this day. 

Jagiellonian University is one of the oldest universities of Europe, established: 12th May 1364. Nicolaus Copernicus was one of its students.

Krakow is renowned for its numerous old churches, including the Gothic St. Mary's Church famous for its magnificent altar carved by Wit Stwosz. The most famous landmark in Krakow is Wawel Castle situated on Wawel Hill overlooking the river Vistula. This Renaissance castle boasts a beautiful arcaded courtyard, magnificent interiors and the famous the Flemish tapestries. Wawel castle is a necropolis for kings and national heroes and poets. Later this role was taken over by the church vault of the Paulite Fathers in Skalka. In this period many museum collections were founded, such as the art collection of the Czartoryski Family (including Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine"). Kraków is also the city of Karol Wojtyła - Pope John Paul II, the composer Krzysztof Penderecki, and many other famous people.

Today, Krakow is a modern and developing city and a “melting pot” where tradition of indigenous residents is mixed with student's avant-garde. However, thanks to a great number of monuments, excellently preserved in the city's layout, it has never lost its majestic character.