"Only tourism have" anastenaxe our new friend from Poland, in a dark bar in Prague, making us look at this and half apsenti face with eyes aporimeno. Tourism? Shortly incomplete information, just the arrogance of the inhabitants of a country traditionally associated with the tourism industry, incentives to change the debate was strong.
A year and a few weeks later, prosgeionomastan Krakow - not too long from a desire by both instantaneous choice-to discover the obvious. That the ever ancient capital of Poland is not only tourism, but also history and cultural heritage and natural beauty, and architecture that can equal to stand next to the gothic megathiria the rest of central Europe. And that, the last fifteen years, claiming worthily its share of the tourism industry. As if the "mature" side insists the Old Continent to ignore.
Olozontano a monument to history as few polytarachis, Krakow was established in 7 th century, he served as the capital of Poland from 1038 until 1596, claimed by Tatarous, Russians, French, Austrians and other peoples, lived the golden age during the 16 th century and succeeded aloviti to emerge from the devastation of World War II. Today is the only city in Poland maintains medieval and Renaissance buildings and monuments, and a time untouched by the historic centre.
The old town, or Stare Miasto, surrounded by a series of lush gardens and parks, known as Planty, the site of the medieval fortifications, is perhaps the most interesting part of Krakow. Plakostrotoi streets bustling with life all hours of the day, only samples gotthikis, Renaissance and Baroque architecture tie harmoniously with modern shops, restaurants and café kefata and almost complete lack of cars make up the picture - a model of a European city.
The "classic" path for exploration of the old city is better known as Basil Road, because it followed the kings of Poland to reach the castle of Wawel, which was in the stepsi, even after the transfer of capital in Warsaw. Walking in their footsteps, starting from Gothic Barbacan, the largest European fortress of the 15 th century, and we pass beneath the imposing Portal Florian, the only part of fortifying the city that survives today, to cross the paved road Florianska.
At the end of the road, the central square of the old city, Rynek Glowny, breathtaking and virtually eliminates complaints about the classification of Krakow "new Prague". The largest medieval square in Europe - along with 200 meters-surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Gothic basilica Mariacka and Renaissance Sukennice, the commercial centre of the medieval city, currently serves as a gallery and an outdoor market.
The Christmas market stinetai here from mid-November to late December is perhaps one of the most atmospheric of Europe. Old sleds converted into stalls selling handmade ornaments, souvenirs and artwork, ypermegethi barrels transformed into stores that sell hot wine with cinnamon and cloves - certainly try! - A crowd enjoy traditional sweets and local specialties in the wooden benches in defiance cold and a… calf wears branches and impersonates the tarando, for the sake of tourists and their photographic machines.
Even if you visit Krakow this period, it is equally true that the central square will capture for several hours. In contrast with similar centres in other European cities, cafes and restaurants perimeter of the square is atmospheric, and work with the common "tourist logic" - in other words not trying to cheat-you, serve a valuable kitchen and is extremely financially.
The melodikos sound that is heard by one hour from the top of the church is salpinga once ichouse as a warning against the risk, highly regular incursions in the town. The melody abruptly adjourned in memory of salpigkti killed during the invasion of Tataron the 14 th century hit by an arrow in the neck.
Following the Royal Road, since we have spent more hours than those ypologizame in the square, cross the street packed Grodzka, to find ourselves in the green hill Wawel, the most tourist part of town, which hosts the Montreal cathedral, where were the stepsi kings, and the palace, which according to legend, the Prince Krak peritoichise when he defeated the dragon which dynastefe people of the region.
The cave of the Wawel dragon is now tourist attractions - although the historic value ochria front of the royal halls of the castle, its interior kathedrikou, treasury and arsenal, the Museum of Asian Art, the royal tombs and excavations of Chamenou Wawel. It seems unnecessary to mention that with all the sights but also a magnificent view of the city from the hill, you'll need several hours for the trip here.
South of the hill towards the River Wisla (Vistoulas is, as always, inspired English translation) will find the Jewish district Kazimierz, which, according to residents of the city, has experienced indescribable popularity among tourists after the "List of Sintler" Steven Spielberg.
Apopneontas a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the city, Kazimierz inevitably brings to mind the tragic past, bloody history and the heavy memories of Krakow of the Second World War. Nevertheless, the region today revived, slowly but steadily, with both historic districts, the Catholic and Jewish be bustling with life and attractions such as Old Synagogue of the 15 th century, the Gothic church of Saint Catherine, Jewish and the Ethnographic Museum and the new two synagogues operating until today.
Besides the historical significance of the sights, Kazimierz is now the center of night life in Krakow, after its inhabitants show clear preference to the bar and café in the region over touristikoteron stores of the old city.
Despite the fact that most tour guides argue that the new city (Nowa Huta) shows no architectural or tourist interest, if not visit riskarete to shape a rather incomplete view of the city and its history. Because the architectural interest may be reduced to nil by the recent, but the history of the city is depicted here, the influence of the Soviet regime and teratourgimata legacy left by some of the most beautiful cities of Europe. Moreover, most residents of Krakow still live here, so at this point essentially striking at the heart of the modern city.
Sixty kilometers around the city is the notorious concentration camp of Auschwitz, which organized daily visits and organized tours. The route from Krakow takes about two hours by train and ninety minutes by bus, while at the camp organised by one hour guided tours in English and film screenings - unsuitable for children.
Clearly more gratifying is the Tour of the alatorycheio of Wielizka, the second most popular attraction outside the city. A complex network of mines and cubicles, laxefmenon in solid tumours salt, a distance of about 15 kilometres from Krakow, alatorycheio of Wielizka included in the list of cultural heritage of UNESCO, since it represents a unique phenomenon. All objects and places of the mine, from the magnificent polyelaious until the basement of the monastery Kinga is entirely made of salt.
Because of its position at the foot of mountains Tatra, the Krakow offered for trips mountain landscapes natural beauty, but also extremely organized ski resorts, such as that of Zakopane, which is seen by many as one of the best central Europe.
In general, Krakow is not accurate city - prices ranging as high as in eastern Europe, increased slightly after entering the country in the European Union. The public transport network, consisting of trams and buses, is extremely organized, although it is unlikely to use it, unless you want to leave enough from the center of the city - the distances between the old town of Kazimierz and the new city covered comfortable with their feet.
The inhabitants of the city - even those who do not speak little English are very friendly and willing to help. Since Krakow has the largest percentage of students and the lowest unemployment rate in the country, the vitality and anepitidefti atmosphere is pervasive in the city. Leaving is unlikely to do not have at least one new friend from here. The talk will probably start by noting "we have only to tourism." And you will have every reason to disagree. Why have many more.
Accommodation
Because of tourism development in recent years, Krakow has a multitude of options, from 5-star hotels polytelestata until oikonomikotatous guesthouses and apartments.
From the best choices, Ostoya Palace, five minutes walk from the central square, housed in a luxurious palace of the 19 st century and offers all the modern comforts of a 4-star hotel, in conjunction with the aura of that era. The rooms are all decorated with antiques and traditional materials and equipped with air condition, satellite TV, internet access and mini bar. Prices start at 140 and reach up to 250 euros.
Equally luxurious, Wentzl Hotel, which housed in a building of the 15 th century, is the only one located on the central square. The 12 rooms are all decorated with unique style and equipped with all necessary amenities-mini bar, air condition, television and access to the internet. Prices start at 110 euros.
From the best economic choices, the Hotel Mini (Plac Wolnica 7, tel: 012 4306100) is just behind the Ethnographic Museum and offers beautiful, carefully decorated rooms. The double will not cost you more than 55 euros.
The Polish cuisine differs little from other Central. The ... not familiar it is to take into account that the portions are huge and find a dish - even salad without meat-may prove extremely difficult case.
One of the best places to make your first contact with local specialties is the Pod Sloncem, onto the central square (Rynek Glowny 43) which will try excellent Polish but also international cuisine with around 10-15 per person.
Extremely is also the Pod Aniolami (Grodzka 35), which holds the reputation of one of the best of the city - some estimate 25 per person-and, clearly cheaper, but equally good Jadlodajnia Kuchcik (Jagiellonska 12). If you want to eat in Kazimierz, definitely visit the Bistro Pod 13-ka (Miodowa 13) for authentic Polish cuisine at prices that do not exceed 15 per person.
Also in Kazimierz will have the opportunity to taste traditional Jewish cuisine, in Café Ariel (Szeroka 18) without spending more than 15 euros per person. Another choice of international cuisine is Brazilian Ipanema (Sw Tomasza 28).
Regarding your evening entertainment, as we said before, you will not have to look far. As the classic foititoupoli Krakow is the definition of the city that never sleeps: only in the old city, you can count more than 100 bars, most of these "hidden" in atmospheric ground - although, as I said, the locals prefer Kazimierz for the evening the exit.
Indicative only mention the extremely atmospheric Le Scandale and Alchemia, in Plac Nowy, in Kazimierz, the Propaganda (Miodowa 20) with clear insinuations and memorabilia of the Communist period, the student haunt Pauza (Florianska 18 / 3) and the Paparazzi, in old town, with amazing photos of famous walls. Friends of jazz will undoubtedly appreciate the Harris Piano Jazz Bar and Razzy Dazzy Jazz Club, in the old town.
