Krakow

Cracking Krakow

A UNESCO world heritage site, Krakow, Poland’s capital of Małopolska has a wealth of history on offer to intrigued tourists. Krakow is full of art, history and culture and the City was even honoured with the title of the European Capital of Culture in 2000.

More than just cheap Vodka, reasonable priced flights and accommodation make it great for a city break (although do bear in mind that as it is primarily a catholic country, everything here closes on a Sunday so plan your sightseeing around that!)

Schindler’s Factory

Made famous in Steven Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List, Schindler’s Factory, its owner Oskar Schindler, and the Jewish prisoners of the Płaszów. The museum provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the history of Kraków under the occupation.

St Mary’s Church

This stunning Romanesque church dates back to 1222 and the amazing high altar is the most well known and best preserved work of late Gothic sculpture in this part of Europe.  Listen to the bugle call, played hourly from St Mary’s which was primarily used to mark the time of day but had the dual purpose to serve as a warning in case of fire or enemy attack on Krakow.

Other attractions

The main square has both indoor and outdoor markets should you wish to find that perfect souvenir, or take a Vistula river cruise as an alternative way to see the sites?  

Krakow is a great base from which to explore Poland and you can undertake various excursions such as to the Wieliczka Salt Mines where you can learn about the mining history, or you can do a day trip to Auschwitz (about 65km away) and learn about the horrors of concentration camp life during the Holocaust.