Krakow has one of the best preserved Medieval centres in all Europe. Left largely intact since the Tartar raids of the 13th century and escaping destruction during the Second World War one can walk and marvel in an Old Town or "Stare Miasto" where the stones tell the stories of a past millenium.
Polish Language in the Cultural Heart of Poland!
The ancient Polish
city of Krakow (pronounced Cracow in English or Krakau in German), founded over a thousand years ago, is
considered the jewel of Poland. Many would consider that
without Krakow there would be no Poland. This beautiful
city, considered one of the best preserved Medieval centres in all Europe, symbolizes Poland's rich history and glorious past. This rich history is represented by Krakow's Wawel Hill and Royal Castle complex. It is here where the Bishopric of Krakow was established in 1000 AD, and in this place where Polish royalty and political power were centered until the 17th century.
Though the seat of Polish political authority may have moved to Warsaw, Krakow still represents much of the cultural and intellectual heart of Poland. Indeed, more than one quarter of all Poland's museum holdings are located within Krakow.
What is more, Krakow
has been left largely intact since the Tartar raids of the 13th century, even escaping destruction during the Second World War. For this reason one can walk and marvel in the Old Town or "Stare Miasto" of Krakow where the stones truly tell the stories of a past millennium. The city contains countless churches, cathedrals, palaces and houses with edifices dating from the most important architectural periods, including: Renaissance, Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. This protected UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only the cultural and artistic capital of Poland, but is also an important cultural
centre of central Europe and the World.
Interestingly, according to Hindu thinkers, one of the seven magic stones thrown by Lord Shiva landed in Krakow (specifically under the Cathedral of Wawel Castle). Thus, Krakow is thought by many to be a centre of supernatural energy, so called "chakra".
Krakow's
wonderful museums and living history as seen in its beautiful
architecture and people are complemented by a multitude
of summer cultural and artistic events, such as the Krakow Summer Opera and
Jazz festivals. These yearly events only serve to add to the inherently
vibrant life within the Old Town, filled with over 270
pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
The special character of Krakow is also largely due to its large student population of over 100,000 that sparks a lively nightlife scene burning brightly in the atmospheric cellar bars of the old town.
In 1995, the Cultural Council of Ministers of the European
Union passed a decision granting the title of the Capital
of European Culture for the year 2000 Krakow and to 8
other European cities. Come and take a stroll in the "Rynek",
the largest medieval market square in Europe, and see first-hand why Krakow
was nominated as one of the first laureates for the title
of European City of Culture. Each summer promises to be
very exciting, with an explosion of cultural and artistic
events, highlighting Krakow as both an important Polish and European cultural centre.
