Bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine to the east and Russia and the Baltic Sea to the north, Poland is a trip that folks enjoy because it offers not only small villages dotting the country’s landscape but also big cities like Warsaw or my favourite, Krakow.
While travelers certainly experience a few of the small towns and villages, many opt to pass up the hustle and bustle of the bigger city of Warsaw and head straight to the city of Krakow offering an old world charm, even with a population of roughly one million residents.
Krakow’s inspiration comes from many places, for example the Jagiellonian University, established in 1364 is one of the oldest places of learning in Europe. As the largest medieval urban centre in Europe, the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Main Market Square.
St. Mary’s Church in the square of Krakow is a stop for those interested in the high altar carved by the Nuremberg sculptor Veit Stoss. A perfect example of Gothic architecture in Poland, St. Mary’s Church was built on the site of a Romanesque church from the early 1200s.
Another experience is Matejko Square, the Gothic Barbican, and Florianska Gate that winds to the Main Market Square. The Barbican is a breathtaking example of medieval fortification and it is one of only three left in Europe.
Florianska Gate, once part of the defensive walls of the city is also still visible for those who want to discover Grodzka Street, which for Neo-Classical architecture is a real find.
Spending an afternoon visiting the cathedral and Royal Castle, Wawel Castle sits high on a hill above Krakow and offers not only a look at the entire city below, and was a home to many Polish Kings. A number of regular exhibitions as well as a chance to glimpse the royal chambers include a collection of eastern art, war trophies, and a plethora of Flemish tapestries. The castle dates back to the year 1000, but since that time every culture played a part in its architecture.
The castle sits adjacent to Wawel Cathedral, which is another historical masterpiece and home to the tombs of Polish kings, national heroes, and poets of the Romantic period from Poland. More than a fair share of royal coronations and funerals were held at the Cathedral over the years.
The first rendition built after the bishop of Krakow, the cathedral was established during the Gniezno convention in the year 1000. Initially consecrated in 1142, in the 1300s the second Wawel Cathedral was destroyed and only one crypt and the lower section of the tower survived.
From there came the third wave of construction, which is the Gothic structure of the cathedral that folks visit today.
One of the most touching stops in Krakow is a reminder of World War II where travelers visit Schindler’s Factory, which is now a museum. The museum is actually located in what was once the administrative building of the former Oskar Schindler factory, Emalia.
While, the name Schindler became worldwide only after Steven Spielberg’s film “Schindler’s List,” the museum delves much deeper into the facts from that time period with the intention of showing the history of the factory overall.
Outside the museum, hundreds of photos of the many faces of the Polish and Jewish people facing the German occupiers live on the walls - many of whom survived and played a role in Schindler’s story.
Poland is a good travel option for tourists because they do not use the Euro, so the dollar goes further. They use the Polish "Zloty," meaning "golden.” This is actually the traditional currency of the country, which dates back to the Middle Ages even though the currency went through a re-denomination in the 1990s from the old "Zloty" (PLZ) to the new "Zloty" (PLN).
Visiting Krakow and Poland overall is a trip back in time that is all about being a part of the future.