Poland is a garden of nature and a treasure trove of cultural riches. A democracy located in the middle of Europe, inhabited by a friendly, hospitable people building a modern economy, yet cherishing their heritage dearly. Catering to all kinds of tourists, their modern leisure facilities provide recreation of the highest standard. Museums, modern art galleries and concert halls, swimming pools, equestrian clubs, discos and night clubs
I chose Krakow for a glimpse into the Polish culture and heritage.
Fun Fact
It’s a democracy located in the middle of Europe, inhabited by friendly people building a modern economy, yet cherishing their heritage dearly. Their modern leisure facilities provide recreation of the highest standard. Museums, modern art galleries and concert halls, swimming pools, it has it all
Built by many generations of artists living in medieval Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau times, fortunate to survive and scathed the ravages of war, Krakow amazes the art lovers. Krakow’s historical monuments and works of art are enchanting. Crowds flock to concerts and festivals as much as the magical atmosphere of its cafes and jazz clubs.
Overlooking the city is Wawel Hill, the heart of Poland. The Renaissance Royal Castle houses a collection of countless objects of art and legendary tapestries. The Wawel Cathedral where Polish kings were crowned and buried is also the National Pantheon- the burial place of many eminent artists and national leaders. Not far from Wawel Hill is Kazimierz, a district once inhabited by the largest Jewish community in Europe. Today Kazimierz organizes a Jewish culture festival each year which features artists from all over the world. The many exotic and quaint cafes in the district are never empty. In one of them, traditional Jewish dishes are served on Singer sewing machine table tops. The main Market Square- the largest open air European society salon- occupies the central part of the old town in Krakow. Languages from all over the world can be heard here most days. The Cracovian Hejnal, an hourly bugle call is played from the tower of the church of Holy Virgin. The Gothic church, rather ausere on the outside has a very richly ornamented interior around a masterpiece of Gothic art, a high altar carved in wood by Wit Stwosz. In the very centre of the Market Square is the Renaissance Sukiennice Cloth Hall, the oldest commercial centre in Poland.
Here you can buy souvenirs and folk art products. On the upper floor, you can visit the gallery of the nineteenth century Polish painting. The Market Square is the frequent venue of a variety of parades and performances. One can spend hours watching people and the ambience. On the New Year’s Eve, thousands of people come here to enjoy themselves and dance under the stars.
There are many cafes and restaurants on the edges of the Market Square, each with its own style. We also find many theatres and art galleries, all close to the Square. Certain cellars and basements in the gothic style create a very special ambience, very popular as Jazz clubs and cabarets.
Now you know why it is Poland when it comes to holiday options….and you may even question , why not Poland ??
FACT FILE
Getting there:
Second largest airport in Poland, Krakow can be reached by any major airlines like Lufthansa.
Stay:
In the centre of the city, close to the main Market Square, a 300 year old boutique hotel Pod Roza is a good option. Also nearby are hotels Unicus and Stary. Hotel Sheraton offers a luxurious stay as well.
Where to eat
For some memorable gastronomic experience, restaurants like “Pod Aniolami.” “The Piano Rouge” and “Wesele”
What to buy
Amber, Cut Glass and local wines.
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Vijayapratap