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Cafe in Krakow’s Jewish Quarter FIVE MINUTE GUIDE: KRAKOW


 ABOUT: Krakow is Poland’s second-largest city and top tourist destination. It’s one of the oldest cities in the country. Legend has it that it was founded by King Krakus, who defeated the Wawel dragon. It was known as Kraków from 966AD and grew prosperous from the amber trade. Krakow experienced its golden age in the Renaissance from 1386-1572, which is visible in the old town’s impressive architecture. Today the city is known for its history, crafts, churches, Jewish heritage, parks, food and nightlife.


 OLD TOWN: The UNESCO World Heritage Site-designated Old Town is the medieval core of Krakow, surrounded by popular Planty Park and part of the city’s 1.8-mile defensive walls built in


the late 1200s. The heart is stately Rynek Glówny (market square), which is lined with pavement cafes. In the square’s center is Renaissance-era trading outpost Cloth Hall, which sells crafts, trinkets and amber. Polish art can be viewed in its museum upstairs. Town Hall Tower next to it is a renovated gothic tower and history museum. Two-towered 14th- century gothic church St Mary’s Basilica is adjacent to the square.


 NIGHTLIFE: A hip spot with views of Castle Wawel across the river is Forum Przestrzenie, on the site of former luxury Hotel Forum, now a contemporary cultural center. Tytano is an old tobacco factory, with a selection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Krakow’s craft beer scene is well represented by


more than 30 local brews on tap at Wezze Krafta. The Old Town’s first modern building holds the Bunkier Museum of Contemporary Art and Bunkier Sztuki Cafe.


 JEWISH QUARTER: Krakow’s Jewish quarter started as a separate town called Kazimierz and became part of the city in the late Middle Ages. It was the bustling center of Jewish culture for five centuries, until the Nazis systematically destroyed it in 1941. After decades of disrepair, the 1994 movie Schindler’s List brought it worldwide attention. It rebounded and now celebrates Jewish culture in its synagogues, cemeteries, art galleries, and festivals held in Plac Nowy square. Walking tours give insight into the area’s history.


 WAWEL ROYAL CASTLE MUSEUM COMPLEX: Wawel Castle started as a small residence in the eleventh century, became a gothic castle which burned down in 1499, then the Renaissance palace seen today from the 16th century. It was home to the royal family and cultural and political heart of Poland until Warsaw became the capital in 1597. Today, it houses a splendid museum including the Crown Treasury, State Rooms and Royal Apartments. The current Wawel Cathedral was consecrated in 1364, the third built on the site dating back to 1000AD. The eerie caves under Wawel Hill were allegedly home to the legendary Wawel Dragon. Visitors can go inside the Dragon’s Den and see his fire-breathing statue outside.


Worldwide Destination Guide 2021/22 | ASTA | 349


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