WHAT TO SEE?

LANDMARKS

  1. **Banach and Nikodym on the bench in Kraków again-** if you love mathematics as much as we do, your first stop would be the birth place of the “Theory of Linear Operations” and many other amazing discussion between Stefan Banach and Otton Nikodym. Grab a coffee from nearby Nakielny cafe and visit the bench that is situated at the Planty Park near the centre. Exact location: here
  2. Wawel Castle: Situated atop a limestone outcrop on the bank of the Vistula River, Wawel Castle is one of the most important landmarks in Poland. It served as the residence of Polish kings and queens for centuries and is now a museum showcasing art, architecture, and historical artifacts.
  3. Wawel Cathedral (Katedra Wawelska): Located within the Wawel Castle complex, Wawel Cathedral is a masterpiece of Polish Gothic architecture. It houses numerous chapels, tombs of Polish monarchs, and priceless works of art.
  4. Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): The largest medieval town square in Europe, Rynek Główny is the heart of Kraków's Old Town. It is surrounded by colorful townhouses, historic landmarks, and bustling cafes.
  5. St. Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki): Dominating one side of the Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and the hourly trumpet call known as the Hejnał Mariacki.
  6. Cloth Hall (Sukiennice): Located in the center of the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall is a historic trading hall dating back to the Renaissance period. It houses stalls selling traditional Polish handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
  7. Jagiellonian University: Founded in 1364, Jagiellonian University is one of the oldest universities in the world. Its historic campus includes Collegium Maius, a medieval building housing a museum showcasing the university's history and treasures.
  8. Kazimierz District: Formerly Kraków's Jewish quarter, Kazimierz is now a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its artistic vibe, historic synagogues, and trendy cafes. It's also home to Schindler's Factory Museum, commemorating the story of Oskar Schindler during the Holocaust.
  9. Wieliczka Salt Mine: Located just outside Kraków, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate salt carvings, underground chapels, and saline lakes. Visitors can take guided tours to explore its depths.
  10. Krakus Mound: This prehistoric mound is one of Kraków's oldest landmarks, traditionally believed to be the burial place of Kraków's legendary founder, King Krakus. It offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

MUSEUMS

  1. Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral Museums: Located within the Wawel Castle complex, these museums house a vast collection of art, artifacts, and historical objects associated with Polish royalty and religious ceremonies. Visitors can explore royal chambers, treasury, armory, and the Cathedral's chapels and crypts.
  2. Oskar Schindler's Factory (Muzeum Fabryka Emalia Oskara Schindlera): Housed in the former enamel factory owned by Oskar Schindler, this museum tells the story of Kraków under Nazi occupation during World War II. It explores the plight of Kraków's Jewish population and Schindler's efforts to save his Jewish workers from the Holocaust.
  3. Rynek Underground Museum (Podziemia Rynku): Located beneath the Main Market Square, this interactive museum offers a journey through Kraków's medieval history. Visitors can explore archaeological excavations, multimedia exhibits, and reconstructed merchant stalls to learn about the city's past.
  4. Jagiellonian University Museum: Housed in the historic Collegium Maius building of Jagiellonian University, this museum showcases the university's history, academic achievements, and cultural legacy. It displays rare manuscripts, scientific instruments, and portraits of prominent scholars.
  5. National Museum in Kraków (Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie): Comprising several branches across the city, the National Museum in Kraków boasts extensive collections of Polish and European art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and historical artifacts. Notable branches include the Main Building, the Cloth Hall, and the Czartoryski Museum.
  6. MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków (Muzeum Sztuki Współczesnej MOCAK): Dedicated to contemporary art, MOCAK features exhibitions of works by Polish and international artists, as well as educational programs, workshops, and discussions on modern art and culture.