Kraków: Poland's Royal City Where History and Legend Blend

We enjoy a long weekend in Krakow during the winter. It was cold, but beautiful. We stayed in the old part of the city and walked arround the old wall and up to the castle.

Elaine and Lesley starting out our day in Krakow, "Which Way is the Castle?"

Krakow's Old Town outdoor art exhibit, free market at work in Poland. More views of the art work on the old town walls of Krakow.

Krakow city view In our two day visit we did a lot of walking arround, despite the cold weather.

Vista from Krakow, Elaine, Lesley and Marlis turn for a picture, Jared (in green jacket) forges a head. Krakow walking tour shot, tour was self-guided.

Krakow's church on top of the big hill. This was part of the castle on former seat of Polands Royalty. The church was beautiful as were the grounds of the castle.

Royal Castle courtyard in Krakow The court yard inside the Royal Castle in Krakow

Krakow's Royal Castle water spout AKA - One of Mark's art shots

Stained glass scene in Krakow's Royal Castle church Another Mark art shot, I was forever trying to find the best setting to show off the beauty of the stained glass in churches.

The big bell in Krakow After a challeging climb, we get to the part of where we can see the big bell.

Krakow's Big Bell Touch the bell for good luck, or so we gathered

View from top of Bell Tower of Krakow After a hard climb we are rewared with a beatiful view of the city

Krakow's Royal Castle walk back to Old Town The walk town from the Castle in Krakow

Krakow's Royal Castle on the hill View from the bottom of the hill.

Krakow's Royal Castle Fortifiedl wall of Royal Castle

Street scene in Krakow's old town Narrow streets that curved make for an interesting shot.

Building in Krakow Don't know what this is, but is was pretty

Krakow Statues Mark is on the prowl for art shots at the end of a long day of walking arround Krakow

Kraków, the former capital of Poland, is a treasure trove of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, reflecting a storied past that dates back to the 7th century. Located in the southern part of the country, on the Vistula River, Kraków was the seat of Polish kings and the burial site of national heroes, poets, and saints. Its historic center was among the first sites chosen for the UNESCO World Heritage list, symbolizing its global significance.

Wawel Castle: A Royal Panorama

The crowning jewel of Kraków is Wawel Hill, where the Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral stand as monuments to Poland's royal and religious history. These iconic landmarks offer a panoramic view of the city's medieval and Renaissance heritage.

The Old Town: A Medieval Masterpiece

At the heart of Kraków is the Old Town, with its historic Market Square, the Cloth Hall, and St. Mary's Basilica, known for its stunning wooden altarpiece and the Hejnał mariacki trumpet call that commemorates a historic Mongol attack.

Kazimierz: A Cultural Crossroads

The district of Kazimierz, once a center of Jewish life, now thrives as a cultural hotspot, its synagogues and cemeteries standing beside art galleries, cafes, and vintage shops, echoing the diversity that has long characterized Kraków.

Auschwitz-Birkenau: Remembering the Past

Near Kraków, the somber sites of Auschwitz-Birkenau serve as a poignant reminder of the tragedies of World War II, ensuring that the lessons of history are never forgotten.

From the Dragon's Den at the foot of Wawel Hill to the tranquil Planty Park that encircles the Old Town, Kraków is a city where legends come to life, and every cobblestone has a story. Plan your journey with travel.frogsfolly.com to uncover the rich tapestry of Kraków's royal legacy and vibrant street life. Dive into a city where history is honored, culture is celebrated, and visitors are welcomed with open arms into the heart of Polish heritage.