Krakow - The Magical City
As the old capital of Poland, Krakow has a special place in the national consciousness. For the casual tourist this may not be vitally important or discernable, but this special role as the "spiritual" capital of Poland imbues Krakow with an added ambiance. The city is a vibrant university town that boasts the largest Medieval market square in Europe, plus exquisitely preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural monuments of the highest order. If you get bored of traditional sightseeing, the glorious architecture creates a great backdrop for just sipping a coffee or glass of beer in the outdoor cafes that line practically every street from April-Oct. And at night there are hundreds of bars to suit all tastes, many of them housed in atmospheric cellars. Browse, read and check things out!
Kopiec Kościuszki
landmarks
cultural heritage
Contact details
Zwierzyniec al. Waszyngtona 1
Description
The Kosciuszko Mound
One of the best places to get an overall view of the city center. It's construction was inspired by the legendary pagan burial mounds of Krak and Wanda that were raised in the 7th century. The Kosciuszko mound is not a burial mound, but a patriotic monument in honor of the soldier Taduesz Kosciuszko who led an insurrection from Krakow against the Russians in 1794. In 1820, a couple of years after Kosciuszko's death, the citizens of Krakow decided to erect this mound in his honor, instead of a more prosaic statue. It's a pleasure to walk to the mound from the last tram stop in the Salwator neighborhood. You'll pass by one of the oldest churches in Krakow, St. Salwator and a quaint wooden chapel dedicated to St. Margaret. The mound is also almost completely surrounded by a mid-19th century Austrian fort. The fort now houses a hotel and a local radio station.
Dennis McEvoy
