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!
Katedra na Wawelu
landmarks, museums
churches
Contact details
Stare Miasto Wawel 3
Description
Wawel Cathedral
This is the most important historic monument of all of Poland. One of the symbols of the Polish nation and the old capital of Krakow. This is where Polish kings and queens were crowned and buried starting in 1320 until the mid 18th century. Shortly thereafter Poland ceased to exist and the last Polish King was forced to abdicate. But the Wawel Cathedral is a reminder of the days when Poland was a vast and powerful nation in Central Europe. It's filled with countless works of art, valuable historic relics, and some curiosities as well. For example, three pre ice age bones hang above the main entrance to the church. They were placed there in the 14th cen. as a kind of talisman and to inspire amazement. Teachers and guides often tell Polish schoolchildren that they are the bones of the local dragon "Smok" who was vanquished by a humble cobbler in early Medieval times, but we know that they're really the bones of a rhino, whale, and wooly mammoth. Inside are the sarcophagi of and tombs of Polish kings, queens, bishops, poets, and patriots. The interior houses Gothic sculptures, Byzantine frescoes, Baroque epitaphs, and even Art Nouveau stained glass windows. One should also climb the bell tower to admire Zygmunt's Bell, the largest historic bell in Poland from 1520 which is still wrung by hand for certain holidays throughout the year. It is also wrung on momentous occasions, such as the death of a national hero.
Dennis McEvoy
