Krakow was formerly the capital of Poland, and it may not be among the top destinations in Europe, but it is certainly a city that does not disappoint if we want to see old Europe. It is a city that is very well preserved, with basilicas and churches in many of its corners and with a great artistic and cultural heritage transmitted through its monuments and spaces.
Si vas a visit the city of Krakow There are places you should not miss, from the ancient walls to places that were key settings in the time of war, such as the factory of Oskar Schindler, a businessman who saved hundreds of Jews from the Holocaust. In addition, you will find a beautiful city to walk through with beautiful corners of great cultural richness.
Marketplace
This is the busiest center of the city and also the Europe's largest medieval square. A place full of terraces where you can have a quiet drink to see the atmosphere of the city, and it is also a space to take a horse-drawn carriage ride. In this square we find places like the Cloth Hall, a building that was formerly like a shopping center. There is also the Tower of the old town hall and the Basilica of Santa María, which we will talk about later.
Wawel Castle
This is a city symbol, the castle that is on the hill of Wawel, on the banks of the Vistula. A castle whose visit is quite extensive, and where we have from the cathedral museum to the Dragon's cave. Even the Wawel Cathedral.
Wawel Cathedral
Wawel Cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings from the city, and is located within the Wawel Castle complex. It is a must see, with places like the Crypt or the huge bell of Sigismund. Keep in mind that it has opening hours and a cost.
Oskar Schindler's Factory
If you are interested in Nazi history, you have surely heard of Oskar Schindler, because a film has also been made about him. A businessman who used his influence to help many Jews escape death. The old pot factory and later projectile factory has become a museum with a permanent exhibition so that we know more about the Poland of the Nazi world.
Basilica of Santa María
This basilica is located in one of the corners of the famous Market Square, in the center of the city. It was built in the XNUMXth century in Gothic style. It has two towers on its facade, both are different, and one is higher than the other. In summer during the visits you can climb the towers to have spectacular views of the city. Inside it is also possible to enjoy an old wooden altarpiece from the XNUMXth century.
Gestapo headquarters
During World War II, in the number two Pomorska street It is where the headquarters of the Gestapo was established. Today we can see a permanent exhibition with files, photographs and objects that help us imagine that time of terror that happened in the city during the Nazi regime.
Wawel Dragon
This is a great attraction in the city, and it is that every five minutes the metal dragon statue made fire by the mouth. This statue is there because it is representing the Wawel dragon, an ancient legend of the city. The ancient dragon dwelling can even be accessed through a well and during the summer months. The exit is at the place of the statue. According to legend, the city got rid of the dragon thanks to the idea of a shoemaker.
Auschwitz camp
This concentration camp It was the largest and undoubtedly the most famous of those who settled in the Nazi era. It is located 70 kilometers from the city of Krakow but without a doubt it is an almost obligatory visit if we are interested in the history of the city. This is an overwhelming visit, in which you can see the barracks in which the prisoners lived, the latrines or the crematoriums in which they were cremated. Tours can be booked with guides in Spanish to know in detail the experience of this concentration camp.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
These salt mines are among the oldest in the world, and have been in operation since the XNUMXth century. This is a very popular visit in Poland, and these mines are really peculiar. The tour takes us through several kilometers of the mines where we can see the tools, rooms and underground lakes, but the most incredible thing is to reach the underground chapel of St. Kinga, with a decoration made of salt.