Krakow was established before 9th century and had been the capital of Poland until 1596. One of the most beautiful and popular cities in Europe. The centre of Krakow was included in the first UNESCO list in 1978 as a World Heritage attraction. Important for its administration, cultural, educational, economy, service and tourism functions.

The historic centre of Krakow is truly amazing. The 13th-century merchants' town has the Europe's largest market square - very old, but full of life and energy at the same time.

Life of Pope John Paul II was strongly connected with Krakow. John Paul II studied and worked in Krakow, later on he became the bishop of Krakow.

Museums and galleries
Krakow is a one big museum – everything here is old and beautiful. You can enjoy the sight of extraordinary monuments simply walking down the street. This great, historic city is full of museums - some of Krakow’s collections are gems of Polish and world culture. To name only a few: the Museum of Czartoryski with Da Vinci, Rembrandt and Raphael paintings, Wawel Royal Castle with a rich collection of furniture, paintings and tapestries or the Museum of History and Culture of Krakow Jews.

Interesting places
The Wawel Castle (Zamek Wawelski) – historical seat of Polish kings for five centuries from 1038 to 1596.

The Wawel Cathedral – the coronation cathedral with tombstones of Polish monarchs. Sigmund’s Chapel, built between 1519 and 1533 by Bartolomeo Berrecci is one of the most notable pieces of architecture in Krakow.

The Market Square – the Europe’s biggest market square with the magnificent Cloth Hall in the centre.

The Florian Gate – the representative gate of the city.

Veit Stoss’s Altar (Ołtarz Wita Stwosza) in St. Mary’s Basilica – the largest Gothic altar in Europe. Carved between 1477 and 1489 by Veit Stoss, German sculptor.

The Barbican – the biggest Gothic fortification building of this type is Europe. Built 1498-1499.

Kazimierz – former Jewish quarter, founded in 1335. Specific Jewish architecture, including Old Synagogue with its Museum of Judaism (the oldest Jewish monument in Poland), Remuh Synagogue, Szeroka Street. The quarter is the location where "The Schindler's List" was filmed.

Wieliczka Salt Mine – registered with the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage – located 13 km from Krakow, the Wieliczka salt mine is one of the Poland’s best-known tourist attractions. Well-preserved mining chambers and mining tools are on display. Beautiful chapels with religious statues, altars and even glittering chandeliers - all carved in salt. People who tour the mine visit only the first three levels, along a winding route of nearly two miles. As they follow the subterranean paths, they wander past artistic salt carvings and the 17th century solid salt St. Anthony chapel, the oldest original creation in the mine.

Wadowice – small town near Krakow where Pope John Paul II was born and lived until his studies at university in Krakow.

Auschwitz-Birkenau – the Holocaust Museum in Oswiecim – the grounds of the former Nazi concentration camp constitute the largest cemetery in the world. The camp is a memorial to the martyrdom of millions of Jews, Poles, Gypsies and other ethic groups and nationalities exterminated during World War II.

Zakopane - Poland's winter sports capital, is located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, 106 km from Krakow. Popular for skiing as well as hiking, in the summer. Home to rich folk culture – fascinating, traditional highland music and folk costumes. Also famous for mountain architecture style pioneered by Stanislaw Witkiewicz and other painters and sculptors.