cAPItAl

After exploring the Baltic countries, I found myself back in Poland for the next leg of my trip. I started in Warsaw, but now I was eager to reach my next destination, Krakow, the country’s official capital until 1596. I made a rough mental list of the places I’ll visit. Like in other circumstances in new cities I planned to visit, I kept an open mind. I checked both my paper and e-ticket for the time and train I needed to board. As the train stopped and opened its doors, I boarded and was on my way.

Wandering in the Old Town

As in many European cities, Krakow has a charming old town showcasing its history, culture, and architecture. As you walk towards market square, the Cloth Hall and s t . Mary’s Basilica will grab your attention. The Cloth Hall has a history that spans six centuries when it teemed with traders. Today, it’s home to many shops, a vestige of its former self during ancient times. s t . Mary’s Basilica’s fetching

Fresh Beginnings

interiors consist of stained-glass windows and a detailed altarpiece.

T he Wawel Castle complex provides visitors with an impression of the royal court’s lives. This 16th century relic is now a museum where tourists can visit the Royal Private Apartments and s t ate Rooms just to name a few. Inside the rooms I found elaborate décor, detailed tapestries, and paintings. I walked into the Wawel Cathe - dral, which was also within the castle grounds. The cathedral dates to the 11th century. It underwent many renovations over the centuries; its current Gothic-inspired appearance dates to the 1710s. Many of Poland’s heroes, royalty, and prominent people are buried in the cathedral’s crypts.

Schindler’s List

I s AW t he movie Schindler’s List some years ago. When I found out that the factory Oskar s c hindler used to save more than a thousand Jews was now a museum, I decided to visit. The complex isn’t just about Schindler’s List , but also historical events revolving around Krakow’s German occupation and World War II. The museum contains recreated exhibits (even sounds) of those times. In one of the rooms, I saw the desk used during the filming of the movie and a cube filled with products made in the factory.