The project IS co-funded by the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020. The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand.
TIMETABLE
rozklad-pkp.pl
PKP Kraków-Główny, ul. Pawia 5a / ul. Wita Stwosza
bilet.intercity.pl
RAILWAY STATIONS
PKP Kraków-Swoszowice, ul. Kolejarzy (a stop for city trains and passenger trains : Kraków Główny - SkawinaZakopane / Bielsko Biała)
By bus:Dworzec autobusowy MDA S.A. w Krakowie - (31-505), ul. Bosacka 18 (przy dworcu PKP)
TIMETABLE
Timetable from the main bus station in Cracow: a widely available website useful while planning a journey:
rozklady.mda.malopolska.pl
e-podroznik.pl
TIMETABLE
rozklady.mpk.krakow.pl
APPLICATIONS USEFUL WHILE PLANNING A TRIP
The project ‘The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand’ (nr RPMP.03.03.01-12-0593/18) co-funded by the European Union as a part of the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020.
the Foundation for the Development of Regions www.f‑rr.org
the Association of Polish Spa Communities www.sgurp.pl
Art Manager: Konoad Rogoziński
Text: Maria Kościelniak
Proofreading: Agata Kościelniak
Realization: Digital Places Multimedia Publishing www.digitalplaces.pl
Kraszewskiego 1/406
33-380 Krynica-Zdrój
Design: Klaudia Stochmal, Nina Kieblesz
Typesetting Klaudia Stochmal, Nina Kieblesz
Photographies: © Konoad Rogoziński / DigitalPlaces.pl
Apart from:
P 2 3; p 7 The spa district of Cracow – Swoszowice; p 8-9 photo no 4; p 17 photo no 4; p 28-29 photos no 5 i 6 © Łukasz Świętach
P 11 photo no 1 © Adobe Stock
P 8 9 photo no 1; p 11 photos no 2, 3, 4; p 12 © Freepik
P 23 the Museum of Contemporary Art MOCAK © R. Sosin
P 28 29 photos no 1, 2, 5, 7 © Mirosław Hobora
‘If any of bathing places, it is Swoszowice indeed which should become the most commonly visited spa in our country.’ Józef Dietl could not be wrong saying these words as he was a well-known professor, a doctor and a balneologist, hence, he knew the subject well. Additionally, he was the president of Cracow – therefore, he knew the place was special.
The biggest treasure of Swoszowice is sulphur. It used to be extracted on a large scale, brought in huge profit and was used to produce gunpowder. It has been known for ages as an ingredient of extremely healthy mineral waters in which baths are incredibly beneficial to our health and beauty. It was supposed to treat plague and many other diseases. Thanks to it, the Wawel Dragon was defeated! Even though not many people are aware of the fact that Cracow has its own health resort which has sulphur deposits, Swoszowice is definitely a treasure of Cracow and a stay there may be an interesting idea for a health stay or just for regular holidays during the whole year.
Swoszowice itself is a quiet, green, peaceful part of the city located in its south. We go there to rest and heal, to take advantage of treatments, sulphide baths and the beautiful Spa Park. Only a few kilometres further there is the city full of historic sites from various periods, full of art, museums, cultural events, restaurants, cafes and pubs. It is full of places listed as UNESCO sites. Additionally, it offers sports facilities suitable for running, hiking, climbing, ice-skating and even diving. We have cycling trails and the Vistula on which we can go kayaking or hot-air balloons thanks to which we can rise up over the Old Town! There is not a similar place like this in Poland.
krakow.pl
Poviat: Cracow
Seat: Cracow
City: Cracow
Cracow is the main city of Lesser Poland
The distance from health resorts of Lesser Poland: Czarny Dunajec 94 km, Krynica-Zdrój 129 km, Muszyna 140 km, Piwniczna-Zdrój 122 km, Rabka-Zdrój 70 km, Szczawnica 116 km, Uście Gorlickie 155 km, Wieliczka 16 km, Wysowa Zdrój 166 km;
Area: 327 km²
Population: approximately 781,000
Spa status since: 1973
Listed as a UNESCO site: 1978 the Old Town within its old walls, the Royal Wawel Castle, Kazimierz with Stradom district.
Cracow Swoszowice
It is located in the north of Lesser Poland even though it is called its heart. Cracow is the capital of the voivodeship and it is its biggest city. Despite the fact that it lies in the south of Poland, it attracts plenty of tourists and health visitors annually. After all, there is a spa within its borders.
Cracow is located in the Vistula Valley within Cracow Gate. It is a physico-geographic macroregion placed in a graben filled with sediments of the Miocene Sea (the deposits of sulphur in Swoszowice are connected with them). From the north, there is the beautiful Cracow-Częstochowa Upland, from the east the Sandomierz Basin, from the south the Wielicki Foothills behind which the Beskids stretch and from the west the Oświęcim Basin.
A part of the city and its western border is the Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park. The eastern part of Cracow
borders on the Niepołomice Forest. These two, huge green areas constitute the lungs of Cracow, places where citizens and tourists can breathe in fresh air. The Vistula and areas on its banks together with the Wawel Royal Castle are in the centre of Cracow.
Swoszowice itself, a spa estate of Cracow, is located in the south-west part of the city, 10 km from the Main Square in X Swoszowice District. It almost borders on the Wielicki Foothills. It is crossed by the valley of the Wilga and surrounded by a forest. It is a peaceful place and its moderate, lowland stimulus climate is much more beneficial than the one in the centre. The biggest advantage of such a location is a possibility to rest in a resort, benefit from pro-health treatments and climate but still have the attractions of Cracow, which is one of the most beautiful cities in Poland, at a stone’s throw.
The eastern part which borders on Niepołomice Forest
Bielany Tyniec Landscape Park
Where the Wilga flows into the Vistula in the city centre
The towers of the Wawel have risen over the Vistula for hundreds of years
The hills of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland
The history of mining in Swoszowice started…a dozen or so millions years ago. At the time, the Miocene Sea flowed to the created at the head of the Carpathians subsidence. The sea left deposits behind in the form of gypsum. Gypsum transformed into limestone and sulphur-bearing marls as a result of numerous, complicated processes which lasted millions of years. This resource had been known for many ages (it plays a crucial part in the legend about the Wawel Dragon) but it started to be extracted at a large scale at the beginning of the 15th century when King Władysław II Jagiełło gave permission to establish a mine. Swoszowice is the oldest place in Poland where sulphur, which was called gold by alchemists, was extracted. In the first tens of years of its extraction there were a few smaller mines where sulphur was extracted with the use of shaft and drift technique. On the ground, sulphur was smelted from the ore in furnaces. The mine underwent the most significant development in the 18th century – on the maps 600 slag heaps were visible at the time. Annually 1.5 tons of sulphur was extracted at the time which constituted 85% of the whole extraction in Austria-Hungary. In the middle of the 19th century the demand for sulphur decreased significantly (sulphur from Sicily turned out to be cheaper) which resulted in closing the mine in 1886. Until now slag heaps, the names of the streets and … a spa which is based on sulphur remind us about this long, sulphide history.
Although we associate Jurassic limestone rocks with the area north of Cracow – with the Cracow-Częstochowa Upland or Ojców National Park, they are also present in the city. The most important is the Wawel! That’s right, the Royal Castle is situated on a hill which consists of upper Jurassic limestone which is approximately 160 million years old. According to archeologists, the first deposits existed already in the Palaeolithic 100,000 years ago. The name ‘Wawel’ comes from ‘wąwel’ which means ‘highland above marches’. After all, this limestone hill was surrounded not only by the Vistula but also by its overflows which created marches. Legendary Krak was supposed to get to this place and create his settlement due to this location. The hill which rises to a height of 228 m over the river is an excellent, defensive place. In the area of the hill we can see a real karst cave – the famous Dragon’s Den.
Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park is one of the smallest parks of this type in Lesser Poland. Its area is 6,359 ha but there are a lot of fascinating spots. It is partially located in the area of Cracow and close to its border (it stretches up to Skawina and Czernichów), hence, it is called ‘green lungs’ of the city. The park was named after two historic places: Bielany and Tyniec. It was created in 1981 in order to protect the unique landscape of the Vistula Valley, beautiful and interesting limestone rocks and the amazing cultural value of this place. Apart from interesting examples of animate and inanimate nature, we can visit the Monastery in Tyniec, the Monastery in Bielany, Piłsudski’s Mound or the Cracow Fortress. There is also the Cracow Zoo, Zakrzówek Lake with Twardowski’s Rocks and numerous hiking trails.
Irrespective of the fact that Cracow equals historic sites, we will find a lot of green areas there where we can have a rest, be close to nature such as parks, gardens and even nature reserves! Yes, there are 5 nature reserves within the city and only 15 km from it, one of the most beautiful national parks stretches – the Ojców National Park. There are over 40 urban parks. Obviously, the Plant Park in Cracow reigns among them – its 4 kilometre ring surrounds the Old Town. Among other green places which may be attractive to visitors are Cracow gardens located in the centre of the city. The Garden of Professors in the district of universities, the Garden of the Czapscy at the back of the Museum of Emeryk Hutten-Czapski and a well-groomed garden next to the Archeological Museum are worth seeing too.
Nobody would think that within Cracow there could be a spa. And yet, in the south of the city, in Swoszowice district there is an estate which has such a status. What is more, this is the only health resort in Poland located in the area of a big city and also one of the oldest ones in Poland! For many years it has been appreciated by a lot of doctors even though its history starts with…a sulphur mine and gunpowder!
Sulphur has always been a natural treasure of Swoszowice. Mineral water enriched with sulphur was taken advantage of already in the Middle Ages and it is said that it might have been known even earlier. The legend says that Skuba vel Dratewka, a shoemaker, stuffed a sheep with sulphur and gave it to the Wawel Dragon. Whereas historians inform that sulphur started to be extracted in 1415. It was a time of development of firearms and sulphur, as an ingredient of gunpowder, was a desirable resource. A mine was established in Swoszowice which operated until 1888. At the time of Galicia, 85% of the whole sulphur extraction in Austria-Hungary came from Swoszowice.
There, where sulphur is present, the springs of sulphide water can be found too. Waters from Swoszowice were described by the court doctor of Stephen Batory in the 16th century – it is said that he recommended them in the treatment of rheumatic ailments. Jakub Esprinchard, a Frenchman who had visited the mine in Swoszowice a few hundreds years ago, claimed that a stay in a mine treats plague.
Since the beginning of the spa, the place was popular among citizens of Cracow due to its close location. Józef Dietl himself, a doctor, a promoter of Polish spas and the president of Cracow, believed that highly mineralised waters which are present at the place are one of the best in Europe. As far as the content of sulphur is concerned, they take the fourth place in Europe and the fifth place in the world. He tried to create a spa based on sulphide water which would suit European standards. It was popular for a long time among citizens of Cracow and visitors. We can benefit from waters in Swoszowice until today so this peaceful, green part of Cracow is really worth visiting.
Sulphur ion which is present in the water of Swoszowice prevents tissues from destruction caused by inflammations and destruction of blood vessels. It improves blood circulation, regenerates connective tissue, detoxicates (e.g. in the case of lead intoxication) and has a positive impact in the case of atherosclerosis. Thanks to its properties rheumatic, neurological diseases, injuries, skin diseases and psoriatic arthritis can be treated in Swoszowice. Swoszowice Spa is an ideal place for people who have undergone surgeries of the musculoskeletal system.
The natural treasure of Swoszowice is sulphide water. There are two springs in the area of the spa – ‘Zdrój Główny’ (the Main Spring) and ‘Napoleon’ from which we can draw sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium mineral water. It is used for body treatments, most often baths, and cannot be used for crenotherapy. Sulphur ion, the main ingredient of the water from Swoszowice, is well absorbed into an organism through skin. Peat treatments and rehabilitation treatments are popular in the resort as well.
It is claimed that Queen Marysieńka (Maria Kazimiera de La Grange d’Arquien, the wife of John III Sobieski) used cosmetics enriched with sulphur to keep beautiful, young appearance. Even though she did not have access to research which confirmed the beneficial influence of sulphur on broadly defined beauty at the time, she had a gut feeling for this smelly resource. Nowadays we know that sulphur is a part of creatine and collagen i.e. protein which build skin, hair and nails. Hence, a low
concentration of this element makes skin more supple whereas a higher one softens and exfoliates it. It is also helpful in the case of bacterial or fungal ailments. Dermatologists often recommend cosmetics containing sulphur if somebody suffers from acne and psoriasis. Moreover, sulphur in shampoos or conditioners aimed at greasy hair, makes it healthy and shining. It also strengthens nails and rejuvenates skin.
Nearby the Spa Park in Swoszowice there is the Equestrian Centre of the Voivodeship Folk Sports Club ‘Krakus’ where we can benefit from equine-assisted therapy. It is an amazing method of psychomotor education which includes horses. It is usually implemented in the case of children and teenagers but it can be beneficial for adults too. Contact with a horse enables us to combat various fears, communicate with the world and build relationships. A session of equine-assisted therapy lasts approximately 30 minutes. Patients, depending on their age and possibilities, help with preparing a horse, get acquainted with it and sit on it doing various exercises. The method is applied in the case of children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or people who have problems walking or after amputation of the limb.
Swoszowice is famous for sulphide baths but sulphide water cannot be used in crenotherapy. However, it does not mean that we may not drink mineral water in Cracow. Mateczny Spa Complex (the Spa Park and spa buildings) survived in a good condition in Mateczny Estate. Antoni Mateczny discovered the water on his land in 1898. Soon afterwards, the bath centre, the Spa Park and other spa facilities were created. Unfortunately, during the Nazi invasion, the German occupied these buildings and in the years 1945-1946 the Red Army was stationed there – they destroyed the spa equipment and the Park. After the war, the family of Mateczny regained the spa for a while but when the owners were forced to leave it in 1952, it was taken over by the State Treasury and later by the management of National Spas in Swoszowice-Zdrój.
A few years later, Mateczny functioned again and in 1970 Krakowianka bottling plant was put into service in the area of the Park. The heirs managed to get back the spa after several dozen years and in 2003 they sold it to IPR company. Today we can walk along the beautiful Spa Park there and drink water from Cracow Spa Pump Room. The Mineral Water Pump Room is located close to the former building of the bath facilities. We can take a sip of sulphate-chloride-sodium-magnesium-calcium mineral water which comes from the local ‘Mateczny Spring’ (highly mineralised) and ‘Anton’ (moderately mineralised). Cracow Mineral Water Pump Room is also a meeting spot and a place which hosts various cultural events, it is a beautiful Art Nouveau building surrounded by the Park.
Józef Dietl, the great successor of Radwański
Jagiellonian university and the president of Cracow. Additionally, he was a skilled balneologist, the promoter of numerous Polish spas and a great believer in physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. His surname appears in the history of many spas – Krynica, Muszyna or Piwniczna. He bought Swoszowice at his retirement. In his days, this little town transformed into a genuine spa which aspired to European standards. Dietl himself wrote a book about the springs present there.
Sulphur at the Wawel
When we talk about Swoszowice, we think of sulphur and mines, sulphide water and spa. However, let us not forget that it was also a part of Cracow Fortress and it was connected with warfare in Cracow. Two buildings which belonged to ‘Cracow Fortress’ – a 19th century Austrian fortification – were erected in the area of Swoszowice on command of Franz Joseph I after the Free City of Cracow had been annexed. At the time, two huge forts in the area of Kościuszko and Krakus Mound,
a few smaller ones and a dozen or so entrenchments were erected and the Wawel served as a citadel. Some of the fortifications were pulled down after the Second World War and some of them remained as historic sites. At present, Cracow Fortress comprises approximately 100 buildings of various functions. ‘Kościuszko’ Fort houses the Museum of Kościuszko and in the centre in ‘Kleparz’ Fort there is a restaurant, a music club and a car park for coaches. In Swoszowice we can see 51½ Swoszowice Fort which houses the Museum of War Matters and an ammunition bunker.
Swoszowice is a green spot on the map of Cracow, a villa district surrounded by woods. Very often it is skipped by the majority of tourists who rush to the Old Town and Kazimierz District. The place is visited by the citizens of Cracow who want to spend a Sunday afternoon in a peaceful atmosphere and by health visitors of course!
In spite of the fact that the estate can boast of a 200 year history, it is relatively little known. It was founded by Feliks Radwański and later on it was bought out by Józef Dietl. The resort takes advantage of sulphide water and the climate which is more beneficial than in other parts of Cracow. The estate is not very big but it is exceptionally charming. The green Spa Park with trees which remember Galicia, villas and the Spa House which is 200 years old add to the charm of the place.
The history of Swoszowice has the second side – an equally interesting one. It used to be a mine district. The green hills which are present here are nothing else but mine slag heaps. The history of the place is long and interesting. Almost as long as the history of Cracow – the legend says that the Vistulans used to inhabit the Wilga Valley and the place was familiar to Dratewka. Even though sulphur started to be extracted in 1415, the smart shoemaker had used its deposits much earlier. The recorded history of the village started in the 14th century and its biggest development coincided with the establishment of the first mines. Sulphur, which was an ingredient of gunpowder, was a very desirable resource and up to the 19th century the mine industry had developed dynamically. When sulphur ceased to be so necessary in such amounts and miners went away, health visitors came to take advantage of its pro health properties. They came to get treatment and to get to know the place – the mine and spa history as the majority of historic sites are connected with it.
The Museum of War Matters is located in 51 ½ Swoszowice Fort – one of the forts which were created at Galicia times as a part of Cracow Fortress by Austria-Hungary. Inside, we can see the exhibition presenting the history of weaponry and army equipment from the First World War. One of the most interesting rooms in the Museum is the field hospital room. The Museum is open only on Sundays.
The Spa Park in Swoszowice covers the area of 7 ha and it was marked out at the beginning of the spa. In its centre we will find alleys, benches and spa buildings. The edge of the Park is wild and we can have a rest there far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and close to wonderful, calm nature. There are also numerous natural monuments – 200 year old trees which remember the founders of the spa. There are also facilities for health visitors. The Spa House built in 1811 at the commission of Feliks Radwański, in which medical appointments and treatments are conducted, is situated there. There is ‘Szwajcarka’ Pavilion whose name relates to the design of Swiss villas. It is a reconstruction of a building which was erected in 1861. The building of the Park Restaurant was also built at that time.
The Divine Mercy Shrine in Łagiewniki is one of the most popular sacred places in Cracow. It is situated in the 9th District of Cracow Łagiewniki –Borek Fałęcki, between the Old Town and Swoszowice. It is a place where Faustyna Kowalska, a nun to whom Jesus Christ revealed, used to live. According to her revelation, Adolf Hyła painted a painting popular to this day ‘Jesus I trust in you’. The painting was placed at the side altar in the Chapel of Saint Joseph in the neo-gothic Monastery of the Sisters of Virgin Mary of Mercy. After the beatification of Faustyna, the chapel was upgraded to a sanctuarium. In 2000 Faustina was canonised and two years later a bigger basilica was erected. It was a two-storey, oval building which was supposed to house all pilgrims who came to Łagiewniki. The 77 metre panoramic tower rises over the Basilica. Today Łagiewniki constitutes the world centre of Divine Mercy. There is also the Centre of John Paul II. Close to this place of worship, we will find the Solvay Soda Plant which exploited the limestone quarry in Zakrzówek. Karol Wojtyła would work there during the Second World War.
The Sulphur Mine Trail is a tourist route which goes along the most significant places connected with mining and processing of sulphur in Swoszowice. There are 10 boards with information on the places on the trail. It starts close to Swoszowice Fort, the seat of the Museum of War Matters, and leads next to the tenement of
the Administrator of the Mine, the Smeltery, mine slag heaps, the mine shrine or the ammunition bunker. The trail ends at the Parish Church in Wróblowice where we can admire the altar of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners funded by the miners from Swoszowice.
They say it is beautiful. They say it is magical. That it is the monument of culture, the mainstay of art, the home of artists, living history. Cracow – a city which stands on the podium of every ranking for the most beautiful city in Poland.
While talking about Cracow, we may discuss its history, art, historic sites, various physical activities, beautiful views, nature and also the spa, nevertheless, it seems that history and art are the most significant topics. After all, the historic sites of Cracow come from distant epoques and the art of Cracow was created by world famous artists. Archeologists discovered remains from the Paleolithic (approximately 100 thousands years B.C.). The legends say that the town by the Vistula was developing already at the time of the Vistulans. Krak Mound and Wanda Mound are from that period – Krak was the legendary founder of Cracow and his daughter, the famous Wanda, who did not want to marry a German.
The further history of Cracow is well-known to us –those were times of the first Piasts. That was the year 1257 in which Cracow was established on the Magdeburg Law by Bolesław V the Chaste. That was the relocation of the capital to Cracow and the first coronation in the
Wawel Cathedral (the coronation of Władysław I Łokietek, the Elbow-high in 1320). That was Casimir III the Great who is known to have inherited wooden towns and have left them fortified with stone and brick. Those were the times of the Jagiellonians who enabled the development of art. And, finally, the times of Sigismund III Vasa who is claimed to have experimented with alchemy and once he set fire to the Wawel Castle. He did not want to live in a destroyed castle and moved the capital of Poland from Cracow to Warsaw. Although the capital was moved, Cracow remained a significant place on the map of Poland. After all, Matejko, Kościuszko, Wyspiański or Cracow Bohemia were strongly connected with the city!
You will feel the history and magic in every street and at every square of the city. On the Wawel Hill, the pearl of Europe, on the Main Square, the heart of the city, close to St Mary Basilica especially when the trumpeter starts his concert. In Floriańska Street or in the narrow streets of the Old Town, in Kazimierz, in Huta, in Wolski Forest. And in Swoszowice, of course! We can sing along with Sikorowski and Turnau: ‘Golden notes are falling on the Square and music is everywhere. Wierzynek serves dishes in a royal style and flower girls are waiting for a miracle.’
For sure, the Main Square with the Old Town which surrounds it is the most popular place in Cracow – it attracts numerous tourists! We will find there the most magnificent and significant sites connected with the history of the former capital of Poland. The Old Town is just a tiny part of current Cracow but historically it is its most important one as within its walls the city was born. Today we can only admire the remains of the walls and the old moats, which surrounded the walls, were buried and surfaced in order to create one of the first urban parks called ‘Planty’. Walking across the Plant Park we may loop around the Old Town. Currently, there are 331 historic tenement houses, 18 churches, over 20 museums and almost 2 million of movable works of art including St Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall, St Florian’s Gate, the Collegium Maius or the Town Hall Tower. There are various spots worth visiting but it is also a great idea to take a walk along the streets of the Old Town – along Bracka Street from Turnau’s song, St Anna Street between the buildings of the Jagiellonian University or St Jan Street on the side of which royal tenement houses were constructed including Czartoryski Palace. We will see there not only age-old sites but also charming cafes, small shops or exquisite restaurants. The Wawel Castle, Kazimierz and Stradom District and the Old Town were enlisted as one of the first twelve UNESCO sites.
An excellent way to visit the Old Town is a walk along the Royal Route. It is a route along which kings entered the town for their coronations or for their last farewell. It is also the most representative road of the town taken by the most significant guests on their way to the Wawel Castle. The route starts in Kleparz which used to be called Cracow Florence – the name was derived from the Church of Saint Florian. This is where numerous inns were located outside the Town Walls where you could have fun or stay overnight when you did not manage to enter the Town of Krak before the gate was closed at dusk. At Matejko’s Square where you can see the Grunwald Monument, huge Kleparski Square used to stretch – a horse market took place there at which everything that was prohibited inside the town walls of Cracow was sold.
We start our sightseeing from the Barbican – a place where all the incoming guests were disarmed. The Barbican was an integral part of Saint Florian Gate – they were connected by a bridge called a neck. The gate, together with its three towers, was to be demolished but Feliks Radwański managed to protect it. Thanks to him, we enter Saint Florian Street through this historic place. The route leads us along Saint Florian Street by which we will see Michalik’s Den (the Green Balloon Cabaret used to perform there) and Jan Matejko’s House. The route takes us further, to the Main Square. We go past St Mary’s Basilica where we can hear the Trumpet Call played every hour. There is also the Altarpiece by Veit Stoss. We go past the Monument of Adam Mickiewicz, the Cloth Hall and the Church of Saint Adalbert where this famous martyr used to sermonise.
From the Market Square we go into Grodzka Street. We go past Wierzynek Restaurant on the left – the famous Congress of Cracow (a meeting of European monarchs and dukes called by Casimir III the Great) took place there. Grodzka Street leads us straight to the Wawel Castle. On the way, we can see the baroque Church of Saints Peter and Paul funded by Sigismund III Vasa for the Society of Jesus. The church was erected by Saint Mary Magdalene Square which used to be the heart of Okół (the settlement beyond the town walls) before the foundation privilege. One of the first communities of the 11th century Cracow lived there. Then, we go along Kanoniczna Street where the oldest tenements of the canons of Cracow are located including the Palace of the Bishop Erazm Ciołek which houses the branch of the National Museum in Cracow. There is a little known exhibition of paintings and sculptures with an even 1,000 year old history. The Archdiocesan Museum of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła or the House of Jan Długosz are also situated in the tenements. The Royal Route ends at the gate leading to the Wawel Castle.
Cracow equals museums! Every district has at least one museum and within the Old Town there are several dozen of them. Every museum is different but they are equally fascinating. It is worth visiting them to get to know the history of the city, its art, artists and important citizens of Cracow. The Underground Square Central Museum, which is a part of the National Museum in Cracow, is popular among visitors. It is a beautifully prepared interactive exhibition located underground the Main Square (an entrance through the Cloth Hall). While visiting the exhibition, we can feel the atmosphere of mediaeval Cracow. On the first floor of the Cloth Hall there is the Gallery of Polish and European Art which is also a branch of the National Museum. The Town Hall Tower, Saint
Mary’s Basilica with the Altarpiece of Veit Stoss (opened at 11:50 on weekdays, at 14.10 on holidays and closed at 18:00), Krzysztofory Palace where an exhibition of nativity scenes is held during Christmas period can be visited in the Main Square. Not far away, we can come across the Archeological Museum of Cracow (Poselska Street), the House of Jan Matejko (Floriańska Street), the Museum of the Jagiellonian University Collegium Maius where we will see the musical clock performance at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 (the procession of historical figures which move outside are connected with Cracow Academy) and the Princes Czartoryski Museum (8 Pijarska Street) where we can admire the Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci. The Living Museum of Obwarzanek (a kind of Polish bagel) by the Kleparz Square is also an attractive proposition – we can participate in the process of baking this traditional delicacy.
The Wawel Hill is the most distinguishing spot on the map of Cracow. For a hill, it is quite small and rises to a height of 228 m, but thanks to the location by the Vistula it definitely makes an impression. Here, at the Wawel Castle the greatest kings of Poland reigned. Being in Cracow, you need to visit this place. The entrance to the hill or the courtyard is free of charge – you can see the historic gates, the arcaded courtyard or the golden dome of Sigismund’s Chapel. It is also a great idea to see the interiors of the castle. The first stone castle was erected at the beginning of the 11th century when Cracow became the seat of Polish kings and it was rebuilt repeatedly. It gained its Renaissance look in the 16th century. After the fire, which was supposedly caused by Sigismund III Vasa during his alchemic experiments – it was largely destroyed. Sigismund with his court moved to Warsaw and the Wawel was renovated. Now it delights us as it always has. It is worth going inside to see representative chambers or the collection of tapestry. The Cathedral is a must. Apart from beautiful chapels including Sigismund’s one or the Coronation Altar, you will admire royal crypts and Silver Bells Tower with the most popular of bells – the Sigismund’s Bell. Beyond the walls of the castle, right by the Vistula, the Wawel Dragon which belches out fire and his den await visitors!
The Wawel Hill
Kazimierz is a special district of Cracow shaped by Jewish people who had lived there for ages and Christians who had lived there even earlier. It is located in the south of the Old Town and the Wawel Castle. King Casimir III the Great established Kazimierz as a town on Magdeburg Law in 1335 in order to relieve the overpopulated capital. Jews were banned from Cracow after the Great Fire in 1495 for which they were blamed and found their refuge in Kazimierz. Initially, the new town consisted of the remains of Bawół village situated in the vicinity of current Szeroka Street. At the time, the Jewish part was separated from the Christian one with a high wall which was supposed to separate the two communities. With Austrian rule in the 19th and 20th century, all people were equalled irrespective of their faith. Due to this fact, the Jewish community received more rights and could move to other parts of Kazimierz, Stradom and, of course, Cracow. Until 1939 they created an extraordinary district full of magnificent architecture, soaked with their culture. They were violently forced out by the Second WorldWar.
At present, Kazimierz is one of the trendiest districts of the city. It is a place where two different cultures combine – the Christian with the Jewish one. You should stop there to see the aforementioned Szeroka Street which will take you to the times when Jewish people inhabited Kazimierz. You can also visit the Old Synagogue where you will immerse yourself in the traditions and religious rites. Temporary exhibitions displayed there may get you interested too. Remuh Synagogue together with the Old Jewish Cemetery is also an interesting spot in the same street. The synagogue functions until today and thanks to famous Rabbis and Talmudists including Moses Isserles, it attracts numerous pilgrims from around the world who honour them by bringing symbolic stones. Apart from the places connected with Judaism, the district abounds in galleries, artistic workshops and cafes where we can feel the artistic spirit of Kazimierz.
Despite the fact that Kazimierz is called the Jewish district, the biggest number of places connected with the Holocaust are in Pogórze where Ghetto used to be situated.
When the Second World War broke out and the time of the Nazi Occupation started, the darkest period in the history of Cracow Jews came. In March 1941 outside Kazimierz, in neighbouring Podgórze, a ghetto was organised. The whole Jewish community was relocated there on the German command. Today we may see Apteka pod Orłem (Under the Eagle Chemist’s) or the Heroes of the
Ghetto Square which witnessed a massive transportation of the Jews to labour camps. Unfortunately, it ended up with death in most cases.
In Zabłocie, within a walking distance from the ghetto, there is the former Oscar Schindler’s Enamel Factory which is now a museum. It is an outstanding place with the history of the Jewish people who were saved from extermination. Steven Spielberg got inspired by the place and directed the famous ‘Schindler’s List’ . The museum presents numerous exhibits connected with daily life in Cracow and in Kazimierz before the outbreak of the Second World War and their sad , war history.
In the old times Zabłocie was an industrial place where factories, a tannery or a foundry used to operate. They were troublesome especially for the citizens of Cracow. Hardly anyone ventured into the district without a particular reason. Nowadays the place is different. Lipowa Street, by which the aforementioned Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is situated, transformed into a place frequented by tourists. The district has an artistic vibe –there is MOCAK (the Museum of Contemporary Art) or Lipowa3.pl Glass and Ceramics Centre (former Glassworks). We may take part in glass forming shows or visit the museum and the gallery as well. The atmosphere of Zabłocie, thanks to its industrial history, together with specially adjusted buildings creates a unique, hipster vibe.
An interesting way to sightsee Cracow is a boat trip on the Vistula which gives us a chance to see historic sites and districts such as the Wawel, the Monastery of Pauline Fathers, the Monastery of Norbertines, Kazimierz, Podgórze, Dębniki, Przegrzały or the Monastery in Tyniec. The organisers offer thematic cruises with a guide, cooking cruises or cruises to the rhythm of the Vienna Opera or techno music.
Few people are aware of the long history of sailing on the Vistula. One thousand years ago, the Wawel, Skałka or Salwator were islands on rivers or marches. With time, the area was drained and the Vistula, the Prądnik and
the Wilga became regulated to their current state. In the following centuries, Cracow belonged to the Hanseatic League which encompassed merchant towns in northern Europe in mediaeval and modern times. Thanks to the Vistula, which reaches the Baltic Sea, barges and ships managed to make Cracow.
Ster – the Centre of Sailing on the Vistula – might be recommended heartily to those interested in going on a cruise. They offer double decker catamarans which can take up to 12 passengers on a cruise or ships which can accomodate 100 people, air-conditioned or heated depending on the requirements.
rejsykrakow.com
Famous golf vehicles can be seen not only on grass-covered fields. Cracow uses the potential of these environmentally friendly cars by offering sightseeing trips along designated routes of the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze. Thanks to this idea, we are able to see the most attractive places of Cracow in a short time. The vehicles are equipped with multilingual audio-guides. We should consider GoCracow.eu as it holds a permit to enter the restricted area of the Old Town and offers trips around the whole Cracow. Additionally, they will collect you from the doors of your hotel.
Not so long ago Nowa Huta (the New Steel Mill) evoked negative associations. Today it is popular among visitors who seek Cracow which is a bit different. The authorities of the city have been trying to reconstruct the atmosphere of Nowa Huta by creating a semblance of socialist realism vibe. Nowa Huta was established after the Second World War, in suburban areas as a model town. It was built almost from scratch around a metallurgical enterprise where its inhabitants were supposed to work. Initially, a competitive and independent town was to demote conservative Cracow, too rebellious for the current authorities.
The district was designed in the style of socialist realism. This is a monumental style which is supposed to symbolise the power of the communist state (wide alleys, monumental buildings, vast squares). Estates, blocks of flats, flats were almost the same which symbolised the
submission of citizens to authority. There was no room for churches and temples but citizens started to demand them with time. On the other hand, Nowa Huta is a place where numerous examples of rustic architecture and manors have been preserved as it was prohibited to build anything in the area around the conglomerate. Nowadays, we can see social realistic Ronald Reagan Central Square, the folk Theatre and housing estates but the district will surprise us with the Manor of Jan Matejko or Mogiła Abbey, the Cysterian Monastery from the 13th century situated within administrative borders of Cracow. Bunkers which date back to the 50’s, which were built for fear of another armed conflict, constitute another interesting element. One of them, next to the Museum of Nowa Huta, is available to tourists. As far as museums are concerned, one should pop into the Museum of PRL (Polish People’s Republic) situated in the building of the former Światowid Cinema.
Nowa Huta
Although Cracow is located far from the mountains, we can find in this city a trail which leads to them. The blue hiking trail has its beginning in the centre of Swoszowice which, firstly, leads along the Wilga Valley through Lusina, Świątniki Górne and Siepraw along Dobczyckie Lake up to Myślenice where you enter the real mountains – the Maków Beskids. The trail leads along the border of the Beskids and the Pogórze, in the vicinity of Czasław, it turns south in order to cross the Island Beskids. It goes through Ciecień (829 m) and Dzielec (650 m) and descends to Kasina Wielka. There, the trail ends but this is a place from which we can go towards Lubogoszcz or Śnieżnica.
Experienced hikers who long for walks and have walked the length and breadth of the Old Town and Kazimierz can choose beautiful trails of Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park. The red trail crosses Wolski Forest leading from Chełm estate by Piłsudski Mound, the Zoo and Camaldolese Hermit Monastery by the Vistula. The yellow trail goes through the Maiden Rocks Nature Reserve and the blue one encompasses the whole forest. There is a loop around Zakrzówek and Twardowski Rocks Park next to a few caves and entrenchments. This is a truly panoramic trail and it is 2.6 km long.
On the edge of Swoszowice estate one of the oldest pilgrim routes runs – the Way of St James. This is a mediaeval route, or even routes, which lead from different parts of Europe to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, to the place where St James’ grave is located. It would seem that the route is devoted to Christians only but people of various faiths or atheists choose it to find themselves on the way. More and more people choose it because of cultural reasons (it is a tradition which is several centuries old). Via Regia is a route leading to Santiago through the south of Poland. The Polish part of the route starts on the border with Ukraine and finishes on the border with Germany. It is marked with yellow shells placed against the blue background. The shell constitutes the symbol of St James Way and pilgrims pin it to their backpacks.
Wolski Forest – Wolski Forest is a proposition for more demanding cyclists. It is the highest point of Cracow so you will find there a lot of uphills and unmade, forest paths. Moreover, the forest is full of beautiful, limestone rocks.
The Vistula Cycling Route – its section in Cracow is ideal for everybody. It leads us along the panoramic Vistula Valley and does not have significant elevation differences. The section of the route in Lesser Poland starts in Oświęcim and finishes in Szczucin. It is a great trail for those who want to visit the north of Lesser Poland. The section of the route in Cracow will give us a great tour around the city – it is 25 km long and runs from Tyniec, through Wolski Forest, nearby the Wawel Castle, along Kazimierz and Nowa Huta to the border with Niepołomice. If you choose to ride further, you will see majestic Niepołomice Forest.
Cycling Nowa Huta –Nowa Huta is a large and intriguing district. If you want to sightsee on foot and reach all the places, it may take you a lot of time. It would be a good idea to take advantage of cycling guides and visit the place by bike. The guides are available in the Centres of Tourist Information.
In Zakrzówek, in the west part of Cracow, in the area of Tyniec-Bielany Landscape Park there is an artificial lake called ‘Zakrzówek’ by local people. It was created 30 years ago after a closed limestone quarry had been filled with water. Even though it is not allowed to swim in it, it is available to divers who can see various curiosities under the water. There is an old Fiat 125p, a changing room which used to be by the lake or even a bus! There is also a plaque devoted to Karol Wojtyła who used to work in the quarry during the Second World War. The maximum depth of the reservoir is 32 m and visibility reaches 15 m.
There are numerous places from which we can admire the panorama of Cracow. However, no tower or mound will make such an impression on us as…a balloon ride! Yes, it is possible in Cracow. The balloon, during standard rides, reaches a height of 150 m which makes us admire breathtaking views. The impressions we get are unforgettable! This is the only chance to see the Old Town and the historic plan of the Square, less regular but charming Kazimierz and Podgórze from the air. Such a ride allows us to admire exceptional views of the mountains and uplands. This attraction refers to the aviation traditions of Cracow and the first, pioneer balloon rides!
The rocks of Tyniec-Bielany Landscape Park are used for climbing. There are clubs and centres in Cracow where you can find instructors and take advantage of climbing lessons. You can also exercise your skills on a climbing wall but you will get a thrill doing the sport on real rocks surrounded by beautiful nature. You can climb in Sikornik Enchanted Forest, over Zakrzówek or in Krzemionki. They are said to have the most beautiful climbing routes in Poland. What is more, a lot of great climbers trained there. The highest walls in Zakrzówek are 30 m high! Beautiful rocks surrounding Tyniec or the Cracow-Częstochowa Upland where we will find different types of rocks are at hand as well.
The Ice Park in Cracow is the biggest, open-air ice-rink in Poland. It is divided into three zones: a big one covering an area of 1,200 m2, a small one for children covering an area of 400 m2 and an ice alley 360 m long which
meanders between trees and sculptures of Jordan Park! There is a rental with skates and ice-skating walker aids. The rink looks best in the evening when ice is lit.
Cracow offers more ice-rinks. The one close to Krakowska Shopping Centre looks interesting (especially during the Christmas Fair). Moreover, you can ice-skate at Cracovia Ice-rink, Orgio Ice-Rink at AGH (the University of Science and Technology) campus, Daisy Ice-Rink in Morelowa Street, an ice-rink by the Water Park, NCK icerink in Jan Paweł II Street and by Tauron Arena.
Winter in Cracow can be magical! You will become convinced about it the minute you enter Stanisław Lem Science Park. Even though a garden seems to be a typical summer attraction, in winter (from the end of November to the end of February) there is the fabulous Garden of Lights. Over 30 installations refer to various fairy tales. There are games for children and photo spots. A winter walk around the garden will take you to a fairy land full of magic and lights.
The Christmas Fair in Cracow is a return to mediaeval trade traditions of the Main Square and an attraction of European calibre. Vendors from all over Poland and
even Europe come to the Main Square and present traditional goods, handicraft, products ideal for presents or Christmas decorations. There is a wide selection of traditional, Christmas dishes and you can have a sip of mulled wine. The whole Square is beautifully lit, there are Christmas trees and decorations, music, various attractions which altogether create a unique, Christmas atmosphere. The fair starts at the end of November and lasts until Christmas.
Although Swoszowice or other parts of Kraków cannot boast of mountains where you can ski, you will find there a few hills ideal for sledging. One of such hills is located in the Spa Park in Swoszowice. Safe places, far from road traffic can be also found in the Park in Krowodrza, the Park in Kurdwanów, Jordan Park, the Millenium Park, Maciek and Dorota’s Park or even next to Krakus Mound (it is not allowed to go sledging down the mound). The Park of Polish Pilots and the area of Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park would be ideal for walking with sleighs (e.g. the vicinity of the ZOO).
The project ‘The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand’ (nr RPMP.03.03.01-12-0593/18) co-funded by the European Union as a part of the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020.
the Foundation for the Development of Regions
www.f‑rr.org
the Association of Polish Spa Communities
www.sgurp.pl
The project is co-funded by the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020. The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand.