Cracow Tourism

Cracow

Cracow is a city of monuments dating back to the Middle Ages, with magnificent Renaissance and Baroque architecture. In the basements and on the tower - ancient and modern, from prehistory to recent history in 117 museums. On foot, by bike, by canoe - active recreation or relaxation in the greenery. To a concert, exhibition, and performance in Cracow, there is always something going on!

On the Main Market Square (the largest medieval square in Europe), you will feel like you are in a historic salon, surrounded by charming restaurant gardens. Here every tenement house could tell a fascinating story. Encouraged by the Hejnał (bugle call), you will want to visit St. Mary's Church, where the newly renovated altar by Wit Stwosz inspires admiration. You can discover the secrets of Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine" and the riches of Copernicus' treasury. After a visit to the Sukiennice and Wawel Castle, you can relax in the Planty Park surrounding the Old Town, leading to the green spaces of the Vistula Boulevards and Cracow's Blonia - the largest meadow near the Market Square. The nearby Wolski Forest and the Benedictine Monastery in Tyniec will tempt cycling and water sports enthusiasts. In the evening, feel the unique atmosphere of the mysterious nooks and crannies of Podgórze, post-industrial Zabłocie or the narrow streets of Kazimierz filled with the atmosphere of Jewish monuments of heritage, tradition and artistic atmosphere. Today, the former Jewish district is a conglomerate of contrasts - Hasidic Jews and clubbers live here in harmony, and solemn celebrations are next to a weekend bazaar. Amateurs of beautiful sunsets are encouraged to climb one of the five mounds - the Krakus Mound - from where a unique panorama of the city can be enjoyed.

Come and see how beautiful our city is and how much it offers! Taste the hospitality, the charming atmosphere and the culinary specialities that the capital of Małopolska is famous for. The attractive tourist and cultural offer and the varied accommodation infrastructure, catering for all tastes, are no less inviting to visit Cracow.

Highlights

Archiv der Stadt Krakau

The Barbican

One of the most impressive pieces of medieval military architecture in Europe, the largest and best-preserved of the other two that have survived in their original state (Carcassonne in France and Görlitz in Germany). This massive Gothic building was erected in 1498-1499. Surrounded by a deep moat, with a system of bridges and sluices, with three tiers of loopholes, crowned by a gallery with seven turrets, it protected the Florian Gate, with which it was connected and from which the road to the Wawel Royal Castle started. It was never conquered by storm. Today, the Barbican is a branch of the Cracow Museum.

Przemek Czaja

Church of the Holy Cross

Its construction began around 1300, using stone left over from the erection of the city walls. It is a Gothic, stylistically uniform building, which has survived intact to the present day. It is famous for its beautiful vaulted ceiling, supported by a single pillar, which makes it stand out from other sacral buildings of the Middle Ages. The effect of the vaulting, which symbolises the tree of life in paradise, is enhanced by paintings with plant themes.

Ela Marchewka

Collegium Maius

The oldest building of the Jagiellonian University (the second oldest university in Central Europe), now a museum, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture with a charming courtyard surrounded by cloisters and the famous clock, around which, to the sounds of court music and the student song Gaudeamus Igitur, a procession moves with Queen Jadwiga, King Władysław Jagiełło and other distinguished figures associated with the history of Alma Mater.

Ela Marchewka

The Franciscan Church

One of the oldest (13th century, rebuilt many times) and most recognisable sacral buildings in Krakow. From the outside - austere Gothic architecture, inside - soft arches and colourful Art Nouveau polychromy by Stanisław Wyspiański. The church is also famous for its neighbour located at 3 Franciszkańska Street, i.e. the Bishop's Palace with the so-called papal window.

The Town Hall Tower

The only remnant of the Town Hall, the seat of the municipal authorities until the 19th century, erected around 1300 as a two-storey stone building, with a tower of a defensive and representative nature. Today, it is open to the public (a branch of the Cracow Museum); the cellars house a theatre stage and a café.

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Contact

InfoKraków
pl. Wszystkich Świętych 2
12 354 27 23
wyspianski@infokrakow.pl

ul. św. Jana 2
12 354 27 25
jana@infokrakow.pl

Travel options

Cracow is easily accessible, whether by plane, train or car. Major national roads and motorways lead to the city. Balice Airport is the second largest airport in Poland.