Kraków

Kraków (Krakow) is a must for tourists visiting Poland and has numerous world-class monuments, charming vistas, a wonderful atmosphere and excellent restaurants. You will find amazing historical monuments, the whole old town is protected by UNESCO's world heritage. There are beautiful old squares, buildings and churches that symbolize the culture and architecture of the country. You can take a nice walk through the old town.

The large market is the largest square in Kraków and dates back to the 13th century. In the Middle Ages this was the largest city square in Europe. Today, the market square is one of the three largest in Europe. Each side is 200 meters long. Some of Krakow's most interesting buildings are located on this square or in the surrounding area. Two tall towers are located on the square. The Sukiennice is a famous building located on the central square. Originally built in the 13th century and transformed over the centuries. Today it houses 19th century Polish paintings and sculptures and is part of the National Museum. The Slowacki theater is one of the finest baroque theaters in Europe. The gate of St. Florian is a medieval watchtower. The gate was erected in the 13th and 14th centuries and was part of the fortifications that protected the city against invaders. The Florian and Barbican gates are the only vestiges of the medieval defensive walls. On the square you will also find the town hall and the Basilica of the Virgin Mary.

The Wielicska Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in the world. The extraction dates back to the 11th century. There is a tunnel system of about 300 kilometers and the mine is on the list of World Heritage. It is a tourist attraction that attracted famous visitors in the past, such as Copernicus and Goethe.

When you are in Kraków you can also visit the extermination and concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The horrors of the Second World War come to life here. This camp is the symbol of the Holocaust. Auschwitz is located about 60 kilometers from Kraków and is known for the gas chambers and the horrific medical experiments that were performed during the Nazi regime.