Discover Krakow: City History and Wawel
Accommodation in Krakow
Krakow brings together the Historic Centre on the Vistula with a broad architectural range and diverse cultural themes. The centre is considered an outstanding example of European urban planning; its architecture spans from early Romanesque to modern times. This gives you several ways to explore the city on your trip: you can look at the design of urban spaces, discover the history of trade at the Main Market Square, or learn about cultural and religious history in Kazimierz and at the Gothic cathedral. At Wawel, a geological perspective adds another dimension. Krakow therefore offers various ways to make history a focus of your trip.
Urban planning and architecture as a common thread
The Historic Centre lies on the Vistula. Its architecture spans from early Romanesque to modern times; at the same time, it is considered an outstanding example of European urban planning. This combination makes the urban landscape itself a possible focus for your trip: alongside individual architectural styles, you can explore how a city has been shaped over the centuries. If you enjoy looking at the bigger picture, the connection between urban planning and architecture provides a fitting theme.
Trade history and traditions at the Main Market Square
At the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the square layout and its former role in trade come together. The square was laid out at the intersection of old trade routes, with sides measuring about 200 metres. Its approximate size makes the layout easy to grasp; the history of its trading areas adds a wealth of specific goods: salt, coal, poultry, lead, fish and coopers’ wares each had their own areas. The square can therefore be understood both through its shape and through its different branches of trade.
Local traditions associated with the Main Market Square include the Lajkonik procession with the Mlaskoty Chapel, the Christmas crib competition and the crowning of Król Kurkowy (Fowler King). These examples show different forms of tradition associated with the same square. If you would like to include one in your travel plans, check the relevant event dates in advance.
Kazimierz and Krakow’s religious history
The medieval town of Kazimierz was shaped by Catholic and Jewish faiths, as well as their respective cultures and customs. It offers a cultural perspective that puts religious traditions and their cultural expressions in the foreground. The Gothic cathedral in Krakow offers a different view of history: it is the burial place of the kings of Poland. Kazimierz and the cathedral thus offer different themes to explore if you would like to discover the city’s cultural and religious history.
Geology and seasonal experiences at Wawel
At Wawel, the focus shifts from city history to the history of the Earth. Wawel Hill is an outcrop of Jurassic limestone formed about 150 million years ago. From spring to mid-autumn, visitors can take a guided outdoor tour of Wawel’s architecture and gardens, descend into the Dragon’s Den and climb the Sandomierska Tower. These three options each offer a different focus: a guided outdoor tour, a descent into the Dragon’s Den or a climb up a tower. They are all available during the same season; check the latest operating details before visiting.
When choosing a holiday apartment in Krakow, it can help to distinguish between historical themes and seasonal experiences. Would you like to focus on urban planning, trade history or cultural influences, or are the seasonal Wawel experiences an important part of your plans? The three Wawel activities mentioned are available from spring to mid-autumn.
Discover more destinations: Modlnica, Zalas, Chrosna, Wesoła, Raciborowice, Czerna, Balice, Sułoszowa
For the broader travel overview: Krakow.
