The former capital of Poland located on the Vistula River is a city that is widely recognized as the cultural center of the country. Almost undamaged during World War II, it retained its medieval, royal character. The Wawel Hill towering over the river connects seamlessly with the Old Town. From there it is close to the former Jewish district Kazimierz, which has become the most fashionable Kraków meeting place in recent years.
The heart of Krakow is the Wawel Hill, on which the Gothic-Renaissance royal castle and the cathedral are erected. Kings, poets, soldiers and politicians who were meritorious for the Polish history are buried there. Wawel is connected by the so-called Royal Route with the Old Town built up with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque tenements and churches. All streets in this area converge on the Old Market Square, above which the St. Mary's Church with the altar of Veit Stoss is towering. From the church tower, every hour the famous trumpet-call ""Hejnał mariacki"" is played, which is one of the best-known melodies in Poland.
A short distance from the Old Town you can find the former Jewish district Kazimierz. Today, it is full of fashionable restaurants, bars and clubs. Several synagogues and two large Jewish cemeteries have been preserved here. From Kazimierz, you can also take a walk to Podgórze, where the modern Cricoteka center dedicated to the work of Tadeusz Kantor is located.
The beginning of the 20th century brought increased interest in districts located further away from the center. In particular, Nowa Huta, a workers' quarter built in the communist period with the socialist-realist Central Square, has gained a lot of interest. Under the blocks of flats there are large anti-atomic shelters, some of which are open to the public.
