Krakow, the second largest, is considered the cultural capital and the cheapest European city to visit in 2019. Situated on the banks of the Vistula River, it was the political capital of Poland between the 14th and 16th centuries, and it is possible to observe a unique blend of architecture Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.
The Old Town - World Heritage by UNESCO - is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. It is a cheap and lively city, being the main academic, cultural and artistic center of the country. There is lots to see and do, with hundreds of restaurants, bars and music clubs.
The Krakow Market Square (Rynek Glówny), built in 1257, is the center of the city and has important historical, cultural and social significance. Over the centuries it was the place chosen by merchants and an impassive witness of various events, such as ceremonies, celebrations and public executions, even adopting the name of Adolf Hitler Platz during the Nazi occupation.
- Sukiennice: Located in the center of the Market Square, the Fabric Market was inaugurated in the 13th century as a kind of "shopping" formed by stalls that would later become the building that is nowadays.
- Basilica of Santa Maria: With an imposing façade flanked by its towers of different heights, the Basilica of Santa Maria is one of the main monuments of the city.
- Tower of the Old City Hall: Built in the fourteenth century, this tower of 70 meters high is the only part that remains of the old City Hall. You can climb to the top to see the city from above.
- St. Adalbert's Church: So small and modest as to be unnoticed, it was built in the tenth century in the place where, according to legend, St. Adalbert preached his sermons.
Wawel Complex, where are the castle and the cathedral.
Wawel Hill has been inhabited since the Paleolithic and thousands of years later was built on the site a Gothic-style castle that became the first residence of the kings of Poland. Over the years, the castle has been remodeling and acquired a renaissance character.
With the change of capital to Warsaw, the castle fell into abandonment, being plundered by the Prussian army and occupied by the Austrians, that turned it into an important point of defense. Walls were built and the interior of the castle was modified to its new function. With the arrival of World War II, the palace became the residence of the Governor General of Occupied Poland.
After so many and so intense events, the castle was rebuilt as much as possible and is currently one of the most visited places in the city.
The place is huge and at the time of buying the ticket there are several versions, depending on what the tourist wants to visit there.
We chose only the cathedral and the visit to the painting "The Lady of the Arminho" by Leonardo da Vinci, who is currently there, as well as rotating the external areas.