No, she wasn't beautiful for something as temporary as her looks.
She was beautiful, deep down to her soul.
She is beautiful.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
She was beautiful, deep down to her soul.
She is beautiful.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
Krakow is one of Poland's best destination. It was the county's capital centuries ago. Krakow is a beautiful city and is the heart of Poland for culture and history. It might be well-known for vodka and stag parties but this city definitely has soul.
Krakow also got everything - from castles, medieval architecture, a charming square, cobbled streets, historic tales, to salt mines, good food and a plethora of World War II historal sites. On our third day here, we decide to only explore Krakow. We first wandered around Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Castle. Definitely get the audio guide, it is an affordable way to tour the place without the hassle of being in a group tour and you can privately admire the history on every stop. The cathedral is probably the most interesting architecture in Polish history. It has stood the test of time and has been there for 1,000 years. It is where they crown and bury their monarchs, as well as Polish heroes. This was Father Karol Wojtyla's cathedral before he moved to the Vatican, later known as Pope John Paul II.
Krakow also got everything - from castles, medieval architecture, a charming square, cobbled streets, historic tales, to salt mines, good food and a plethora of World War II historal sites. On our third day here, we decide to only explore Krakow. We first wandered around Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Castle. Definitely get the audio guide, it is an affordable way to tour the place without the hassle of being in a group tour and you can privately admire the history on every stop. The cathedral is probably the most interesting architecture in Polish history. It has stood the test of time and has been there for 1,000 years. It is where they crown and bury their monarchs, as well as Polish heroes. This was Father Karol Wojtyla's cathedral before he moved to the Vatican, later known as Pope John Paul II.
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On the left is the entrance of the Wawel Cathedral.
"Another major attraction of the cathedral is a climb to the Sigismund Tower, reached through the sacristy and a wooden staircase. The tower holds the famous Sigismund Bell (Zygmunt Bell), commissioned in 1520 by King Sigismund the Old. The great bell is one-third heavier and 350 years older than Big Ben in London. It is tolled only on solemn state and church occasions, including the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005." (from Sacred Destinations) Legend has it that if you touch your heart and touch the bell while making a wish, your wish will come true. We both fought the crowds, touched the bell and made a wish. Nothing to lose right?
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Vistula River
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On our third day in Krakow, it also happened to be Tanj's 30th birthday celebration. We stopped by at this cute little bistro called Zazie and had awesome food. Turning 30 has been a big milestone for me. Doing exactly what I love to do, with the person I love is exactly how I envisioned turning 30. The gift of travel has given me a sense of purpose in living life to the fullest and to make more memories that will last a lifetime. That alone is the best gift, I can truly say that I have a very happy and well-lived life.
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When we crossed the river, we went to Kazimierz (named after one of the Polish kings) or the Jewish Quarters. Long time ago, majority of the Jewish people lived in Poland. Here you can find synagogues and centuries old cemeteries. During World War II, the Jews of Krakow are forced to live in a crowded ghetto, around 15,000 people are living in these closed quarters, usually 3,000 people lived there prior Nazi occupation. Most of them were killed and liquidated in death camps, like the one in Auschwitz.
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Apteka Pod Orlem is the pharmacy in front of the Jewish ghetto. It was owned by a Polish guy named Tadeusz Pankiewicz and continued to operate his shop to help the people in the ghetto. The renovated museum contains pharmaceutical equipments and other relics that portrays the deeds of this honorable man. Across the street, you can see the Holocaust Memorial for the Jews who was sent to their deaths.
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In 1993, Steven Spielberg made an epic period drama about Oskar Schindler's heroic deeds to save 1,200 Jews during Nazi occupation, the movie is called Schindler's List. Everyone and their mothers knows this movie and of course, we made it a point to visit his factory here in Krakow. The factory, turned museum, shows what happened during the Nazi occupation during 1939 to 1945.
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Krakow is a city with soul. It is not too big or small and yes, you can do anything that interests you. Outside the city, there is the salt mine with an underground church made of salt that will just certainly blow your mind away. We wouldn't say its a magical place because it would sound too far and easy. This city is certainly well noticed and such a delight on our books. Quoting from a Polish singer, "Krakow has such a strength, like never before."
