Krakow dates far back to the 7th century and used to be the official capital of Poland until 1596. Located in the Vistula River, is cited as one of Europe's most beautiful cities with a leading centre on Polish academic culture and artistic life. It's Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
We stayed in Warsaw but took the train here early in the morning at the Central Station. Always remember to go buy your train ticket with plenty of time or you might end up buying it on the train and that is almost double the price, so you don't want to do that!
The first attraction we visited when we got there was the Wawel Royal Castle, it has a rich history spanning over a minnennium serving and a symbol of Polish statehood and also a royal residence. It's also filled with lebends including one about Prince Krakus and a dragon. they said no pictures on the interiors so I am keeping some amazing memories Instead. One of the different things I saw here was the walls. At first I thought it was just wallpaper on the walls but I was wrong it was not paper, it was leather instead! There was large rectangulars of leather painted on the walls and you had to take a close look to see that it was actually leather.
The chambers on the first floor were used as private apartments for King and queen, the West Wing contained an area for the ladies in waiting used to received and on the second floor it has an art museum, beautiful tapestries, ceramics and China dishes. If you follow the Royal Way you will find the Market square about 7 minutes away.
For lunch we ate at a restaurant around the corner from the Castle called Kawiarnia Santos and I had the shrimp with pasta and parmesan cheese, it was delicious.
Now we were ready to explore the rest of the city. We grabbed a golf cart with a guide and he took us all over. There was an audio guide and the driver would also answer to our questions about the places we were visiting and going by.
Saint Elizabeth church built in the baroque style is beautiful with a rich decor interior. It houses the tombstone of the medieval saint John of Kenty which is the patron of professors teachers and students. The church was often visited by when and was a place where Pope John II, he lived and studied here. Krakow never burned like Warsaw during the second World War so every building that we saw was original.
St.Mary's Basilica is in old town.
This is the Bishops Palace - Barbican is a very popular landmark in Krakow and it was once connected to Krakow's city walls.
We also visited the Jewish Quarter, the suburb of Kazimierz.
Notice the Hannukas on the black iron fence
Notice the sewing machines tables here on this restaurant.
The green house is where the famous skin care lady called Helena Rubinstein lived.
The chairs symbolized the furniture that the Nazis threw out the window from Jewish homes.
This is Schindler Factory Museum
This was truly an unforgetable trip. Wishing lots of travels in 2025!
ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Ceci! I'm a Portuguese American Table Top Designer and Floral Artist who has lived in the US for almost 30 years. I'm a lover of flowers, travel, photography, entertaining, art and home decor. I also enjoy getting to know new cultures which inspire my new design prints. Read more
Happy Summer and safe travels! :-)
xoxo Ceci Mason
