Kraków, the capital of Małopolska region, is the second largest city in Poland, home to over 700,000 people. It is one of the most outstanding examples of European urban planning, characterized by harmonious development and accumulation of features representing all architectural styles from early Romanesque to the Modernist periods.
Małopolska region boasts fine monuments from all eras, interesting architectural styles and exceptional buildings, featuring exceptional examples of vernacular architecture. Additionally, six of the fourteen Polish places on the World Heritage List are located in Małopolska, including the Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines and the Historic Centre of Kraków, which were among the first twelve sites added to the List in 1978.
As the former capital of Poland, Krakow is filled with treasures of the past satisfying the needs of even the most demanding admirers of architecture and art:
- National Museum in Kraków
- Wawel Castle
- Sukiennice
- Museum of the City of Kraków
- Museum of Municipal Engineering in Kraków
- St. Mary’s Church
The history of Kraków is inextricably linked with its Jewish community, which has been an integral and essential part of the city for centuries. For those wishing to trace the footprints of the Jewish presence in Kraków, we recommend a walk through the District of Kazimierz.