Things to Know About Krakow
- Nov 5, 2019
- 5 min read
GENERAL INFORMATION ON KRAKOW
Krakow is the second largest city in Poland, lying on the Vistula River with a population of just under 800,00 and was it's capital until 1596 when Sigismund the 3rd moved the capital to Warsaw. There is evidence that there was a Stone Age settlement and by the 4th Century the beginnings of the town that is now Krakow was established on Wawel Hill. There are legends of a mythical ruler Krakus who defeated a dragon that lived in the cave on the hill and once the dragon was killed (by a poisoned sheep) the city began to flourish and dragon bones (possibly mammoth bones) are on display at Wawel Cathedral.
Krakow was once part of the Kingdom of Bohemia in the 900s until the Mieszko 1 took it away from the Bohemians and brought it under Polish rule. By the end of the 10th Century it was a leading centre of trade and wooden buildings were replaced with brick, the royal castle was constructed as well as the Cathedral, basilica and other churches. In 1241 the city was almost destroyed by the Mongol invasion, and was rebuilt in 1257 only to be attacked again by the Mongols two years later and then again in 1287.
Medieval Krakow was surrounded by a 1.9km defensive wall which had 46 towers and 4 main gates, of which St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican still stand today. Krakow rose in prominence when the Cracow Academy (the University) was founded and the city flourished as a center of science and arts. By the end of the 13th Century Krakow was largely a German city and while the city grew in stature and importance it also showed a dark side in the late 1500s as anti-Jewish attacks occurred and the Jews were expelled from the city to an area called Kazimierz which is now a district of Krakow and it wasn't long after these events that the capital of Poland was moved from Krakow to Warsaw.
The the late 1700s Poland was partitioned and Krakow fell under the Austrian Empire until 1809 when Bonaparte took the city and gave it to Warsaw and then it was back within Austria rule in 1846, The Austro-Prussian War of 1866 resulted in the area that Krakow was part of (Galicia) was granted partial autonomy and became a Polish symbol and a centre of culture and art.
The incorporation of the city of Krakow and the surrounding communities to create Greater Krakow in the early 1900s had a significant influence on the city as the city doubled in size over a 15 year period to 183.000. During World War 1 the Russians besieged the city and the Polish legion sought liberation with the aide of Austrian and German troops, and even though the Austro-German armies were defeated Poland benefited from the Treaty of Versailles as the sovereign state of Poland was established. Between the two wars the city grew as a major Jewish cultural and religious center as they had a very strong Zionist movement here.However that was all to dramatically change with the invasion of the city by German forces on September 6 1939 when the Jewish population was first ghettoized and later exterminated in Auschwitz and Plaszow.
The city was to be taken over yet again as the Russians seized Krakow from the Germans with very little damage to the city buildings but many of the women and young girls were subjected to mass rapes until official protests were made against their treatment. For the next 48 years the country lived under Soviet/Communist rule and there was much economic hardship and social unrest and the Citizen's Militia who fought to keep the communists in power were responsible for the death of thousands of people who opposed the government. Somehow amidst all this the Catholic religion stayed strong and Krakow's archbishop Karol Wojtyla became John Paul 11 the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years and his papacy had a lot to do with the change of the way people thought and reacted. He did not encourage rebellion rather a creation of an 'alternative Poland' and it wasn't long before the Solidarity movement was founded and with that the eventual topple of the Communist regime and Poland and Krakow specifically began to flourish and grow.
In 1978 UNESCO approved the status of World Heritage on the Old Town of Krakow, part of it being the largest medieval market square in Europe and the surrounding buildings which attract millions of tourists every year to experience this remarkable city and if Krakow has never been on your radar, maybe you should add it.
It's closeness to Auschwitz, with it's gruesome history is a reason many people come to Krakow, to pay homage to the millions of Jews, Poles and other victims of the Nazi regime (and the reason that I chose to come to Krakow), but take the time to appreciate the city on it's own merits and you will find it a truly beautiful place to explore.
Food
Krakow like many European cities has prices that differ where more tourists are so if you don't venture away from the main areas be prepared to pay a little more for your food, Be daring and take that side-street because you may get a dish of the famous pierogi (dumplings) for a fraction of the price you would pay in Old Town Square. Meat, sausages, cabbage and potatoes in various soups and stews, rolls and pierogi can be found in expensive restaurants, value for money cafes and street stalls so take your pick and enjoy each meal you have,
Language
The official language is Polish although English is widely spoken. Try and learn a few Polish words to help you communicate with the locals, but be warned it's not an easy language and how it's written is very different from how it is spoken.
Currency
The currency is Polish Zloty consisting of banknotes for 200zi, 100zi, 50zi, 20zi and 10zi and coins for 5zi, 2zi, and 1zi as well as grozsy 50gr, 20gr, 10gr, 5gr, 2gr and 1gr.
ATM machines can be found on nearly every corner and but be aware of how much money you need as many of the ATMs only distribute large amounts and if you take out more than you need you may lose out when trying to exhange back again. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted but remember that you may be charged conversion rates if you are using your usual bankcard instead of a travel money card.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN KRAKOW
There are different options when traveling into Krakow city centre from the airport, the most expensive being taxis, the cheapest being buses at 4zi ($1.50Aus) and the fastest; the train at 9zi ($3.40 Aus) at 20 minutes.
From here there are buses and trams to get yourself around the city (Krakow does not have a metro/subway system). There are a variety of tickets you can purchase from a one way ticket at 4.6zi($1.60), however if you need to change lines it might be advisable to buy a timed ticket from between 20-90mins (3.4-6zi/$1.20-2.20) There are options for different passes, from 48-72 hours passes or a 7-day pass at 28,48 or 68zi, ($10.50.$16 or $26Aus).
3/ ELECTRICITY
You will need an adaptor to charge your electrical goods as Poland like most other European countries have two pin plugs.
TIPPING
Tipping is expected between 10-15% although do check your restaurant bill which may already have a 12.5% service charge on the bill so be aware and don't tip twice.
TOILETS
Make sure you carry tissues and wipes because toilet paper may not always be available. Be prepared though, that some public toilets will ask you for money to use them, so make sure you have some small chane handy.
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