Must-see Attractions For Your Visit To Krakow

By Author: Bonny Kominek
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Krakow is famed for its medieval architecture and preserved medieval city streets. One of medieval highlights of the city, and now a UNESCO world heritage site, is the Rynek Glowny, or main market square. It remains virtually as it was during the 13th century.

Visitors flock to the Muzeum Czartoryskich each year to see one of the most famous paintings in the world. This museum is home to Landscape with the Good Samaritan by Rembrandt. And if this is not enough, it also houses Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci as well as a fine collection of ancient European, Oriental and Middle Eastern art and artefacts.

Located in the main market square is the Sukiennice, or Cloth Hall. Dating back to the 16th century this beautiful building is now packed with interesting market stalls, cafes, boutiques and restaurants.

Krakow has long been a city of learning and its most famous university is also one of the top two oldest museums in Europe. Parts of the 14th century Uniwersytetu Jagiellonskiego, or Jagiellonian University, were sadly destroyed during World War II, but may parts still remain and you can visit the ...
... University Museum to find out more about its history.

Fans of all things gothic will be simply amazed by the Church of St Mary. The Kosciol Mariacki is on the market square and is a masterpiece of gothic architecture, as well as housing the biggest gothic altarpiece on earth, carved by master sculptor Veit Stoss of Germany.

Catch a glimpse of Polish royal history on a visit to the Zamek Krolewski, or Royal Castle, which has now been turned into a museum. This 11th century building is vast and here you will find a host of royal treasures and artworks as well as getting t he chance to wander round the royal private quarters and state rooms.

The 11th century Royal Cathedral, or Katedra Wawelska, is a very important part of the history of Krakow. The Polish monarchy held their coronation services here, and it is also the site of the Polish royal family burial grounds.

A great overview of Polish culture can be found at the Muzeum Narodowe. This is the Polish National Museum and as such you can expect to see collections of fine art and an in depth view of Polish culture. Its main building at Aleja 3 Maja 1 houses its contemporary art collections. Bonny Kominek is a professional writer providing information on travel and lodgings and says that Octopustravel.com is best for Krakow hotels.