Krakow Old Town District Self-guided Tour

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1 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 - Krakow Old Town District Self-guided Tour The Old Town is an ideal district for sightseeing as it is free of traffic and you can enjoy a quiet walk and some fresh air. The district has many attractions, including historical buildings and monuments, grand churches and museums. Here you can see Krakow s oldest architecture. The residents began building the Old Town in the 13th century. At that time it was surrounded by great city walls but today only parts of the walls remain. Guide Location: Poland» Krakow # of Attractions: 9 Tour Duration: 2 hour(s) Travel Distance: 3.3 km Please note: This walk is also featured in the ios app "Krakow Map and Walks" on itunes App Store and the Android app "Krakow Map and Walks" on Google Play. The apps provide GPS navigation to guide you from one tour stop to the next, so you will never be lost. The apps offer additional walking tours in Krakow. Check them out! GPSmyCity offers self-guided walking tours in over 1,000 city around the world. Please visit gpsmycity.com for more walking tour offers. List of attractions included in this self-guided walking tour: A) Barbican Gate B) Czartoryski Museum C) Palace of Arts D) Mariacki Church (St. Mary's Church) E) Town Hall Tower F) Collegium Maius G) Krakow Philharmonic H) Wawel Castle I) Dragon's Lair Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 -

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3 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 3 - A) Barbican Gate (must see) The Barbican guards the city of Krakow. This mighty structure is an excellent example of a building that is deeply embedded in the history of the city and displays its lavish architecture. The Barbican was built for purposes of safeguarding the city of Krakow from those who dared to put a bad eye on its security. With a 3 meter thick wall, the Barbican was well designed to accommodate 130 crenels in four rows. The lower crenels were used by artillery and the higher ones were used by archers and riflemen. With seven turrets, the Barbican acted as the perfect outpost protecting the city of Krakow. This Gothic style fortification was built in the late 15th century and is more of the Arabic style rather than the European style military structure. The Barbican was initially linked to the inner city wall. Today one can take time to watch some of the finest exhibits the city has to display at the Barbican. Right from music concerts to plays and theater performances, the Barbican is the perfect place where you can enjoy the building s immense historical presence while listening to your favorite band play or watching a story unwind before your very own eyes. Address: Ul. Basztowa, Krakow, Poland Image Courtesy of Flickr and bazylek100. Sight description based on wikipedia B) Czartoryski Museum (must see) Note: Closed until The Czartoryski Museum was established in 1796 by Princess Izabela Czartoryska and its collections are actually the work of five generations of the Czartoryski family. The collection has been moved to another city, gone underground and even missing; a small percentage of the original collection is what is open to the public today. The tale of the Museum is a story everyone must know. With the motto From the Past to the Future, Princess Izabela set up the museum in Pulawy, Poland to store Polish and other historic memorabilia. Da Vinci s The Lady with an Ermine was added to the collection by Izabela s son, Adam, upon his return from Italy. After his political career failed, Adam moved to Paris along with the collection which was set up at Hotel Lambert. Adam s children, Prince Wladyslaw and Princess Izabela Działyńska, also added to this collection. In 1878, the return of Prince Wladyslaw to Poland led to the inauguration of the Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 3 -

4 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 4 - current Czartoryski Museum. His son, Adam Ludwik, and Adam s wife then took over the museum and further expanded the collection. During the Second World War, the museum was raided by the Germans and most artifacts were stolen. After the War, a massive attempt to recover lost collections was made but over 800 artifacts were lost forever. The Museum s prized possession remains the Da Vinci painting which has toured the world. Over 12,000 visitors come to the Museum every year and keep Princess Izabela s dream alive. Editor's Note: Until at least Summer 2016, "The Lady with an Ermine" by Leonardo da Vinci will be on display at Wawel Castle, while the Czartoryski Museum undergoes major renovation and remodeling. Address: Sw. Jana 19, Krakow, Poland Image Courtesy of Flickr and Allie_Caulfield. Sight description based on wikipedia C) Palace of Arts The city of Krakow is filled with historic monuments and structures from different eras of architectural history, and therefore, Krakow is nicknamed the art capital of Poland. One such place to marvel at the historical and architectural wealth of the city is the Palace of Arts. This present day museum houses some of the finest and most prestigious exhibitions in the city. Works of established artists and those who have gained global reputation are proudly displayed at the Palace of Arts. The venue is also used for art auctions and exhibitions of contemporary Polish art. The building was constructed as the headquarters of the Society of Friends of Fine Arts (Stowarzyszenie Przyjaciol Sztuk Pieknych in Polish) which was founded in Erected at the beginning of the 20th century, the Palace of Arts is the first Art Nouveau structure in Krakow. Designer Francis Mączyński was said to have drawn inspiration from the Pavilion Secession in Vienna for the construction of the Palace of Arts. The facade of the structure was designed by the famous symbolist painter Jacek Malczewski. Other famous Polish artists like Madeyski Antoni, Konstanty Laszczka and Theodore Rygier contributed to the facade with busts of masters of Polish art. Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 8 am - 6 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10 am - Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 4 -

5 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 5-6 pm. Address: Plac Szczepanski 4, Krakow, Poland Image Courtesy of Flickr and Allie_Caulfield D) Mariacki Church (St. Mary's Church) (must see) The city of Krakow is filled with treasures of the past that appease the appetite of a historian and an admirer of architecture. The Mariacki Church is one such example. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Mariacki Church stands adjacent to the Main Market Square in Krakow. The Church is a beautiful illustration of merger of different styles of architecture. Together, these styles brew a singular timeless piece of structure that stands as an example for several other churches all over Poland and the world. The facade of the Church consists of two high raised uneven towers, of which one is constructed in Gothic style while the other has a Renaissance style of architecture. The Gothic tower boasts of a magnificent spire built in 1478 that measures 81 meters and has a gold coated crown. The other tower, measuring 69 meters, has a Renaissance roof and was constructed in The tower has five bells, two of which date back to the 14th century. On the front side of the Church is a beautiful Baroque designed porch that was constructed in the mid-18th century. Not only is the exterior of the Mariacki Church magnificent, the interiors also make their mark in terms of grandeur and excellence. The Mariacki Church houses the famous altarpiece of Veit Stross, the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world. One of the national treasures of Poland, this ornate wooden altarpiece is a must see on the visit to Krakow. Address: Rynek Glowny 4, Krakow, Poland Image Courtesy of Flickr and Eric The Fish (2009). Sight description based on wikipedia Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 5 -

6 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 - E) Town Hall Tower (must see) Slanting just about 55 centimeters, the Town Hall Tower stands proudly as Krakow s own Leaning Tower. This towering Gothic structure measures 70 meters in height and singularly garners attention of visitors of the Main Market Square. This lean structure adorned the city during the late 13th century and has stood ground ever since, enduring tribulations of passing time. The lonely structure that stands today was initially built to accompany a magnificent Town Hall that was brought down for the purposes of opening up the Main Square in Built in Gothic-style of architecture, the Town Hall was used as a prison and even contained medieval torture chambers. The most attractive feature of the Tower, its helmet, has been replaced thrice in the history of its existence. Initially, the Tower bore a beautiful Gothic top which was brought down by lightning in This was replaced by an ornate Baroque helmet designed by Piotr Beber which crumbled down in Post that, a smaller helmet replaced the tower top that presently covers the top of the Town Hall. Today one can enjoy a hot brewed cup of coffee in the basement of the Tower that once contained outlaws of the city. The Tower also offers its visitors one of the finest views of the city and some vintage photographs that can take you through the history of Krakow. Address: Main Square, Krakow, Poland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Lestat (Jan Mehlich). Sight description based on wikipedia F) Collegium Maius (must see) The Collegium Maius is the first building in Poland that was used by a university. Located on Jagiellon Street, the building was gifted by King Wladyslaw II to the Jagiellonian University in By the end of the 15th century, the University had become popular and attracted students from all over Europe. Nearby buildings were added to the University and a courtyard was built while adding touches of Neo Gothic architecture to the main building in By then, the University had seen some famous students like Copernicus. Classes were conducted on the ground floor while the faculty occupied the Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 -

7 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 7 - higher floors as their residence. As the infrastructure grew, the Collegium Maius went on to become the first house of the University library. Today, the building is home to the Jagiellonian University Museum and exhibits the rich collection of the University. Here, you can expect to see the antique scientific instruments used by famous scientists. Historical rooms display traditional furnishings with a varied collection of European art. Along with temporary exhibitions, the building also hosts an educational show titled The World of Senses which must not be missed. It elaborates the power of human understanding and you are sure to feel enlightened after watching the show. Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 10 am 2:15 pm; Saturday: 10 am 2:30 pm. Address: Ul. Jagiellonska 15, Krakow, Poland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Cancre. Sight description based on wikipedia G) Krakow Philharmonic Whether a music lover or not, the Krakow Philharmonic is sure to enthrall your senses. Built in the early 20th century, the Krakow Philharmonic is the reflection of the some of the finest times of Krakow. Along with being one of the finest buildings in the city, the Krakow Philharmonic has also played its part in the history of the country since its inception. Designed by architect Józef Pokutynski in a Neo-Baroque style, the Concert Hall boasts of three halls, the largest seating 693 people. The other halls, namely the Golden Hall and the Blue Hall are slightly smaller and act as Chamber halls. The Krakow Philharmonic is the largest concert hall in Krakow. The building was constructed as a Catholic Assembly Hall by Prince Adam Sapieha. However, soon after its construction, it became home to the Philharmonic Orchestra. The Concert Hall is used regularly by musicians and artists in and around the city as a platform to display their talent. Today, one can enjoy concerts and symphonies performed by both, renowned Polish and international artists at the Krakow Philharmonic. It is the perfect place to spend a splendid evening filled with elegance, art and music. Not to be missed if you are in Krakow. Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 7 -

8 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 8 - Address: Zwierzyniecka 1, Krakow, Poland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Zygmunt Put Zetpe0202. Sight description based on wikipedia H) Wawel Castle (must see) With the wealth of history and abundance of heritage, the city of Krakow is a haven for admirers of the past. The Wawel is one such place in Krakow where one can get enchanted by the city s legendary sagas. The Wawel Hill was formed about 150 million years ago and is majorly made up of Jurassic lime stone that dates back to the Oxfordian age. The Hill comprises many historically significant buildings that date back to different eras. Surrounded by water and marshes, archaeologists found evidence of settlers on the Wawel Hill that dates back to early Palaeolithic Age. Situated on the left bank of the Vistula River, Wawel played a significant role in the political and religious history of the city from the first millennium AD. The Wawel Hill was the Royal Residence of the first historical ruler of Poland as well as his successors. Also, the Hill was the first place to have been a Christian center in Poland. It is one of the first few places in the country to have a Romanesque building erected. With its rich and complex past, along with many historically significant sites, the Wawel has loads to offer its visitors. Address: Wawel 5, Krakow, Poland Image Courtesy of Flickr and soylentgreen23. Sight description based on wikipedia I) Dragon's Lair Krakow is the perfect place to get lost in rich history and ancient lore. With castles, museums, traditional concert halls and mystical folklore, Krakow is the perfect blend that offers every visitor a reason to spend time here. The Dragon s Lair is one such destination. Located on the foot of the Wawel Hill on the banks of the River Vistula, the Dragon s Lair is a must visit in Krakow. Legend has it that during the reign of King Krak (after whom the city is named), there once lived a monstrous dragon on the foot hills of Wawel. The town folk were tired of appeasing the dragon with a regular supply of cattle and their livestock. A parallel story also goes to say that the dragon Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 8 -

9 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 9 - feasted on nothing but young maidens of the town. Finally it was time to sacrifice the King s only daughter, Wanda. Unable to comply, the King decided to put an end to the menace but none of his knights could vanquish the dragon. However, a young shoemaker, Dratewka, skilfully outsmarted the creature by offering it a ram stuffed with sulphur. On devouring the ram, the dragon instantly felt thirsty and went to the river to quench his thirst but no amount of water could satisfy his parched throat. Bloated from all the excess water, the dragon finally exploded and the town breathed a sigh of relief from the monster. Relive the story all over again at the Dragon s Lair. Address: Wawel Hill, Krakow, Poland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and APN-PL. Sight description based on wikipedia Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 9 -