So sit back and enjoy Kraków by day!
This post is going to be a photo journal because I clearly can't edit down my photos. I want you to experience Kraków like I did, so clearly you need to see ALL the photos I took. Don't worry I won't be posting 300 images, only about 20. :) So sit back and enjoy Kraków by day! We started off our morning adventures with breakfast at Wierzynek. Wierzynek is the oldest restaurant in Krakow, open and functioning since 1364. Yup, 1364! We were told that you can't come to Krakow without stopping at Wierzynek...so stop by, even if its just for coffee! It's a bit pricey but totally worth the views and bragging rights that you ate there. :) Right after breakfast and much needed coffee, we were ready to explore Kościół Mariacki or St. Mary's Basilica. This stunning basilica is located right in the main square, it was originally built in the early 13th century, then re-build in the 14th century. It's famous for two things - it's ornate wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss (see photo below) and hejnał mariacki, a trumpet signal played every hour. The trumpet tune breaks off in mid-stream, to commemorate the famous 13th century trumpeter, who was shot in the throat while sounding the alarm before the Mongol attack on the city. The noon-time tune is heard across Poland and abroad broadcast live by the Polish national Radio. (Thanks Wiki!) Side note, you have to pay to take photos inside the basilica. Silly! A recurring theme while traveling through Poland. And technically, you are only allowed to take photos near the alter (completely separate tourist entrance.) Needless to say, I got caught and the nice guard told me to erase my memory card. Mmmm NO....so with a smile, a wink and some good ole Polish flirting I got away. Ha! Since we only had a day in Krakow and wanted to see everything, my mom decided to hire a "city tour" golf cart. They are literally everywhere on the main square. I forget the actual price but we did haggle with him for a little bit. On the tour we were able to see and get explanations of Old Town, Wawel Royal Castle and the Jewish District, Kazimierz. Very interesting but if we had more time I would prefer just to explore the areas myself. The Fiat 126p (maluch) has special meaning for Poles and its connection with Polish politics during the communist period. Under the communist regime, a private car was considered a luxury good, due to limited availability and low salaries.The Fiat 126p was supposed to be the first popular and affordable car for the public. They filled the roads and most families drove this tiny two door Fiat 126p's for many years! I still remember my parents driving a burnt orange Fiat! Now the cars have become landmarks and symbols of Polish history. Wawel is a complex that houses the Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral. We wandered around, climbed to the top of the Bernardynska Gate (nice view of Krakow!), checked out the cathedral, and had a couple of beers at a little restaurant. Awesome day! The Wawel Cathedral has not only impressive interiors but also a whole hidden underground world. It has been the main burial site for Polish monarchs and kings since the 14th century! Exploring this underground world is a very surreal experience...calming yet eerie. A midst a lot of controversy, it also houses the remains of former Polish President, Lech Aleksander Kaczynski and his wife, Maria, who were killed in a plane crash in 2010. Many Poles were not thrilled about this controversial former president being buried next to Polish kings. But hey, Poland has no more kings, so I guess a president is just as tomb worthy! Check back soon for photos of the Salt Mine Wieliczka!
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