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Culture of Krakow. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
The legendary Krakow Market Square remains the permanent symbol of the city. The square was founded back in medieval times. This is also the largest square in Europe. Market Square has a square shape and the length of its sides estimates 200 meters. On the square is located kostel sv. Vojtěcha, the construction of which took place in the end of the 11th century, as well as ruins of the old town hall, which was destroyed more than 600 years ago.
Those who want to throw an unforgettable shopping in Krakow, should definitely visit Sukiennice market. It is historical, laid back in 1257 and can safely be considered one of the oldest … 
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Discovering the architecture of Krakow from bird's eye view! Church at Skalka, Cloth Hall, Barbican, Kazimierz Town Hall, Town Hall Tower, Stara Synagoga, all those monuments are defining the image of Krakow … Open
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The name “Krakow” is associated with many legends and myths. Subsequently, the museum Dom Turecki, built in the year 1910, today holds secrets that may be revealed to the most curious tourists. The building was constructed in oriental style, which is very uncharacteristic for a European city. It is for this very reason that this miracle of architectural idea attracts the attention of hundreds of tourists to itself. Another place considered interesting and unusual for Krakow is Muzeum Witrazu, where you can take a peek at a unique exhibition of stained glass windows. Also interesting is Sukiennice museum, once the liveliest area of the cultural capital of Poland.
Wawel, St. Mary Church, St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Juliusz Slowacki Theatre, Divine Mercy Sanctuary, Tempel Synagogue, as well as many others, they all become the world's cultural heritage objects and remain as iconic monuments for Krakow … Open
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Those who are fond of mysteries head for Krakow in crowds. Last but not the least, they do that because there are lots of intriguing catacombs within the city. They are located under the church and the Franciscan monastery, whose construction dates back to the 17th century. More than a thousand monks, townspeople, and nobles found eternal peace here, but the key point is that due to natural conditions, the relics of the dead are preserved in the form of mummies. The remains of clergymen are honored here in a particular way – you can recognize them by their glass coffins. Also in front of “Kościół Rzymskokatolicki pw. św. Mikołaja” you can see the so-called “Lantern of the Dead” – this is a stone structure, specially built in front of buildings that housed infected people. Many legends are associated with such lanterns and this building is no exception.
Without a doubt, Old Krakow belongs to the most beautiful cities of not only Poland, but also the whole Europe. The beautiful metropolis, situated on the banks of the Vistula River, is known … Open
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Krakow and surroundings
Plan your own excursion through Krakow: churches, museums and castles
Church at Skalka, Krakow
Location on the map: 
Facts:
» The Church at Skalka, or the Church of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Stanislaw is the Catholic Church in Krakow located on a small hill. Facts:» The church is one of the most famous Polish sanctuaries.
» According to legend, the name of the church comes from the fact that here in 1079 the Archbishop of Krakow, Stanislaw Holy, was killed on the order of Polish King Boleslaw II.
» The crypt under the church is the national Pantheon, the burial place for some of the most prominent Poles. At the moment 13 Polish figures of culture are buried there.
» In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI conferred the small church the title of the Basilica.
St. Mary Church, Krakow
Location on the map: Facts:
» The St. Mary Church or the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the Catholic church that is an example of Gothic architecture. In 1962 it received the title of the minor basilica by Vatican. Facts:» The Church has two towers. Every hour Mary's heynal (time signal) is heard from the higher tower, which is one of the symbols of Krakow.
» The church facade is decorated with 21 sculptured figures.
» The church houses two particularly important works of art of medieval Europe: the altar and Vita Stwosza crucifix.
» Shackles are mounted at the entrance to the church, which were once used for criminals.
St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Krakow
Location on the map: Facts:
» The St. Peter and St. Paul Church was the first construction on the territory of Poland built in Baroque style. Facts:» The church is famous for its figures of the twelve apostles standing at the entrance to the shrine.
» The high altar of the church built in Baroque style in 1785 is particularly notable.
» Inside the church there is the longest Foucault pendulum in Poland, the movement of which shows the daily rotation of the Earth.
» The church regularly hosts concerts of sacred music, and the patio is a usual venue for theatrical performances and art exhibitions.
Divine Mercy Sanctuary, Krakow
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Divine Mercy Sanctuary is the serving Roman Catholic Church in Krakow. Facts:» Two of the Pope visited the shrine, and millions of pilgrims from all over the world continue to come there every year.
» Currently, the sanctuary can accommodate about 5,000 people.
» Some cases of people healed after they have visited this church are known.
Tempel Synagogue, Krakow
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Tempel Synagogue is one of the last built in the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz in 1862. Facts:» It was built with the money of wealthy city residents who assimilated into Polish and German culture and preached a more progressive form of services. When the organ sounded in the synagogue, women could sit next to each other with men, praying in Hebrew, Polish and German.
» The synagogue changed its appearance both externally and internally many times. The pre-war changes were conducted under the direction of the architect Benjamin Torbego and survived until today.
» During the German occupation, a hoarse stable and an ammunition depot were placed in the synagogue, which caused damage to the interior.
» In peacetime, the interiors of the prayer house were restored from the surviving photographs and archival data.
» Tourists are delighted with the unusual decoration of the synagogue, bright stained-glass windows and gold painting.
» Now the services are made extremely rare. Entry for the Jews is free of charge.
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Krakow
Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny)
Wawel Hill, The Royal Castle and Cathedral
St Adalbert’s Church
Where: ul. Sw. Wojciecha 11, Krakow;
Where: ul. Sw. Wojciecha 11, Krakow;
St Mary’s Church
Where: Market Square, Krakow;
Where: Market Square, Krakow;
Town Hall Tower
Where: Rynek Glowny, Krakow;
Where: Rynek Glowny, Krakow;
Old Synagogue
Where: Ulica Szeroka 24, Krakow; Telephone: +48 (0)12 422 09 62;
Where: Ulica Szeroka 24, Krakow; Telephone: +48 (0)12 422 09 62;
Czartoryski Museum
Where: Ulica sw Jana 19, Krakow; Telephone: +48 (0)12 422 55 66;
Where: Ulica sw Jana 19, Krakow; Telephone: +48 (0)12 422 55 66;
Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps
The Florian Gate
Reference information
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Krakow and around
♥ Art museum 'Czartoryski Museum' Kraków, 0.3 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art' Kraków, 2.4 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Krakow
♥ Bazylika św. Franciszka z Asyżu, Kraków, 0.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Bazylika Przenajświętszej, Kraków, 0.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Bazylika św. Floriana, Kraków, 0.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Kościół św. Apostołów Piotra i Pawła, Kraków, 0.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Bazylika Najświętszego Serca Pana Jezusa, Kraków, 0.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Bazylika Archikatedralna św. Stanisława Biskupa i męczennika i św. Wacława, Kraków, 0.9 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Bazylika Bożego Ciała, Kraków, 1.6 km from the center. On the map
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Photogallery of cultural heritage of Krakow
Landmarks of culture on Krakow map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
Culture guide to Krakow. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Krakow: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Krakow. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
