While preparing your trip to Poland and think where to go, it is worth to take Krakow into consideration. It draws attention mostly due to its antiquity. It was once a capital of the country, it has, therefore, a long history with many myths and legends, the relics of which are still visible.
The Legend of the Dragon
The myth, that is mentioned and told most often, is the one about the shoemaker and the dragon. The latter was terrorising the city, by eating all the people and their cattle. As the response to it, the shoemaker who was very clever and intelligent, designed a trick to defeat the monster. He filled one of his most beautiful sheep with sulphur and tar. The dragon fell for the trap and immediately consumed the bait. Previously splitting the fire, the dragon was suffering from a great thirst and, in order to slake it, he drank so much water from the river that his body cracked open. Throughout many years the myth became a symbol of the city and you can still visit see the dragon’s statue that is displayed at the foot of the famous Wawel castle.
Passing to the castle, Wawel is the name of the hill, where the castle is situated. Apart from it, there is also a Cathedral, also having its origin in renaissance. From the top of the hill there is a great view of the river Wisla and the old town. If you want to catch a breath and observe the pulsating life of the city it is great to start the tour with the old town and it’s monuments, including St. Mary’s Church. If you want to visit it straight ahead from the airport you can rent a bus from krakow airport to city center, that takes you there directly.
The Old Town—back to the past
As in many cities, the Old Town is the heart of it. Surrounded by many relics and antiquities, such as the monument of Adam Mickiewicz, the Town Hall, the Cloth Hall. St. Mary’s Church is in the centre of the main square. It is a Gothic church, hence it recommended for those, who are mostly interested in that kind of buildings. There is also St. Adalbert’s Church.
What about Entertainment
Apart from the historical encouragement, you can find a lot of restaurants, pubs, clubs and coffee houses where you can take a break from the tour, have a drink and talk with your friends or the strangers if you like.
Cultural world
After a tour through the city, it is also possible to go to a theatre (for example Julius Slowacki Theatre or The Old Theatre) or a cinema, as they are close to the Old City.
There is a multiplicity of possibilities of what you can do in Krakow, that is hard to only write about them. They need to be seen through your own eyes.