Krakow was once the capital of Poland, and according to almost all its inhabitants, it should still be. After all, the former Kings of Poland are all buried there, and the city is almost as it was 400 years ago, having been spared the destruction of World War 2 , unlike Warsaw.
For the last few years, there have been direct flights from Dublin to Krakow and many Irish tourists have marvelled at the beauty of this city. In the early 1990's the epic film 'Schindler's List' was filmed around the city and it’s possible to recognise many landmarks when viewing the film. The original factory depicted in the film is being converted into a museum and is open to the public. It is also possible to visit the only remaining synagogue in Krakow. There were 50,000 Jews living there in 1939. Now there are only 200.
Rynek Glowny, the main Market Square is the largest in Europe and is home to many fine old buildings including the beautiful St Mary's Cathedral, with its odd sized Towers and the old Cloth Hall which is now an indoor marketplace. On a sunny weekend afternoon, the square is packed with tourists and locals alike and there is street theatre and a real carnival atmosphere.
Krakow is home to the Jagiellonian University, one of the largest in Poland, and the late Pope John Paul II was a priest there for many years. You can sit in his seat in the church adjacent to the Bishops Palace and there are many reminders of the great man.
When in Krakow, almost all tourists will make a one hour journey to the town of Oswiecim, which still sends a chill down the spine when called by its better known name, Auschwitz. The former concentration camps at Auschwitz and nearby Birkenau are sombre reminder of man’s inhumanity to man. It is so hard to describe ones feelings after a tour of these camps, but there is usually silence for at least ten minutes on the Tour bus afterwards as people come to terms with what they have just witnessed.
Back in Krakow, it’s time to hit the town which has many fine restaurants and bars as well as a great selection of little jazz clubs which open till the early hours. Eating out is relatively inexpensive compared to Ireland and the usual 'fast food' outlets such as McDonalds and Subway are well represented.
There are hotels of all standards available, from relatively basic locally owned establishments up to the 5 star Sheraton and Radisson properties. Over 3 million tourists visit Krakow every year, and that figure increases every year. The locals are really friendly and many speak enough English to hold a conversation with you.
If you looking to experience recent history at first hand as well as having the option to party, then Krakow is for you. Some bars and clubs stay open till dawn and prices are reasonable.