Things to see and do Little Poland

This beautiful seventeenth-century palace owes its name to the fourteenth-century statue of St. Christopher that adorned its façade. It is the seat of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, which includes documents and memorabilia related to the history of the city, a collection of paintings by Krakow artists, as well as old clocks and armor. Its main attraction is its collection of szopkis, the famous Christmas cribs which are the subject of a competition every December, the winner of which joins the ranks of those exhibited here.

The heart of Kazimierz used to be called "Jewish Square". At its center stands a circular hall built in 1900 for the ritual kosher slaughter of poultry. Today, the hall houses a multitude of kiosks selling the famous zapiekanki. Lined with a multitude of bars, cafés and restaurants, in the evening the square becomes the center of the nightlife. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, there's a small flea market that mixes trinkets and artifacts from the Second World War. Public toilets are located on the corner of Rue Estery.

Founded in the early 17th century by Mikołaj Zebrzydowski, this complex consists of a shrine and a Calvary whose location on the hills and structure were meant to recall Jerusalem. The paths of the Way of the Cross are lined with about forty chapels, most of which date from the first half of the seventeenth century, and evoke Golgotha. These monuments are set in a beautiful natural setting that has remained almost unchanged since the 17th century.

This university was the third to be founded in the Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth. Inaugurated on March 15, 1595, it quickly became the most prestigious and sought-after university in the country, surpassing even the University of Krakow. Its activity was supported by that of its publishing house, a system that was very rare at the time. However, its decline accompanied that of the city and the university was closed by the Austrians in 1784. It then housed secondary schools, until today. Unfortunately, it has lost its beautiful decorations and arcades.

Very well documented tourist office, pleasant welcome. Guided tours also available. Bicycle rental. You can buy the Zamość tourist card(Zamojska Karta Turysty). Valid for three days from the day of purchase, it gives free access to various tours, as well as discounts in restaurants, hotels and stores. It is normally on sale from the end of April to the end of October and can be used during this period. It costs 80 zł.

Above the castle, a small mountain continues its ascent to the sky. As a reward, it has been planted with three crosses in honor of the population of Kazimierz Dolny, decimated by the plague in 1708. This is the highest point in the city, and from here the view that stretches across the Polish countryside and the small town below is most impressive. A very good spot to watch the sun gently set over the roofs.

This square takes its unusual name from a water reservoir called Zalewa wielka , which was used to prevent access to the fortress from the south side. Originally, the square had a square shape and was bisected by Moranda Street and surrounded by the houses of the city's rich merchants. Today, the square is occupied by a picturesque garden with a fountain in the middle, which is very popular on hot days in the Polish East. The beautiful mansions around it date from the end of the 19th century.

This beautiful church built at the end of the 16th century, under the direction of Bernardo Morando, has a splendid interior. It is considered one of the most beautiful religious monuments of the Renaissance in Poland. Its vaulting is typical of Polish mannerism.

The monumental silver tabernacle is in rococo style. In the choir, there are four paintings depicting the life of St. Thomas, the patron saint of the city. From the top of the bell tower, there is a beautiful view of the city.

This imposing building, whose construction began at the end of the 16th century on a project by Bernardo Morando, was the residence of Jan Zamoyski, his family and his successors. Unfortunately, it was rebuilt in the 19th century by the Russians, who installed a military hospital there, and lost its delicate Renaissance splendor, leaving only its imposing silhouette. Since 1918, it has housed the city's court. In front of the palace stands the equestrian statue of Jan Zamoyski, built in 2005 for the 400th anniversary of his death.

Largely gone today, the walls that once surrounded Zamość have preserved the remains of a bastion and some walls, east of the city. Taking Grodzka Street eastward, one can access a gate of the fortress, the Lviv Gate (Stara Brama Lwowska) and walk along its walls for a few hundred meters. It is also possible to make a route from the postern on Łukasińskiego Street through the shooting galleries (for more information, see www.nadszaniec.zamosc.pl).

This solid medieval building in Gothic style is a precious testimony of the ramparts that surrounded the city in the 14th century. Over the centuries it has been remodeled: the clock dates from the 16th century and the baroque roof from the 18th century. In its tower is the Lublin Historical Museum (Muzeum Istorii Miasta Lublina), which exhibits for visitors a collection of engravings and photos tracing the history of the city. From the top of the gate, you can enjoy an interesting view of the old city, of which this point marks the main entrance.

The Market Square is the heart of the Old Town. It is built in the shape of a square, 100 meters on each side, with two straight streets intersecting in the middle: Grodzka Street and Ratuszowa and Moranda Streets, which connect the Wielki Rynek with the other two squares, Wodny Rynek and Solny Rinek. All around the square there are beautiful bourgeois houses with richly decorated arches. They belonged to rich merchants, professors and noblemen of Zamoyski's entourage. Originally, the facades of all the houses on the square were covered with decorative parapets, which, however, were removed in the 1820s. Only the parapets on the houses in the northern part of the square were restored. These houses, called "Armenian houses", belonged to rich Armenian merchants. At No. 30 Ormiańska Street is the Wilczkowska House, which houses the Zamojskie Regional Museum. On Bartoszewiczowska Street there is the "house under the lion" at No. 26, the "house under the couple" at No. 24 and the "house under the Virgin" at No. 22. These houses are topped with attics and painted in bright colors. The portals are also worth seeing. Sculpted and richly decorated, they are often original. The Rynek is dominated by a magnificent town hall (Ratusza), built in 1651. The Rynek is a lively and busy place, so don't hesitate to venture into the arcades, access the cellars and discover its bars and restaurants.

This beautiful square takes its name, you guessed it, from salt. That's because, after the founding of the city, it was brought and stored here from the mines in and around Wieliczka. A true white mineral gold, vital for the preservation of the city-fortress' food supplies, this stock was better guarded than the city's treasury! Unfortunately, the original parapet walls and facade decorations have not been preserved, except on the house called "the rabbi's house" on the northern part of the square.

The Błonia is one of the favorite places for walking for Kraków's citizens. Until 1965, there were vast pastures here. It was from here that the first airplane took off from Krakow in 1910. Nowadays, folk festivals, meetings and concerts are held here. The 2016 World Youth Day was held here in part. In winter, Błonia hosts an outdoor ice rink. Right next door is Jordana Park, designed as an English landscape garden. There are large playgrounds and sports fields, as well as bike paths.

Official guide of the city of Krakow, guide-lecturer of the Wawel castle and recommended by the historical Museum, Magdalena is independent guide and has 14 years of experience with the French tourists.

Józef Mehoffer (1860-1946) was one of the greatest artists of the Polish Secession movement. In the 1930s, he bought this absolutely magnificent building and turned it into a musical and literary salon, the atmosphere of which can be clearly perceived during the visit. During the Second World War, he produced several works here, as the Nazis had forbidden him access to his studio at the Academy of Fine Arts. Some of his stained glass windows, paintings, projects and drawings can be seen here. The house has a pleasant garden and a café with terrace.

The shrine houses the relics of St. Faustina, canonized in 2000 by John Paul II. Saint Faustina lived here from 1925 until her death in 1938 and one of her visions inspired the creation of a painting, a copy of which can be seen in the chapel. A modern basilica has been built next to the chapel and its tower with an elevator offers one of the most beautiful views of Krakow. On the first Sunday after Easter, pilgrims arrive from all over Poland for the Divine Mercy.

Located in front of the Episcopal Palace, this church was founded by one of the bishops of Krakow who sat there at the end of the 12th century. Originally built in Romanesque style, it was rebuilt in the 17th century and has been modified several times since then to create a striking result dominated by the Baroque style. Inside, there is a Gothic triptych dating from 1490, an ornamented tomb in a Renaissance style dating from 1553.

The Kraków Tourist Card is a great option if you're planning to do a lot of sightseeing. The system is simple: with this card, you benefit from free city transport, free admission to 40 of the city's museums (including some of the most important), and numerous discounts in the list of partner restaurants. The card is available from tourist offices, hotels and travel agencies throughout the city, as well as online. For more information, visit the website.

This open-air museum is a collection of preserved old houses, most of which date from the 17th century. Over the years, authentic reconstructed buildings have been added, transforming the hamlet into a very successful and atmospheric traditional village. In spring and summer, Skansen hosts folk festivals and re-enactments of old-fashioned rural life that are well worth a visit. We recommend it.

This eighteenth-century Baroque basilica is a bit out of the way, but it is immediately noticeable if you walk along the banks of the Vistula River, the way it majestically stands out from the river, in the middle of a park. It is one of the most popular places of worship in the city, because of its special relationship with St. Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland. After his murder, the martyr and bishop was installed here and celebrated before he was canonized and later exhumed and transported to the Wawel. The memory of the saint continues to keep alive the basilica, which is one of the richest in the city. Its interior is a true Baroque jewel that should not be missed: pastel colors, golden ornaments, statues of angels and saints. Above all, the chapel dedicated to St. Stanislaus. Inside, you can see the trunk on which the drops of blood of the bishop fell. The miraculous water in the basin near the church, with a statue of St. Stanislaus, is said to have healing powers, especially for skin and eye diseases.

Every year since the 13th century, on the first Sunday after May 8, the faithful carry the relic of the Bishop of Wawel to Skałka. The start of the grand procession is marked by the ringing of Sigismund's bell. This is one of the highlights of the country that is a must see. Under the basilica is the Crypt of the Meritorious, where "great men" who have distinguished themselves in the field of culture, science and art are buried.

This exceptional archaeological site was discovered in 1922. It is a vast Neolithic mine for striped flint, in operation between 3900 and 1600 BC, and comprising some 700 shafts 5 to 8 metres deep linked by a network of galleries. A visit to the mine shows how this semi-precious stone was extracted, and a workshop on the surface shows how it was worked. A simply fascinating visit not to be missed.

This lovely vintage train runs on a narrow gauge railroad built by Austrian soldiers in 1915. Consisting of a steam locomotive and open-air cars (without roof), it runs through the beautiful landscapes of the Ponidzie region and the Nadnidziański Nature Park, with a possible stop in Umianowice for a picnic (on request). Formed by the meandering Nida River, this nature reserve offers a charming landscape, rich in marshes and rural scenery.

Jędrzejów is about 30 kilometers south of Kielce

The Old Synagogue, one of the oldest in the country, was built in its Gothic style at the end of the 15th century when the Jews settled in Kazimierz and was restored in 1959 when it was decided to turn it into a museum. Since then it has housed the Museum of Jewish History and Culture. A separate room is dedicated to the history of the extermination of the Jews, including a series of photographs of life in the Jewish quarter before and during World War II.

The invasion of the Tatars in 1241 showed that Krakow, surrounded only by earthen embankments and wooden palisades, was unable to defend itself

the invasion of the Tatars in 1241 showed that Krakow, surrounded only by earthen embankments and wooden palisades, was unable to defend itself, which proved the need to provide the city with solid fortifications. In 1285, Krakow was granted the right to build a city wall. A 4-kilometer-long system of walls was built between the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 16th century. It included 7 doors and 47 towers. However, at the beginning of the 19th century, the Austrian authorities decided to demolish the fortifications, which had become obsolete and unable to cope with enemy sieges. They were replaced by the Planty "plantations", following the example of the Viennese Ring. Only the St. Florian Gate, the Barbican and three towers were spared thanks to the efforts of Feliks Radwański, who managed to convince the Austrians that the towers and the gate could have protected the city from draughts, winds and snowstorms coming from the north! A green oasis completely surrounding the old town, the planty is an excellent starting point to understand the topography of the city, to get an idea of its size in the Middle Ages and to get a glimpse of some beautiful monuments. Today, this park is decorated with numerous fountains, statues, as well as plaques marking the location of the old gates. A real blessing that opens the city center, it is very popular with Krakow residents who come here to read, jog or meet up with their loved ones.

Apart from the mine, you can also visit the Wieliczka Castle, which between the 13th century and 1945 was the historical seat of the mine's management board. Today it houses three permanent exhibitions devoted to the archaeology and history of the town, and a huge collection of... salt shakers. In short, not the most exciting visit but it at least gives a little life and understanding of the history and experience of the miners, a part that is not at all emphasized when you venture into the bowels yourself.

The only authorized pharmacy in the ghetto was run until the last deportations by Dr. Tadeusz Pankiewic who, refusing to leave the neighborhood, was the only non-Jew living and working in the ghetto. Thus, from 1941 to 1943, he helped the Jews of the ghetto. He delivered medicine and food, brought news from outside, provided false papers and hiding places. He died in 1993 and was honored by Israel with the title of Righteous.

The museum is located in the birthplace of this giant of the national spirit and honorary citizen of the city. It provides an opportunity to see the apartments/workshops where the great master of national romanticism lived and worked until 1893, when he died. The permanent exhibition includes unique works by Matejko, family memorabilia and antiques, especially oriental and western weapons collected by the painter during his lifetime and which he used for his art. It is a nice visit just a stone's throw from the Rynek.

Located south of the Rynek opposite the Bishops' Palace, this enormous church dates from the 13th century. In the 19th century, it was enriched with beautiful stained glass windows and Art Nouveau murals by Stanisław Wyspiański: the one above the door, God the Creator, is a true masterpiece. During Lent, every Friday around 4:30 pm, men dressed in black carry a skull to the Passion Chapel, where they then lie on the floor. In the adjacent cloister(klasztor), there is an amazing collection of portraits of all the bishops of Krakow.

This curious 34-meter-high grass-covered mound surrounded by a ring of brick buildings was built in the 19th century to honor Tadeusz Kościuszko, a hero of the independence struggle. Today, it is a popular place for walking and an excellent vantage point. On a clear day, you can see the peaks of the Tatras, although they are 100 km away. At its feet, the small chapel of St. Bronislawa houses a museum to the glory of Tadeusz Kościuszko.

The calm, romantic and intimate atmosphere of this small pedestrian square, wedged between the Church of Our Lady and the Church of St. Barbara, contrasts with the bustle of the neighboring Rynek. Enclosed by tall buildings, it boasts exceptional acoustics: the melody of the hejnal can be heard perfectly when played in a southerly direction. In the middle stands a fountain, topped by a statue of a melancholy young man with a turban tied around his head.

The second part of the Royal Way, connecting the Rynek to Wawel, it ended at the foot of the fortifications of Okół, an ancient settlement located between the Old Town and Wawel. It is assumed that the square Św. Marii Magdaleny corresponded to the market square in Okół.

At No. 53 Grodzka Street, there is the Collegium Iuridicum, today it houses the Institute of Art History and two museums: Muszle Egzotycze is devoted to shells, Motyle Swiata to butterflies

This street leads from the Rynek to the Florian Gate, the main entrance to the city. It has always had a commercial vocation and preserves some beautiful Renaissance buildings, notably at nos. 3, 7, 9 and 26. At no. 45 is the Jama Michalika café, the most beautiful in Kraków, which in the Belle Epoque was the meeting place of the literary and artistic movement Młoda Polska (Young Poland). Its representatives created here the Zielony Balonik cabaret, the first political cabaret in Poland.

At the end of Rue Floriańska, this ^13th-century medieval gate and the two adjacent towers are the only remains of the old town fortifications demolished in the early ^19th century. At the time, the city wall comprised seven gates and forty-seven towers. You can access what remains of the old fortifications and walk the walkway between the two bastions still standing. The gate takes its name from the nearby Saint-Florien church.

This small circular fort was added to the fortifications in the ^15th century to ensure more effective defense of the town. Now isolated in the middle of the Planty, the fort was originally linked to the Porte Florian by a corridor known as "le cou". It is one of Europe's best-preserved barbicans, a marvel of medieval military architecture. It is open to visitors and, in summer, is sometimes used as a backdrop for medieval shows (sword fights and folk dances, of questionable quality, but entertaining).

Founded by King Casimir the Great in 1364 with the name Academia Croviensis (Academy of Krakow), the Jagiellonian University was the second largest university in Central Europe, after Prague. Falling into decline with the death of the king, it was renovated around 1390 and gained the status of a university it did not have before (it did not have a chair of theology, at the time the noblest knowledge and privilege granted by the pope, but then kept its name of Kraków Academy until 1818) by King Władisław Jagełło, who bought and formed the Collegium Maius, "the great college." The university has buildings all over the city center, so you'll often see students milling from one street to another, between classes.

All around the Collegium Maius stand the buildings of the Jagiellonian University. Opposite the Collegium Maius is the Collegium Kołłataja and, further south, the Collegium Minus. In front of the University Church of St. Anne is the Collegium Nowodworski (ul. św. Anny 12). Here studied King Jan III Sobieski, painters Jan Matejko and Stanisław Wyspiański and writer Joseph Conrad. Continuing down Gołębia Street, at n. 24, the Collegium Novum houses the neo-Gothic seat of the university (you can't get in, or you have to dodge the guards and play student). Opposite it stands the Collegium Witkowskiego and a statue of Copernicus.

The Gothic building of the Collegium Maius now houses the Jagiellonian University Museum with two collections, one historical and the other scientific. The historical section leads to a large hall of honor decorated with portraits of its most prestigious students such as Nicolaus Copernicus, King Jan III Sobieski, anthropologist Bronisław Malinowski, and Karol Wojtyła. One then visits the Treasury Rooms and the Great Hall, the seat of great university ceremonies. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the oldest globe in the world, dated 1510, on which America is marked "newly discovered country." The scientific collection includes a series of instruments that would have been used by Nicolaus Copernicus.

The courtyard of the Collegium Maius is worth a visit. Every day at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00, one can watch the brief musical ride of the figures animated by the clock mechanism above the Golden Gate and representing the personalities who played an important role in the history of the university.

They are very hard to ignore and have become one of the main attractions on the Rynek, in front of the Cloth Hall. Their beautiful horse-drawn carriages will take you, depending on the length of time you request, around the center or to the Kazimierz district. It's a bit of a "luxury" service that doesn't come with a guided tour, or even much interaction with the staff, which is primarily aimed at taking you for a ride. An hour costs about 350 zl, which can be a bit excessive, so don't hesitate to discuss the price, especially in winter when they have fewer people.

Now renamed in honor of the "Ghetto Heroes," Zgody Square was the heart of the Jewish ghetto. From here, thousands of Jews left for various camps. Today, a memorial by Cracow architects Piotr Lewicki and Kazimierz Latak stands in the center of the square, consisting of 68 empty chairs that symbolize the possessions left behind by the deportees. Each chair represents 1,000 Krakow Jews who fell victim to Nazi barbarism.

Located on a limestone hill overlooking the city, the monastery was founded in 1382 by Ladislaus II, Duke of Opole, for the Pauline friars who, in 1384, received the icon of the Black Madonna. Fortified in the first part of the 17th century, the monastery successfully withstood several sieges, including the Swedish one in 1655. In the 19th century, Tsar Alexander^I ordered the destruction of part of the fortifications. What remains is a square enclosure with bastions where the buildings are grouped in a compact way. From the top of the bell tower (106 meters, open from April to November), erected in 1620-1644, then enlarged in the second half of the seventeenth century, one can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire site, as well as the rest of the city.

Chapel of the Miraculous Icon (Kaplica Cudownego Obrazu). This small Gothic chapel, with walls covered with ex-voto, houses the icon of the Black Madonna. Embedded in a baroque ebony altar, this tiny icon is constantly surrounded by a crowd of believers. The stones and fabrics that adorn it were donated by pilgrims.

Basilica (Bazylika). The basilica was built in the 15th to 17th centuries in a very luxurious baroque style. You will notice an impressive number of references to religious people deported to Auschwitz.

Knights' Hall (Sala Rycerska). Dating from 1647, you will see 9 paintings representing the major stages in the life of the monastery, as well as a reproduction of the icon of the Black Madonna.

Museum of the 600th anniversary (Muzeum Szescsetlecia). It presents a superb collection of sacred art objects, beautiful religious paintings and musical instruments. It was established in the former printing house, which was suppressed by the Russians in 1864.

Treasure Room (Skarbiec). Impressive collection of the most valuable ex-voto and pilgrims' offerings to the Virgin of Częstochowa, assembled since the 15th century.

Arsenal (Arsenał). Weapons and war trophies evoke the military history of the monastery and the sieges it has supported throughout its history

In the sanctuary, there is also a library with more than 8,000 volumes, including a large number of precious manuscripts. Access is restricted to researchers only. Finally, in the park that surrounds the monastery, you will stop in front of the 14 bronze statues of the Way of the Cross, founded in 1900-1913. Leaving the monastery on Barbary Street, you will find yourself in the middle of a market of religious souvenirs that offer portraits of the Pope, plastic virgins and other objects.

You'll see them all over the city, recognizable by the crowds they drag behind them. They offer free guided tours in English, Spanish and German. The tours last about 2 hours and you can choose from several tours, including Jewish Krakow, Historic Krakow and Communist Krakow. Excellent for a first approach to the city. They are not afraid of the night, because even after dinner you can meet groups of people who are out exploring the city.

The origins of this 16 meter high mound overlooking Podgórze are shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that it was the burial place of Prince Krak, the founder of Kraków. Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed objects dating back to the seventh century, which suggest that in pagan times rituals celebrating the arrival of spring were held here. In any case, the place offers a magnificent view of the Old Town, Kazimierz, Płaszów and Nowa Huta.

The tourist office financed by the city is decentralized in several information points (Punkt informacji Miejskiej) scattered all over the city. Rather discreet compared to the more aggressively marketed travel agencies, it offers very interesting services. For example: rooms in local homes, reservations for visits and tours with the right guides in the city. The list of places can be found on its website.

The first church in Kazimierz was erected by King Casimir in 1340, but its construction was not completed until the middle of the 15th century. Its beautiful baroque interior contrasts with the austerity of its architecture. Inside you can admire the stained glass windows in the choir and the impressive baroque pulpit in the shape of a boat supported by mermaids and dolphins. In the Chapel of St. Anne lies Bartolomeo Berecci, the architect of Wawel, who was murdered in 1537.

The main building of the National Museum houses a gallery of decorative art, an excellent Polish art gallery of the th century, a true reason for travel, as well as a relatively medium collection of weapons and uniforms. The Cracow National Museum is composed of a number of annexes. The most remarkable pieces of the collection are two paintings of Rembrandt and Vinci in the Czartoryski museum. Its other annexes are the museum of Jan Matejko, that of Stanisław Wyspiański, the very beautiful house of the artist of the Young Poland movement (Belle Epoque) Józef Malinowski (Ul. Krupnicza 26 Tel +48 12 421 11 43), the Polish painting gallery of the Cloth Hall and the Manggha Museum.

Built at the end of the 16th century by the Jesuits who came to launch the counter-Reformation, this church was the first Baroque building in the city. It is easily recognizable from Grodzka Street: its façade is preceded by a balustrade on which stand the statues of the 12 apostles (1723)

statues of the 12 apostles (1723). Its crypt contains the remains of Piotr Skarga, a Jesuit preacher and visionary priest who predicted the partition of Poland. The church hosts classical music concerts.

It is one of the largest basilicas in Krakow, which has been the mother church of the Dominican order since its introduction in 1229, and therefore occupies a very important place in the history of the country. The church was destroyed by fire in 1850 and only a few chapels survived, such as the Chapel of St. Hyacinth, in the middle of which stands a sarcophagus containing the relics of the first Polish Dominican. In the 1980s, students who were opposed to the regime organized exhibitions of subversive paintings in the chapel.

Away from the village stands a magnificent late Renaissance stately home from the 16th and 17th centuries. It was the estate of the influential Leszcziński family, who commissioned the Italian Sante Gucci. Called mały Wawel, or little Wawel, it is beautiful and its inner courtyard is surrounded by arcaded galleries and easily recognizable columns. Inhabited until World War II it is now home to a luxury hotel, the Zamkowy Hotel.

Built in 1582, this former arms depot was used to store weapons and war trophies conquered by Jan Zamoyski's armies. Its collections were largely looted during the Swedish and Tatar invasions. In the early ^19th century, the Arsenal was remodeled in the neoclassical style. Today, it is a military museum and part of the regional museum. On display are antique weapons and armor, as well as drawings and paintings by soldiers depicting their lives in the trenches during the conflicts of 1915 and 1930.

Located in the Armenian houses on the Rynek, this small and very heterogeneous museum has no real theme. It offers different collections of paintings (including portraits of the city's founder), engravings, religious wooden sculptures and military equipment. There are also clothes from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, archaeological finds from the region, pottery with green and brown patterns, typical of the Carpathians, some history of the city of Zamość, including a beautiful model representing the city in the seventeenth century.