#Jewish Ghetto Quarter Krakow

[suetravelblog]

Museum of Contemporary Art Kraków Poland

[redheadonaroadtrip]

Schindler’s Factory & the old Jewish Quarter

Krakow, Poland ~ November 2018

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I’ve never seen the movie ‘Schindler’s List’, however it’s certainly on my to do list now! The museum was absolutely fascinating and there is so much incredible information in there alongside genuine artefacts.  I think you could spend an entire day there and still not manage to read all of the literature available on the walls and displays. 

My favourite parts were the diary/journal entries and letters written by Jewish people (adults and children) during the time of the Nazi take over. Although difficult to read at times, they’re honest, and give a true insight into the atrocities that took place. I would certainly recommend a visit to Schindler’s factory if you ever visit Krakow! It’s a short 10-15 minute walk from the main part of town I’d say. Definitely book in advance too, as the queues are quite long and it’s very busy!  We booked before even landing in Poland and just skipped straight past the queue.

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Holocaust Memorial. Kazimierz, Kraków, Poland

[madamspeaker]

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (and husband Paul) lay roses at the last remaining portion of the Ghetto Wall in Krakow’s Jewish quarter to honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. (21st January, 2020)

[petrick18]

Krakow on a budget

Hey guys, if you’re looking for a beautiful city that won’t hurt the bank, search no more, Krakow is a charming medieval city with loads of history. I would say it’s a cheap city to have an adventure but it’s definitely not a “cheap city” as the quality of the trip I had was great! Here are few tricks to get around Krakow on a shoestring.

1. Auschwitz

My trip to Krakow has been amazing and depressing at the same time. It made me feel human again. It is necessary to visit the Auschwitz Memorial, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, to remind us that such hatred and cruelty should never happen again. I booked my tour with Viator and it was a round trip to Auschwitz and Birkenau for only £30. Included are: transport in a van (max 8 passengers), pick up/drop off at Krakow city centre, entrance fees, guided tour. Our driver Majiek was very friendly, made the trip back and forth less sad. I highly suggest you purchase this so you don’t have to waste time waiting for buses and chances are they’re full so you have to queue longer. The tour lasted 7 hours.

2. Wielickza Salt Mine

From one UNESCO World Heritage Site to another, the salt mine in Wielickza is an impressive one! Google Maps doesn’t really work in Krakow so commuting is a bit difficult. Good thing my friend suggested this website. It is also quite challenging to find the bus stop going to Wielickza so here’s a pro tip: west of Galeria Krakowska is Pawia Street, ride bus 304 located on Ogrodowa Street. Bus ride costs £2 return, plus travel time is 45 minutes each way. Wieliczka is one of the oldest salt mines in operation in the world. I am not claustrophobic but when I stepped inside and made my way 300 metres below ground, I must admit I felt a bit scared. It was replaced by amusement afterwards with the fascinating stories of the history of the mine and extraordinary sculpture and architecture made of salt. I have no plans of marrying someone but when I saw the Chapel of St. Kinga inside the mine, I was so blown away, I want my wedding venue to be there haha! I paid £15 with my student ID card (usual price is £20), it was so worth it! The down side is there’s no decent waiting area so if you’re there in winter, you’ll be freezing in line. The tour was 3 hours long and Evelyn, our guide was very witty with her commentaries, never had I LOL so much on a tour xD

3. Krakow Old Town

Marcin and I finally met in front of St. Mary’s Basilica, a beautiful brick Gothic church that dates back 13th century. I told him that it’s not the most grand or imposing piece of architecture I have seen but there is something about it that makes me drawn to it. We went to one of the afternoon tours offered by Krakow Explorers. It is a free walking tour and I must say the guides Eugene and Bartek were very knowledgeable about the city’s history, telling us compelling stories that make Krakow interesting and one of a kind. We booked 2 tours that day, a two hour walk of the Old Town and Sin City. Highlights of the Old Town tour are:  St. Mary's Basilica (watch out for the hourly bugle call and wave back as he says hi!), Juliusz Słowacki Theater, the Barbican, St. Florian's Gate, Main Market Square (where public executions were done during Middle Ages and a form of entertainment back then), Cloth Hall, Medieval Town Hall, Collegium Maius (the alma mater of Nicolaus Copernicus and Pope John Paul II) , Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral.

Wawel Cathedral is a fun one, it’s the perfect example of harmony in diversity. There were three major constructions in 11th, 12th and 14th century after the first two were partially destroyed. The result was a splendid combination of Gothic and Renaissance carchitecture.

4. Jewish Quarter

Another day, another tour. My Polish friend and I booked another walking tour of Krakow Explorers and this time our guide was Dima. Jewish Quarter aka Kazimierz District is a good 15 minute stroll from the city centre. Highlights include: Old Synagogue, Holocaust Memorial, Jewish Cemetery, a film location in Schindler’s List, Jewish Ghetto, Heroes of Ghetto Square and Bridge of Love.

One of the few photos I have from the Jewish Quarter, the one above is Corpus Christi Basilica. Completed in 15th century, I’ve been told you need to wear shades inside the church as bright golden light will blind you on a sunny day.

Tales from Krakow

This is my favourite corner of Krakow, the lane of Unfaithful Thomas.

You have to go up in one of the towers of St. Mary’s Basilica to see this magnificent view of the the largest medieval square in Europe, Rynek Glowny aka Main Market Square. From the top you could see the monument of Adam Mickiewicz- the greatest Polish Romantic poet, Cloth Hall and Medieval Town Hall.

5. Travel to Warsaw

Seriously, I wouldn’t know what to do in the city if Marcin did not help me out. He even booked my ticket for my train to Krakow, the trip costs £30 one way for a two hour ride. Things not to miss when in Warsaw: Palace of Culture and Science, Old Town and Warsaw Rising Museum.

The charming Old Town in Warsaw.

Marcin and I at St. Florian’s Gate. If I were to compare Krakow and Warsaw, Krakow wins my heart by million miles but I think it’s a bit unfair since I only stayed in Warsaw for 10 hours. Overall, I would rate my trip pretty good as Krakow captured me by it’s irresistible charm and if you ask me, I would go back again, this time, visiting Zakopane. For great Polish cuisine, the city never disappoints with it’s mouthwatering dishes, I would suggest places to eat but I guess this blog is not really for that. To my Polish friend Marcin, dziękuję! I had a blast just like we did in Nice, good luck on your master’s/thesis. Couldn’t thank you enough for all the help, until we meet again :D

[krakowguide-blog]

🇬🇧 This is why you should visit Krakow after pandemic: . ➳ one of the most popular cities in Europe (beautiful, safe, cheap) . ➳ always full of people (around 14 million tourists each year 😯) . ➳ the capital of Polish culture (we have plenty of theaters, festivals etc.) 🎶 . ➳ over 5000 monuments (from many centuries) 😊 . ➳ Krakow is very various: medieval Old Town, Jewish Quarter, ghetto area from the WWII, Nowa Huta (socialist part) and many others. . ⫸ and from Monday we're opening all restaurants and cafes again!!! Can't wait 😎 _______________________________________ 🇵🇱 Dlaczego warto odwiedzić Kraków już teraz? ➳ póki nie ma wielu turystów, komfort zwiedzania jest zupełnie inny (działaj sprytnie i nie czekaj na tłumy) 😎 . ➳ już od poniedziałku otwarte będą (prawie) normalnie wszystkie restauracje i kawiarnie ☕🍦🥗🥘 . ➳ warto wspierać polską turystykę, poznać swój kraj, który ma wiele do zaoferowania . ➳ w Krakowie nie można się nudzić: mamy ponad 5000 zabytków 😯 . ➳ nie lubisz zabytków? W Krakowie są liczne kluby, puby, życie nocne jest na prawdę burzliwe 😅 _______________________________________ 👉 I'm licensed Krakow city guide 💜 👉 follow for more facts and tips about Krakow ☺️ 👉 links in bio or DM 👉 zwiedzaniekrakowa.com _______________________________________ #krakowtips #whykrakow #tour #krakow #kraków #cracow #cracovia #visitkrakow #guide #przewodnik #zwiedzanie #sightseeing #turysta #tourist #badzturysta #toursbylocals #zprzewodnikiem #krakowcityguide #spacerpokrakowie #zwiedzamykrakow #igers #history #historiccity #historiakrakowa #krakownaweekend #bornready #lovemyjob #krakowlove #citysightseeing #krakowexperience (w: Rynek) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAMvethnaUT/?igshid=1wo1ge5cz44k4

[fromrusttoroadtrip]

A couple of years ago Lucy and I hosted a girl from Poland through Couchsurfing. We didn’t have long together because we were busy juggling work and building the van.

Today we finally got to meet up again. After a hilariously poor effort of trying to find parking in Krakow - which resulted in driving right in to the pedestrian-only main square and awkwardly manoeuvring a 20-point turn to get back out again much to the amusement of many onlookers – we eventually found somewhere to dump the rust bucket for the day. Cities are much more enjoyable on foot. We stopped off for a bite to eat in the old Jewish quarter and took a walk through the historic ghetto, catching up with our friend and soaking up the sights the city had to offer along the way, including the extraordinary Wawel castle. In the evening we decided to visit a spa complete with saunas, a steam room, a thermal bath and a Jacuzzi. The main draw initially was the thought of a nice hot shower, everything else was a really pleasant bonus. Not a bad way to finish the day off!

Just before we left, our friend gave us a load of surplus vegetables from a relative’s farm. This bad boy pumpkin has done us for ten meals so far and we’re only half way through it!  

Follow the hashtag #Fromrusttoroadtrip to follow our van conversion project and our travels around Europe! 🌍

[twopassportsandamap-blog]

We visited Krakow for 5 days in February-March 2019, and completely fell in love with the city and sights. 

Today I’ll detail some of our favourite places and activities, to help you make the most of your time in Krakow. Like many cities, everything is within walking distance and relatively central, meaning you can cram in as much as possible.

Let’s start with the Old Town Square, known as Rynek Glowny. This is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, and dates back to the 13th century. It’s no surprise how old the square is, as the buildings and town hall are beautifully designed and very grand. Surrounded by bars and restaurants, this is the hub for nightlife and activity, as are the streets leading to the square itself. You can catch a ride on a horse & cart through the old town, or gaze in awe at St Mary’s Bascilla, which rises above and towers over the square. 

We stayed in Hotel Campanile within the old town, less than 5 minutes walk to the main square. This was on a small side street, with lots of pubs, bars and restaurants. 

Surrounding the old town is Planty Park, one of the largest city parks in Krakow. It is a green belt of grass and trees surrounding the Old Town of Krakow, and was established in place of medieval walls in the 1800’s. It’s easy to know if you’re leaving the old town or still within it, depending on whether you have crossed through the park. 

In 1978, Wawel castle was declared as a world heritage site, and you need to see it for yourself to appreciate the beauty of the castle grounds. Take a walk up Wawel hill and spend some time within the grounds. Tours are available through independent companies, but would only be beneficial if you are into the history of the grounds. 

Just down the hill on the bank of the Vistula River you will find the Dragon of Wawel Hill, known in Polish as Smok Wawelski. The Wawel Dragon is a famous Polish folktale, in which the evil dragon lived in a cave under the hill and was stealing young girls and farm animals. The prince of Krakow offered a reward of half the country and marriage to his daughter – free to the person who killed the dragon. Hundreds of men and soldiers tried and failed to slay the dragon. A shoe maker had an idea to fill a sheepskin with salt and leave it near the cave, which caught the attention of the dragon. He ate it and then his stomach started to burn, and he ran down to the river to drink. The dragon continued to drink and couldn’t get rid of the burning in his stomach, and drank so much until he burst and died. The statue was built in front of the dragon’s den in 1970, and breathes fire every few minutes. 

Mr Pancake & Pizza Boyz is home to photogenic food and a diet busting menu, only a ten minute walk from the main square. Offering pancakes topped with sweet treats like oreos, candy floss and kinder to name a few, this small café is always bustling and full of locals and tourists alike. Small flags depicting hashtags with phrases such as #FuckDiet make Instagram-worthy photographs, and it’s not just pancakes for sale. Smoothies and Pizza, as the name indicates, are also available boasting a huge number of random and bizarre toppings that you wouldn’t normally associate with the food, but still somehow works. 

Galeria Krakowska is on the outskirts of the old town, across Planty Park. This is a large shopping centre filled with both shops and eateries. The centre is also located beside the main bus and train station, if you plan on using public transport. The mall includes a lot of common modern shops and outlets. Including (but not limited to): 

Shops 

Bershka, Converse, H&M, Calvin Klein, Kiehls, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, L’Occitane, Lee Wrangler, Levis, MAC, Mango, Sephora, Zara , Guess

Food outlets  

Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Subway, Burger King, McDonalds, Costa Coffee, North Fish, Caffe Nero 

It’s essential to take a walk through the Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) which is full of bars, restaurant and traditional Jewish culture. Heroes Square is based within the Jewish ghetto, a must see, and is a public square marked by 33 empty chairs, commemorating the Polish Jews lost in the Second World War. Schindlers Factory is about half an hours walk from the old town, and minutes from Heroes Square. Although we did not do a full tour, we went to the Factory and had a look around the reception area at some of the wall art and displays. A tour lasts 90 minutes and is free on a Monday if you book tickets online in advance (these are limited).

For the thrill seekers visiting Krakow, we would highly recommend booking in an hour at ‘Top Gun’, a shooting range located approximately 20 minutes outside of Krakow city centre. We booked our visit to Top Gun online, a couple of months prior to our trip. The online booking process was very efficient and the customer service was very prompt and professional. Coming in at £46 per person, this truly did deliver “bang for our buck”.

We ordered an Uber about 30 minutes ahead of our booked slot at Top Gun and arrived there about 5 minutes prior to our start time. The drive to the range was mainly motorway and felt very swift. Upon arriving we were met by Alan, our tutor for the hour, a very pleasant British man who was extremely welcoming. Immediately upon walking into the range we were met with the very loud roar of machine gun, shotgun and hand gun fire, this was a completely new experience which immediately set the heart rate racing. 

When booking online you get to select your chosen range of guns to shoot whilst visiting Top Gun, we selected the “US Army” package, but there was also a “Russian Army” package as well as other assorted packages to choose from. Within your package you get 10 rounds to fire per gun.

For the gun nerd, Rambo wannabes out there, our US Army package involved firing an M16 rifle, an M4 Carbine rifle, a Colt 1911A1 hand gun, a Beretta hand gun and also a Sniper Rifle, complete with scope. 

When you have finished unleashing your inner Arnold Schwarznegger, you get to collect and keep the large paper target you have been aiming at, introducing some competition between you and the person you are visiting the range with.

Overall this was a great experience and one which we shall certainly be doing again the next time we are in Krakow!

One of the main reasons to visit Krakow is to go to the Auschwitz site. The tour of Auschwitz- Birkenau was a harrowing experience to say the least. This is the site of one of the greatest mass murders in history. I’m sure the majority of readers will have studied the Second World War in school, and understand the history and the tragedy of the Holocaust.

We arranged a tour of both camps through Krakow tours and this included pick up at a designated meeting point, the bus journey to and between camps, as well as a guided English tour for our group. 

The most upsetting part of the visit for me was the piles of shoes, suitcases, glasses that people brought with them when they thought they were going on a short trip for work or holiday. When people thought they would be returning home. Wooden legs and human hair, some of this woven into a blanket, was shocking to see but it hits you hard and you realise this really happened to human beings. It’s difficult to explain what it’s like to someone who hasn’t visited. If you get the chance, definitely do the tour.

Here are some things to note when visiting Auschwitz: 

• If you take a bag this must be no larger than an A4 sheet of paper and you are required to go through security checks before entering the camp. 

• There is a restaurant selling food and drinks at the camp gates however once you enter the camp food & drink is not allowed in with you. You can leave this on the bus if you arrange a tour. 

• There are some areas where photography is not permitted; it is a criminal offence to disobey these rules. Signs will indicate if you are in one of these buildings, as will your tour guide if you choose a guided tour. 

• If you tour both camps, this is a long day so make sure you are well prepared with a good nights sleep before hand, and bring something to eat/drink on the bus (as long as your tour company allows this) 

• The majority of the tour is conducted outdoors and there is a lot of walking between buildings – dress appropriate for the weather. There is no dress code as such for visiting the museum, however you must be respectful. 

• Behave in an appropriate manner and be respectful. We saw a lot of people taking selfies with buildings, posing on the train tracks and messing about in a place where you should be doing the complete opposite. 

For more information, or if you have any questions it would be best to refer to the official website http://auschwitz.org/en/ 

I’ll finish this guide with a list of food and drink places we visited and would recommend. The majority of these places we stumbled upon just by walking around, and would highly recommend: 

• The Spaghetti – It’s best to be safe & make a reservation either online, over the telephone or popping by earlier in the day as it gets full really quickly due to the popularity of the place. 

• Sticky Fingers – I got a 50cm pizza which came on a raised tray and had a table of it’s own. The pizza was to die for, and since visiting Poland I’ve noticed a lot of UK restaurants following suit with the long style pizza, although I’m unsure exactly where the tradition began. 

• Virtuoso – a pizzeria and restaurant in the main square

• Pub Pod Papugami – an Irish pub located on a street off the main square, cheap drinks, good atmosphere and they play the football on their big screens. As with anywhere, drinks are cheaper off main square than on 

• World of Beer 

• Bier Halle - super cheap steins for beer drinkers like Calum, if you’re not as into beer like me they offer small sample beers, with a different type of beer in each 

• Cyber Machina - an underground pub dedicated to video games, a bit tricky to find but once you’re in, they have a menu with lots of drinks and potions, and the decor is amazing. They have loads of games consoles and board / card games to play while you enjoy your drinks.

• Hard Rock Café – bound to find one in any city you visit, but this is located right in the main square and happy hour is available during the week to get a bargain on drinks. 

• Cakester Café - a small café across from our hotel, just off the main square (Swietego Tomasza). This offers seating, takeaway and they are a healthy lifestyle café and cake shop. They have a selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy-free options for cakes and breakfast. The prices were also relatively cheap for a quick bite to eat in the morning, and knowing you were eating something healthy was a bonus in itself. 

[motl2017-blog]

Day 3 - Shabbat in Krakow

A take on Day 3, written by our New Zealand participants: "Our first MOTL Shabbat began by walking through the streets of Krakow to a Jewish museum where we held our beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat service. The service was led by Rabbi Plotkin and Rabbi Brodie who both encouraged great amounts of student involvement. We shared stories, sang songs, danced, and overall had an incredible experience. The ruach (spirit) was so evident among the entire region, it was truly palpable.

Following the service, we walked to dinner which was shared with a number of other regions on the march, including: Switzerland, Dallas, Miami-Dade, and BBYO. Throughout the night we continued to sing and dance with both our new friends and old friends, even though after seeing Auschwitz-Birkenau together, we all feel like family.

This morning we had a number of different options for Tefilah that we could choose from. Of those options, there was one that involved traveling to the nearby Polish synagogue where services were being held for members of the polish and MOTL community.

The rest of the day consisted of our walking all around the old city of Krakow. We saw the remnants of the Krakow ghetto, seeing Schindler’s factory, and then visited the Jewish quarter. All in all, it was an inspiring day. We got to feel what life was like in Krakow before and during the war. Seeing these sites in Krakow showed us how these innocent people, who were ripped from their familiar surroundings, separated from their loved ones, and systematically murdered, were real people; it personalized everything we’ve learned thus far about the Holocaust. This opportunity has made us feel proud of our heritage and has given us even more of a responsibility to ensure that we, and all of the world, never forgets.”

It's me again now. At night, we did something that, even in my third Poland experience, brought on a whole new wave of emotions. It came down to a very simple fact: half the holocaust happened at night. We went to Plaszow, a labour camp only 15 minutes from the centre of Krakow, for Havdallah - our service that concludes the Shabbat period. It was freezing cold, but nothing compared to what the tens of thousands of Jews would have experienced in the war. We heard the testimony of a survivor of the camp, who spoke in detail of experiences that occurred on the very site we were standing on. The senses one experiences at a camp took on a completely different shape at night. It was astounding.

[traveltoblank]

Kazimierz: The Former Jewish District of Krakow, Poland

Karmen Skaro

South of the Old Town Krakow is situated Kazimierz district, a center of Jewish life for more than 500 years. Most of the Krakow’s Jewish history is concentrated here – Jewish cemeteries, synagogues, and art. Today it has a rather bohemian atmosphere, bustling with life, art galleries, historical sites, and cool bars and cafes.

Complete Krakow Walking Map

Plac Nowy (New Square)

Plac Nowy was the primary market in the Jewish quarter and a ritual slaughterhouse for poultry. The central landmark of the square is the Okrąglak (rotunda) with many food places around. It where you can taste the best zapiekanki in Poland, a must try traditional dish.

Krakow Ghetto Wall Fragment

Yet another powerful reminder of tortures and atrocities Krakow’s Jews have undergone during the Nazi occupation is a Krakow Ghetto Wall Fragment, a 12-metre stretch of the original ghetto wall. A commemorative plaque reads in Hebrew and Polish: “Here they lived, suffered and died at the hands of the German torturers. From here they began their final journey to the death camps.”

Plac Bohaterów Getta

Ghetto Heroes Square was a place for Ghetto residents to socialize during the hard times of WWII as the largest open space but it was also a place from where they were deported to their final destination – the death camps. In 2005, 70 large well-spaced metal chairs were laid out on the square symbolizing departure, as well as the subsequent absence of the killed people.

Galicia Jewish Museum

The Galicia Jewish Museum is dedicated to the memory, history, and life of Jews in southern Poland and western Ukraine.

The museum is open daily from 10AM to 6PM. Entrance tickets are 16 zł per person.

Old Synagogue

The Old Synagogue is no longer working synagogue, but a great exhibit showcasing the history and traditions of Polish Judaism. It is the oldest surviving example of Jewish religious architecture in Poland.

The museum hours depend on the season with the following hours:

Winter season (November to March)

Monday from 10AM to 2PM

Tuesday through Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9AM to 4PM

Friday from 10AM to 5PM

Summer season (April to October)

Monday from 10AM to 2PM

Tuesday through Sunday from 9AM to 5PM

Last entrance 30 minutes before closing. Tickets are 10 zl per person with the option to rent an audio guide.

New Jewish Cemetery

The New Jewish Cemetery is a huge cemetery and place of final rest for many of Krakow’s distinguished Jews of the 19th and 20th century. The horrors of the Nazi occupation made many of the tombstones memorials to entire families. It is a place to visit, pay respect to those killed, and to say a prayer. 

High Synagogue

The High Synagogue is the third oldest synagogue in Krakow built in 16th century. Interestingly the prayer rooms are built upstairs. It is believed that was a safety measure to protect worshippers from unfriendly intruders.

The High Synagogue is open daily from 9:30 AM to 8PM. Tickets are 12 zł per person.

Remuh Synagogue

Krakow’s smallest, but most active synagogue is the Remuh Synagogue with Shabbat service held each Friday. The adjacent cemetery and the synagogue are places of pilgrimage of Jews from across the world.

Remuh Synagogue is open Sunday to Thursday from 9AM to 4PM and Friday from 9AM to dusk. Tickets are 10 zł.

Synagogue Izaaka

Isaac’s Synagogue is a Judaic-Baroque synagogue built in the 17th century as a gift from a wealthy Jew, Izaak Jakubowicz. In a shop inside you can buy kosher food, sweets, Jewish calendars and similar items.

The synagogue is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 8PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. From November to March it is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 6PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Entrance costs 10 zl per person.

Synagogue Kupa

Synagogue Kupa, a Baroque synagogue, features a richly decorated interior with paintings of Biblical scenes and holy places.

The Kupa Synagogue is open Sunday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 4PM and Friday until dusk.  Entrance costs 5 zł.

The post Kazimierz: The Former Jewish District of Krakow, Poland appeared first on Travel to Blank.

from Kazimierz: The Former Jewish District of Krakow, Poland

[ltraveladventure]

Day 8: Krakow, Poland Schindler’s Factory & the Jewish Ghetto

Today we stayed in the beautiful city of Krakow, visiting the former Jewish Ghetto--Kazimierz. We arrived early in the morning and met our tour guide, Jakob, who brought Kelly and me along with two other delightful women from the Netherlands around Kazimierz. As we explored the area, we first came to several old churches, one of them the Corpus Christi Basilica. It is a Gothic church founded by King Casimir III the Great in 1335. Inside was ornately adorned with carvings and stained-glass windows. Outside there was a beautiful fountain that Jakob said we could drink from and be instantly healed—or so the legend has it! We both drank, of course!

Jakob explained how Poles and Jews lived together harmoniously since 1200s, each practicing different religious beliefs; nevertheless, respecting one another because they all considered themselves from Cracov (Krakow). There were about 64,000 Jews living in Kazimierz—the separate area of the city. After the war, only 10% of Cracovian Jews--about 3,000 to 4,000 survived the war, many of them because of Oskar Schindler.

As we went to the Jewish quarter, we saw the old synagogue, kosher restaurants, and outdoor cafes. Then we came upon the Ghetto Heroes Square where mass deportations, beatings, and cruel humiliation took place. There are 33 monumental chairs, and 37 regular chairs (those were left by inhabitants)—all symbolizing those whose lives were lost from 1941-1943. Then Jakob showed us where the one and only non-Jewish inhabitant who lived in the Krakow Ghetto was permitted by the Nazis to remain to help with illnesses among the inhabitants of the Ghetto. His name was Tadeusz Pankiewicz, who was an apothecary within the ghetto walls. His Eagle Pharmacy is open as a museum to show how he helped the Jews to survive. He hid Torah scrolls and helped with the underground movement, helping Jews escape. There is a book entitled, The Krakow Ghetto Pharmacy, and a movie about his experiences and his work in the underground movement. He is honored by Israel and named Righteous Among the Nations. He had to plead with the SS soldiers to stay in the Jewish Ghetto, convincing them that he would help prevent the spread of diseases. What courage and bravery—reminding us that in spite of everything that occurred, there still where examples of goodness and kindness in people. https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/12/obituaries/tadeusz-pankiewicz-85-pole-who-helped-jews.html

From there our guide brought us to a fragment of the Ghetto wall which was built long before World War II. The wall is unusual in that it has rounded top edges, which Kelly calls “bumps.” We’ll include a photo of the fragment left in commemoration to the lives lost here.

We then went to the factory where Oscar Schindler spent his war years in enamelware. The factory is now a museum, dedicated to preserving the history with artifacts and first-hand witness accounts. As we went from exhibit to exhibit, the museum illustrated the anti-Semitism that existed for centuries showing the propaganda and hatred long before Hitler came to power. Each exhibit room marked years leading up to the war years, depicting how the hatred had laid a foundation for the mass genocide.

We saw artifacts encased in the museum that included shackles and whips used against the Jews to show the harsh cruelty. Probably the most horrible item I came upon was a cigarette box that had been made from human skin. I knew that the hair from humans that was shaved from their heads was used to make textiles and other such items, but I had no idea that human skin was used to craft personal items. There were other such horrors that elucidated the heinous acts the SS soldiers perpetrated upon human lives.

When we came to the room of hope in the Schindler factory, it was dedicated to those whose lives were preserved because of Oskar Schindler. Leaving his factory, I had so many mixed emotions about the lives lost, the lives saved, and the two heroes of the war who rose above the many hateful. My thoughts were on Oskar Schindler and Tadeusz Pankiewicz.

As we closed today, we decided to visit the beautiful Wawel Castle overlooking Krakow, built by King Casimir III the Great in the 11th century. It’s just awe-inspiring and gives quite an impressive view of the city. We climbed the bell tower, where legend explains if you touch the bell in the highest part of the tower with your left hand, you will be lucky in love. So we made the climb, Kelly weaved through the little mousehole openings to make it to the top, touched the bell, and felt lucky to be alive, to be having a Starbucks coffee in a Castle, and headed back down to the square to enjoy a lovely evening meal.

The day was beautiful, 30C/ F. We both love Poland, the people, the kindness they show strangers, and the beautiful Krakow square. As we prepare to leave Poland for the Czechia, we found ourselves sorry to leave too soon. It’s a country I want to explore further, this city is a city that offers so much history, so much beauty, and so much more left to discover.

#LoveOurFellows!

In Peace,

Leah & Kelly

[thewanderingboomerang]

We visited Krakow in March 2016, and this is what we did in our short time there …

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The largest mining museum in the world and one of Poland’s largest tourists attractions. it is believed to be built in 1280. The UNESCO listed mines include cathedrals, chapels, churches, salt sculptures, chandeliers, lakes, health spas, cafes … you name it! The microclimate in the mines is supposedly beneficial to those with asthma or allergies.

I was blown away by this place! You must go! Here’s some photos, including one of my mum tasting the salt walls 🙂

The tour only shows you 1% of the entire salt mine, which is impressive as we were in there a while (1.5 hours). We went down as far as 140m, but it goes down much further (305m I believe). Tickets/Tours cost approx. £15.

We grabbed lunch outside the salt mine. There was a small traditional styled café on the street facing the entrance called Halit restaurant. We ordered soup and were pleasantly surprised to see it arrive on a bowl made of bread (including lid). Why can’t all soup be served like this?

We organised the salt mine/Auschwitz tour with our Air BnB host. I’m used to organising and planning every trip by myself. My mum suggested we book with the Air BnB  as we were very short on time with this trip. I’m so glad we did in the end. The Salt Mines and Auschwitz are both out of the way and I imagine quite hard to get to. Auschwitz is 60-90 minutes away.

The guide picked us up in the morning and drove us to salt mines. At 12pm he picked us up and took us to Auschwitz. He also came in with us and gave us a tour explaining everything. We were able to jump a huge queue and by passed all the crowds. I would recommend a tour guide for the two concentration camps.

Auschwitz and Birkenau

I don’t really know what to say about Auschwitz. It something you just have to experience for yourself. I had been to the concentration camp near Berlin before this trip, so I had a fair idea of what to expect. Some people hate that these places have become ‘touristy’, but I personally think it’s important to go and see it for yourself. It is important to remember those who experienced the horror first hand.

Rynek Glowny (Main square)

The old town survived World War 2 and is now a UNESCO world heritage site.

St Mary’s Basilica church

Built in the 1200’s, this church lives in the main square (free entry).

Town hall

100 steps unto a panoramic view of the main square.

Rynek Underground Museum

A.K.A ‘the Dirt Museum’.

When they began construction work on the main square, they found old remains of existing buildings, streets, and possessions under the square, 4m below the surface. The square became an archaeological site for five years and you can visit the remains of the largest medieval market square in Europe below. I loved it! I found it all fascinating, but my sister named it ‘the Dirt Museum’ and wasn’t as impressed as I was! Go on and decide for yourself. (entry approx. £3.20)

Wawel Castle

The grounds are free to walk around, but you have to pay to go inside. We arrived quite late and didn’t make it inside. I believe there is Davinchi painting in the castle, and Polish kings in the crypts in the cathedral.

Grodzka street in the original kings road which leads from the main market square to Wawel hill.

The urban legend of Krakow …

A prince called Krak/Krakus built a castle on Wawel Hill and named the city after himself. It was a great city except for the dragon who devoured sheep, cattle and men. The prince ordered a sheep hide near his cave filled with sulphur. the dragon took the bait , rushed to the river to drink, and finally exploded providing a firework display for the city. the dragon monument, smok wawelshi is placed where the dragon once lived.

Kazimierz

Kazimierz is the Jewish quarter. Spielberg shot most of Schindlers list here. You can visit Schindler’s factory and get a tour. I wish we had time to do this.

https://freewalkingtour.com/krakow/tours/paid/schindlers-factory/

Slightly different to the Main square Rynek Glowny more calm and unique atmosphere. Lots of famous pubs, best burgers, delicious Ice creams, river bank with restaurant, ships and pedestrian bridge which connects Kazimierz with Podgórze.

We walked around until we found the Jewish ghetto chair memorial. The memorial commemorates the lives lost during the organised Jewish youth resistance against the Nazi’s on the 22nd December 1942. Most fighters were captured and murdered.

“From our path there is no turning back … we are fighting for three lines in history, if only to show that Jewish youth did not go like sheep to the slaughter.”

Banksy Street Art

Ulica bozego ciala (the street name)

Vegetarian/Vegan food spots

When we arrived in Krakow we had only just decided to try vegetarianism and were aspiring to eventually go vegan. We were discussing if we should be ‘travel vegans’. This means we would be vegan, but we would try the local food when we are travelling. However, when we got there and realised the food consisted of a lot of greyish stodgy meat dishes and we couldn’t bring ourselves to do it. It made us actively search for some vegetarian/vegan restaurants and I’m so glad we did.

I love food. I eat and think about food all day long, but for some reason when I’m travelling, it falls down the list of priorities. We tend to squeeze as much into the day as possible and eat when we have time or a need a rest. The nearest café we can find is where we often end up. Our first trip as vegetarians (and aspiring vegans) made this trip a different trip to all the rest. We planned our meals and cafés into our sightseeing schedule. I didn’t realise how much fun this could be. Veggie and especially vegan food is all new and exciting to us and so were the cafes and menus. Here’s some we found and tried. I also enjoyed the hunt for some of these places. They took us off the beaten track, and that’s how we found the Banksy street art.

Café Mlynek

Pod Norenami

if you are looking for more vegetarian/vegan friendly restaurants use http://www.happycow.net.

Krakow currently has 11 vegan restaurants and 21 vegetarian restaurants. As well as a list of veg-friendly restaurants and stores.

https://www.happycow.net/europe/poland/krakow/

What we missed…

Schindler’s factory

Plac Nowy – markets in the heart of Kazimerz Jewish quarter

Brama Florianska – gateway to Krakow’s old town.

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Wierzenyk – oldest restaurant in Poland, opened 1364.

Whiskey corner – pub in an old cellar in the old town

Bonarka shopping mall

 Tyniec – Benedictine Abbey

Plac Szczepanski – musical fountain

Wisla boulevards – Wisla river

Kopiec Kraka – free ancient mound/pagan tomb and views of the city

The mounds of Krakow (found this after our trip)

Cmentarz Rakowicki – cemetery monuments sculptures November first – candlelit

Plaza Krakow – a man made beach on the river. you can see it from Wawel hill.

Zakrzówek + Skałki Twardowskiego – an old stone quarry now filled with turquoise water. An oasis near the city centre. Rent bikes and cycle there. You cannot swim there, but you can book and go scuba diving. Many hiking trails around the area. Our host told us its theoretically forbidden, but no one cares. You’ll see people jumping off the 20m high cliffs into the deep clean water.

Kryspinów lake – 2 lakes with beaches and water sports and different attractions.

city bike tour

city walking tour – free walking tours are approx. 2 hours, and begin in the main square at 10.30.

Clubs – Shine (biggest and newest), Fashion Time and Taawa (best in kazimierz).

Things we discovered …

If you believe urban legend Kraków has the highest density of bars in the world. Simply hundreds of bars can be found in cellars and courtyards stretching from the old town, Kazimierz and beyond.

The opening hours we list are flexible. If people are drinking, the barman is pouring.

Punctuality highly valued! Be on time!

The polish are firmly religious, formal and polite.

The polish claim they invented Vodka/Wodka. It is drank straight in one swig.

Krakow is fairly flat making it quite accessible.

Very cheap £1 = 6 zloty

Average spending per day = £22.

Where we stayed …

Apartment • Entire home/flat • 3 Guests

Stylish Living 600m to Main Square

Morsztynowska 5, Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship 31-029, Poland

Check out my Pinterest Boards for Krakow …

https://www.pinterest.ie/wanderboomerang/krak%C3%B3w/

Check out my travel blog for more travel tips.

https://thewanderingboomerang.com/2015/03/17/the-packing-bible/

https://thewanderingboomerang.com/2015/09/08/my-all-purpose-packing-list/

https://thewanderingboomerang.com/2016/10/01/travel-planning/

https://thewanderingboomerang.com/

If you have any comments or travel tips on Krakow, I’d love to hear them!

I hope you enjoy your trip and return safely,

the wandering boomerang 🙂

Krakow We visited Krakow in March 2016, and this is what we did in our short time there ...

[pmcmath-blog]

3 Jan. 2018 Krakow, Poland 🇵🇱

Explored the Jewish Quarter and the Jewish Ghetto today in Krakow. There are monuments, memorials, and art all throughout the area. Because of the gravity of what happened here, we found that we didn’t take many pictures while exploring the area.

[bitchdoeseurope]

Crack-cow

Night one of krakow was the good old tour around the city, eat wayyyyyy too much food and stumble across some cute little sights (markets included) for the following day. Some people went on a pub crawl. I did not want to be getting back to the hostel at 4am and so passed on this option. My day in krakow was jam packed and exactly what I needed - exploration !! The starting point for my day was schindlers factory. Now, I haven't seen the movie schindlers list, but if you have, it's his factory. The factory which I think is located in the Jewish quarter, was a wartime museum which - much like the house of terror in Budapest - outlined the way the war affected and shaped Poland for many decades. It was horrifically fascinating to see how quickly nazi germany invaded the country (21ish days) and was also quite confronting to view multiple Nazi flags and memorabilia. Schindler was originally in Poland in order to profit off of the war and the cheap labour of the Jews, however he went on to save quite a few hundred people and they believe that this has meant he has saved their children, grandchildren and so on. This museum also outlined life in the Jewish ghetto. The fact that people survived through all of the hardship and brutality is a real testament to their strength. After the museum we got a lunch of pierogi (like a dumpling which can be filled with anything from fruits to cheese to meats) and then headed up to the Wawel castle and cathedral. Both of which were such grand structures. Whenever I see these buildings I find it so amazing that they are still standing, architecture from long ago seems to have been much sturdier and timeless in its approach than I personally believe modern creations to be. Out the front of the castle is a statue of a dragon which breathes our fire. Again there is a legend which explains the dragon and again he ends up dying which leaves a couple ready to wed. The rest of the day was spent wandering through markets and a shopping centre. (Yay for a $55 big ass snow jacket to keep me warm). In the evening there was a few people in the group who decided to do an escape room. Don't get me wrong, I love a good old puzzle. But this shit was horror movie themed. Perfect for my brother. An "I'll sit it out" from me. The funniest moment of the whole day was watching one group come out and one of the girls piss bolt her way down the stairs just as a promo guy dressed as Freddie Kruger came around the corner 👌🏻👌🏻

[patrickcorwinmagellan17]

I spent the last 2 days exploring around Krakow and I think it wins as my favorite city this trip. The last 4 photos are from a tour I took today around the Jewish quarter of Krakow, the Krakow Jewish ghetto and also Schindler's factory. Oskar Schindler was a member of the Nazi party, however he could be seen as a good one. He employed hundreds of Jewish people in his factory as a way to keep them from being sent to concentration camps. Early tomorrow morning, I will take multiple trains and travel all day to Frankfurt, Germany, the city I flew into to and I will spend a few days there before heading home. It's hard to believe that I only have 5 days left. (July 19)

[freeminimaps]

Visit Krakow - the Royal Capital City of Poland

Visit Krakow – the Royal Capital City of Poland

                      Krakow, situated on the Vistula River, is one of the oldest cities in Poland dating back to the 7th century. Started out as a Stone Age settlement, Krakow grew out to be Poland’s second most important city and one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural and artistic life. Also regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, it has a rich cultural heritage in the form of masterpieces of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture in its Old Town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Krakow is also home to the largest medieval market square in Europe, the Rynek Glowny and to one of the oldest universities in the world, the Jagiellonian University. Once the Royal Capital of the Kingdom of Poland, Krakow was also named the official European Capital of Culture in the year 2000.

  Sights

  The city’s main drawcard is undoubtedly the Wawel Cathedral. This Royal Cathedral, dating from 1364, has witnessed many coronations, funerals and burials of Poland’s monarch over the centuries. The Cathedral itself was built in Gothic style, but chapels of different styles were later added around it; the most notable ones being the Holy Cross Chapel, boasting 15th-century Byzantine frescoes and a red marble sarcophagus from 1492; and the Sigismund Chapel, regarded as the most beautiful Renaissance chapel north of the Alps and is immediately recognisable by its gilded dome. Other highlights of the Cathedral include – the Sigismund Bell that can be reached by climbing 70 steps in the tower; dating from 1520, this 2m-high bell weighing 11 tonnes is the largest one in Poland; the climb is also worth for the magnificent views of the city – and the Royal Crypt where kings, national heroes and leaders are buried.

  As Krakow was the main political and cultural scene in 16th century Poland, Wawel Royal Castle is a symbol of national identity. This Italian-inspired Renaissance palace serves as a museum today consisting of five separate sections, each section requiring a separate ticket. Of the five, the State Rooms and the Royal Private Apartments are the most impressive. There is also a special display of the city’s most valuable painting here – Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Lady with an Ermine”.

  Krakow boasts an abundance of historic churches along with a huge number of monasteries and convents, which earned the city the title of “Rome of the North”, the most impressive of which is the St Mary’s Basilica. Rising high above Rynek Glowny, this magnificent church is dominated by its two towers, which offer excellent views over the Old Town. The Basilica has a stunning brick exterior and an equally beautiful interior, especially its intricately carved wooden altarpiece.

  Krakow also has an outstanding collection of Jewish monuments, unmatched anywhere in Poland, that can be found in the historic Jewish quarter located in the Kazimierz district. As an influential centre of Jewish religious life before WWII, there were at least 90 synagogues in Krakow, established since the early 12th century, but most of them ruined during the War. Recently, many synagogues underwent major restoration works and are once again open to the public for religious and touristic purposes. The district of Kazimierz is also particularly notable for its many renaissance buildings and picturesque streets.

  The city also has several museums covering the Nazi occupation of Krakow in WWII, with highlights of – Schindler’s Factory, housed in the former factory of Oscar Schindler, with an interactive exhibition telling the moving story of the city from 1939 to 1945 – the Galicia Jewish Museum, celebrating Jewish history and culture as well as commemorating victims of the Holocaust – and the Pharmacy Under the Eagle, a pharmacy run in the Jewish Ghetto during the Nazi occupation.

                 Situated in the middle of Rynek Glowny, there is the Sukiennice Cloth Hall, once the centre of the city’s medieval clothing trade. Established in the early 14th century, it was later extended in Gothic style, then rebuilt as a Renaissance structure. Today, the ground floor is a busy crafts and souvenirs trading centre, and the upper floor is home to a gallery of 19th century Polish paintings.

  The Collegium Maius, part of the Jagiellonian University, is the oldest surviving university building in Poland, and one of the finest examples of 15th-century Gothic architecture. It also has a beautiful courtyard that can be visited free of charge. The Collegium itself can be visited by guided tours only and has a fascinating university collection, including 16th century astronomic instruments used by famous student of the University, Copernicus, as well as some of his manuscripts, a fantastic alchemy room, and the oldest existing globe dating from 1510. The Collegium also has a spectacular Aula with an original Renaissance ceiling, and a treasury containing copies of its foundation papers from 1364 and an Oscar Award given to director Andrzej Wajda.

  The Jagiellonian University also has some fascinating museums as well. For example, its Medical School’s Museum of Pharmacy, which is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and undoubtedly, the best, featuring a 22,000-piece collection.

  St Florian’s Gate is the only one of the city’s original eight medieval gates that survived. It was built around 1300 with its top section added later. To the north of the gate, you can find the Barbarican fortification (also included in the entry fee), a circular brick bastion with seven turrets, built around 1489 as an additional protection to the Gate. The two once were connected by a narrow passage running over a moat. It’s one of the very few remaining structures of its kind in Europe, also the largest and the most beautiful.

  Krakow also boasts 28 museums and public art galleries, the most remarkable of which are the National Art Museum and the Czartoryski Museum, the latter one boasting the city’s richest art collection including works by da Vinci and Rembrandt.

  Parks

  There are about 40 parks including numerous gardens and forests in Krakow, several of them located in the city centre. The best-known is Planty Park, established between 1822 and 1830 in place of the old medieval city walls, thus surrounding the Old Town forming a green belt around it. It consists of a chain of smaller gardens of various styles on an area of 21ha (52 acres) with a length of 4km (2.5 miles), creating a scenic walking path popular with locals and tourists alike.

      In the Vicinity

  Situated some 14km from Krakow is the Wielicka Salt Mine, an eerie world of salt chambers located deep underground. Guided tours (English-speaking as well) are available to this fascinating world, which is well-known for its healing properties. There’s even an underground sanatorium here at a depth of 135m where chronic allergic diseases are treated by overnight stays. Other highlights of the salt mine are – the Chapel of St Kinga, made and carved entirely out of salt over 30 years by one man and then by his brother – and a salt lake. There is also the Krakow Saltworks Museum situated on the 3rd level of the mine. The tour takes about 2 hours and the average temperature in the mine is 14 °C.

      Visit Krakow – the Royal Capital City of Poland was originally published on Freeminimaps - discover authentic experiences!