Krakow (Poland/Europe)

Kraków, also spelled Cracow, city and capital of Malopolskie (province), southern Poland, lying on both sides of the upper Vistula River. One of the largest cities in Poland, it is known primarily for its grand historic architecture and cultural leadership UNESCO designated its old town area a World Heritage Site in 1978.

The former capital city of Poland and the seat of Polish Kings is more majestic today than it ever was. As one of the oldest cities in the country is a veritable gem of national cultural heritage , which draws a multitude of tourists from all over the world.

The second you pass the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate , you will find yourself in a completely different world : the oldest part of Krakow , which somehow survived the turmoil of war. Every elegant , stylish building here has a story to tell.

Thousands of historic buildings and sites dot the city. Most prominent are the many churches, including St. Mary’s Church, the main section of which dates from 1497. 

In the Main Market Square of the Old Town , stop to smell the floral aromas coming from Krakow’s famous flower sellers , as the familiar clip-clop sound of the horse-drawn carriages passes you by.

Overhead , pigeons fly over St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall , trade continues to flourish todays as it has throughout the ages: treat yourself to some amber and silver goods, arts and crafts or even miniatures of the unique Krakow style nativity scenes.