Krakow is Poland's
prime tourist attraction, a must with few equals in the entire Central and Eastern
Europe. The place has been settled since the Stone Age at least. In 1038 Krakow
became the capital of Poland and Polish monarchs took up their residence in its
Wawel Royal Castle.  The
Old Town historical district in Krakow's heart is actually the medieval city established
in 1257 by Prince Boleslav V, the ruler of Poland at the time. Its well preserved
original grid of streets with the huge central Grand Square, Europe's largest
in the Middle Ages, seems the last stage in the perfection of medieval city planning.
It is also the best example of that art.
In its long history Krakow underwent
many ups and downs. The proud capital city of a mighty kingdom for centuries,
it was turned into a sleepy borderland town of the Austrian empire in the 19th
century. Then it became a vital center of Polish national awakening at the turn
of the 20th century and the cradle of Poland's rebirth, only to be reduced to
backwater under communism. Now Krakow is nearly a million city ripe for restoration
to European status. And the beautiful Old Town area remains its vibrant hub with
numerous landmarks, museums, art galleries, music venues, theaters, university
colleges, etc. on top of myriad boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
UNESCO
entered the whole of Krakow's Old Town in the list of the world cultural heritage.
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