The Origins of the City
Kraków appears in written sources as early as the 10th century. According to legend, the city was founded by Prince Krak, who defeated a dragon living in a cave beneath Wawel. The real history is equally fascinating.
In the year 1000, during the Congress of Gniezno, Emperor Otto III agreed to establish the Kraków bishopric. From that moment, the city began to play a key role in Polish history.
The Golden Age of the Jagiellonians
Kraków reached its peak of splendor during the reign of the Jagiellonian dynasty (1386-1572). It was then that:
- The Kraków Academy was established (1364) — the second oldest university in Central Europe
- Gothic churches and Renaissance townhouses were built
- The city became a center of trade, science, and art
Nicolaus Copernicus studied astronomy here, and the most distinguished artists of the era frequented the royal court.
The Royal Castle on Wawel Hill
Wawel is the heart of Polish statehood. On the hill stands the royal castle and cathedral, where kings were crowned and buried. The cathedral crypt houses the sarcophagi of rulers, from Władysław I the Elbow-high to Józef Piłsudski.
The castle chambers contain priceless works of art, including the tapestries of Sigismund II Augustus — among the most magnificent textiles of Renaissance Europe.
The Main Square
Kraków’s market square, laid out in 1257, is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It is dominated by:
- St. Mary’s Basilica with the altar by Veit Stoss and the bugle call played every hour
- The Cloth Hall — symbol of Kraków’s trade
- The Town Hall Tower — remnant of the former town hall
Contemporary Kraków
Today, Kraków is Poland’s second-largest city and the cultural capital of the country. The Old Town and Kazimierz are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Festivals, museums, cafés, and galleries attract artists and tourists from around the world.
Despite the passing of centuries, Kraków has preserved its unique character — a combination of royal tradition with the youthful energy of a student city.