Transcript Cracow

• Cracow of over 1000-year-old
tradition used to be not only the
capital of Poland, but also was
and still is the treasury of
culture and art. ancient
buildings and reputable theatres
unite there with the newest art
and architecture trends. Cracow
as a metropolis with 750thousand population, combines
tradition with novelty and the
intertwining influences of
different cultures and periods
make it extremely compelling.
• The Main Square in Cracow is
the largest city square in
Europe. It was built in 13th
century, a square with several
side streets according to the
plan,whichremained unchanged
from the original Sukiennice,
former medieval trade centre
located in a middle part of the
square, serves today as a
National Museum with the 19th
century Polish Art Gallery.
• Mariacki Church is likely one
of the most characteristic
monuments in Cracow and the
only building facing diagonally
the plate of the Main Square,
which can suggests that the
church was built earlier, during
the Roman period. Inside the
church is placed a invaluable
gothic altar, the biggest such
altar in Europe, curved by Witt
Stwosz by the end of the 15th
century.
•
The 70 meters-tall built of
stone and brick Town Hall
Tower is the only remnant of
beautiful Town Hall which was
built in the 14th century. This
building was reconstructed and
remodelled many times
according to obligatory style in
architecture. This structure was
finally pulled down in the 19th
century because of the fatal
condition of this building. The
present Baroque roof dates
back to 1780s when tower was
heightened for 6.5 m, and
previous roof was replaced.
•
The Royal Castle in
Wawel is a symbol of
national and cultural
identity of Polish people. It
has been a royal
headquarters for centuries,
Kings, eminent politicians,
artists, poets and political
leaders are buried there.
•
Part of Wawel, this cathedral, also
known as the Archcathedral Church of
SS Stanisława and Wacława or the
Royal Cathedral is the coronation site
and burial place of almost all of
Polands monarchs. It was built in the
early 11th century by King Boleslaw
the Brave after Cracow was made a
bishopric. Although there are
Romanesque elements, the overall
impact is determined by the 14thcentury Gothic structure. The relics of
St Stanislaw, the patron saint of Cracow
and Poland, are kept here. Of the many
royal chapels, the Renaissance Chapel
of King Zygmunt (Sigismund) stands
out. It is possible to climb the tower to
see the 11-tonne Zygmunt Bell and
enjoy the fine view.