The History of Krakow
Medieval Origins
Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with settlements dating back to the 7th century. In 1000 AD it became a bishopric and in 1038 was chosen as the capital of the Kingdom of Poland. The legend of the Wawel Dragon, who lived in a cave beneath the royal hill, remains one of the city's most beloved symbols.
The Renaissance Golden Age
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Krakow experienced its golden age. The Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, became one of Europe's most important cultural centers, where Nicolaus Copernicus also studied. The Rynek Główny, the largest medieval market square in Europe, was enriched with St. Mary's Basilica and the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall).
World War II
The Nazi occupation marked one of the darkest chapters in Krakow's history. The Jewish quarter of Kazimierz was emptied and its inhabitants deported to the concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Płaszów. Oskar Schindler's Factory, now a museum, tells the story of those who tried to save lives during the Holocaust.
Krakow Today
Today Krakow is the cultural capital of Poland and one of Europe's most visited tourist destinations. With its museums, vibrant art scene, historic cafés and an ever-evolving gastronomy, the city masterfully blends past and present. In 2000 it was designated European Capital of Culture.
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