Krakow, Poland. Sights and photos of tourists

Museums, architectural monuments and religious buildings bear not only informative information, but also perform an entertaining function. Krakow knows a lot about the tandem of these two characteristics. Poland is a country where tourism has reached a whole new level in recent years.

Birth of an unusual legend

The first mention of the city dates back to 966 year. Then the point was described as a successful shopping center under the rule of the Czechs. Later these territories passed under the leadership of Polish princes. In the course of further events, Kazimierz the Great transferred his capital to Krakow.

The settlement began to grow and develop actively. In this period there were dozens of interesting myths about its origin. It was then that a famous legend was born about how Krakow was founded. The city, according to the chronicles, was terrorizing a terrible dragon who lived in a cave.

At that time, this land was owned by Prince Krak (on his behalf, the name of the city). The ruler had two sons and a beautiful daughter. According to one version, the king sent his children to the monster. For a long time the young men tried to defeat the dragon by force. And only then did they realize that one can achieve success only with wisdom. Young princes stuffed a stuffed cow with poison. The horrible serpent went hunting, swallowed the bait and gasped. But after the victory, the guys did not know how to share the glory, so the fight started. In the fight, only one survived. The son who returned, lied that the other was killed by the monster's paws.

Three heroes of one story

All cities in Poland are shrouded in multiple myths. Krakow is no exception. According to another version, the dragon was sacrificed to young girls. When in the principality only the daughter of the ruler remained, the king announced that he would marry her for the one who would defeat the ferocious beast. The cobbler named Skuba Drutevka overcame the snake by cunning. He put sulfur in the stuffed animal, and when the dragon swallowed the poison, he felt a burning sensation in his stomach. The snake flew to the river and drank the water until it burst. Later, the young man made shoes from a monster's skins. And Krak fulfilled his promise.

There is also a version according to which the king himself overcame the dragon.

In any case, whoever defeated the monster, still these legends continue to live. Power helps to preserve the culture of its people.

Burial mounds of princes

There is another story about the prince's daughter. They wanted to marry a girl forcibly married to an unloved man. In order not to fall into captivity, pannochka rushed to the river.

About these legends the museums of Krakow do not tell. But on the outskirts rise two artificial mounds, named after the king and his daughter Wanda. The first is located in the area of Novaya Huta, the second - on the territory of the old city. The date of the erection of both mountains is not known exactly, but scientists suggest that the tsar's tomb was built in the year 500. The mound for the young lady was built two or three centuries later on the spot where her body was found.

Anyone who visits the Vanda mound on November 4 or February 2, will be able to observe an amazing picture. The sun will go straight over the mountain of the prince. And if you stand on the grave of the ancient ruler on May 2 or August 10, the luminary will come down from the mound, which is the grave of his daughter.

Pride of the country

The Wawel Castle Complex is an architectural gem of the city. It annually attracts thousands of visitors to Krakow. Poland is still proud of this majestic structure.

On this earth, people were built in the XI century. Before 1300, a fortress was erected on the hill, and later King Casimir III rebuilt the fortifications and decorated them in the Gothic style. The city itself has developed since the proclamation of the Polish state in the tenth century.

The stagnation of progress began when the Rzeczpospolita was created . Therefore, the point was at the very edge of a large country. Unfavorable location led to the fact that the capital was moved to Warsaw. Although for a long time the castle remained the residence of the rulers, yet numerous fires and barbarous attacks pushed him to the background.

But, since 1900, the complex began to restore. Today, all tours to Krakow offer an amazing architectural attraction.

Land of national heroes

A lot of interesting and useful information can tell Wawel. A statue of the national hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko meets visitors. It is worth noting that the monument is a copy. The original was destroyed during the Second World War by the Germans. Restored the pedestal in 1960. Many researchers note that the rider is a copy of the original, but the horse changed his suit and grew fat. Interestingly, the same monument is installed in Denver, USA. The fact is that Kosciuszko participated in the War of Independence of the States.

As mentioned earlier, Wawel has known for many 500 years not only the center of Krakow, but also the capital of Poland. That is why in this city a lot of objects worthy of the tourist's attention are concentrated.

For many centuries the castle remained the residence of rulers. It not only lived princes, but also died. Famous figures of the country are buried here. Among them, President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria, who died tragically in a plane crash near Smolensk on April 10, 2010. The place of rest was the cathedral of the Krakow Fortress, which is located not far from the grave of Jozef Pilsudski, a Polish statesman. Their sarcophagus was closed with a stone slab weighing 400 kilograms, on which are carved the names of the president and his wife, as well as a cross. A number of special memorial plaque.

The Dragon Tradition

Residents of Krakow still keep their legends. Therefore, before entering the temple, bones hang. Today it is known that this is a mammoth skeleton. But for a long time people believed that it was the remains of a dragon. In fact, in ancient times on this earth they believed that such a charm would bring peace and prosperity. Such symbolic talismans have other cities in Poland.

The cycle of legends about the evil snake continues the cave, which is also located on the territory of the Wawel Castle. According to the belief, it was in her that there lived a terrible monster. Some time the big hall in the dungeon was known as a tavern for the rich. Later, all entrances to it were immured. But after gaining independence, this corner again began to fulfill its main role - to amaze visitors.

The favorite place of pilgrimage for tourists was Cherven Blvd, which lies under the walls of the fortress. There is a monument to the dragon. The monument erupts every five minutes. The author of the work is Bronislaw the Lame. It is interesting that you can call the fire using SMS message to a specific number with the text smok.

Divo Architecture

Many are surprised by the city. It accommodated 25 monasteries, 7 synagogues and many chapels. In a separate row should be placed churches of Krakow. They number about 40. Everyone deserves the attention of a tourist. But the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has long been a visiting card.

The first stone of this structure was laid in the 1200's. Several times the temple covered the flame, destroyed enemy troops and even an earthquake. But the shrine was built up more and more luxuriously. The church received its modern appearance at the end of the 14th century.

A characteristic feature of the structure are the towers of different sizes. So far, it has not been possible to establish what is involved in such planning. This architectural nuance explains the local story. According to legend, two brothers built the towers. When one noticed that the second copes with the work faster, he killed him. Subsequently, not having sustained remorse, the murderer rushed from the roof to the ground and crashed.

The appearance of the church is not the only thing Krakow has to offer. Poland has always cared about spiritual development, so the interior of the temple is also impressive. The highlight was the Altar of Vitus Stvos, which combined the Gothic and Renaissance.

Fresh ideas

The museums of the city received a special status. There are more than twenty of them on this territory. Each of them is interesting and unique. Their main advantage is a departure from the harsh rules.

The Jewish museum "Galicia" is an extraordinary one. There, visitors not only can learn about the culture of this people, but also listen to the concerts that are often held in these walls.

The visitors of the Gallery of Modern Art are amazed at the guests. Exhibitions of the last twenty years, educational programs, scientific publications, a library and a bookstore - that's what Krakow can offer. Poland took an active part in the creation and opening of this institution. Today it represents the best specimens of the newest trends.

An outstanding place is the house of Japanese art and technology Manggha. His main task is not just to talk about the life of a distant country, but also to organize master classes, give lectures and organize courses in the study of art.

It is in this city that Leonardo da Vinci's world-famous painting "The Lady with Ermine" is located. The Czartoryski Museum is an honor to represent a masterpiece.

City of Myths

Guests are attracted by the prices for accommodation, cheap, delicious food and a rich entertainment program. In this city everyone will find an excursion to their liking.

In addition to numerous churches and museums, tourists are offered modern entertainment. Everyone who comes to the city can visit bars, clubs, restaurants and even a water park. Krakow is the cultural capital of Europe. Each year, there are about 2 million foreign tourists.

Almost every monument is shrouded in an interesting and extraordinary legend. Although many skeptics say that all these myths were invented for children, nevertheless, excursions around the city are much more interesting with them.

However, so far, Krakow is not as spoiled by tourists as some other European capitals, so he retained only his inherent energy and beauty.