Page 23 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

INTRODUCING KR AK OW  21

THE HISTORY OF KRAKOW

One of the oldest cities in Poland, the most important universities in the
Krakow is also among the country’s country and a pillar of Polish culture.
largest. For many centuries, it was Bearing in mind the small population of
the capital city and Polish rulers Krakow (approximately 760,000), visitors
resided at Wawel Castle. The royal may be surprised by the great number
court moved to Warsaw in 1609, of theatres, cabarets, concert halls and
after parliamentary sessions and the art galleries, which are always popular
election of kings began to take place with regular audiences.
Polish historic cities suffered badly olish historic cities suffered badly olish historic cities suf
there. Krakow retained an important P
P
place in Polish cultural life until the during World War II but Krakow’s
Partitions of Poland in the late 18th architecture escaped relatively
century. Deprived of its former status, unscathed, largely because the German
Krakow suffered a significant decline Governor General had headquarters
in its fortunes. here. Despite surviving the war, for
It is more than 400 years since many years Krakow’s treasures were
Krakow ceased to be the seat of left in a state of neglect, hidden
national government, and yet the city beneath peeling plaster, cracking paint
maintains its leading role in preserving and layers of dirt caused by pollution.
Polish national identity. Wawel Royal Fortunately, most buildings have now
Palace, the seat of Polish kings, and been renovated and returned to their
the cathedral that bore witness to former splendour, attracting plenty
their coronations and houses their of visitors to the city.
tombs, as well as the Paulite Church Krakow’s medieval Market Square
“On the Rock” in whose crypt prominent remains at the heart of the city. It
Poles are buried, belong to the most is the venue for some of the city’s most
treasured national heritage. The important events and the traditional
600-year-old Jagiellonian University, meeting place for locals and visitors
formerly known as the Academy alike, all of whom enjoy Krakow’s
of Krakow, is the oldest and one of unique atmosphere and culture.

A 19th-century lithograph of Krakow with the Kościuszko Mound (in the foreground), Museum of Krakow
Kościuszko’s Defeat against the Russian-Prussian Force at Maciejowice in October 1794 by R. Weibezahl