Page 37 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

THE HIST OR Y OF KR AK OW  35

Poster by Stanisław
Wyspiański Where to See
This poster announces a Modernist Krakow
lecture by S. Przybyszewski
followed by a play by Modernist Krakow was, above all,
M. Maeterlinck. a city of literature and painting.
Architecture from this period
is scarce. There are, however,
some magnificent buildings,
such as the spider House “Pod
pająkiem” (see p153) and the
Marionettes from the Palace of Art (see p107). Art
Zielony Balonik Cabaret Nouveau interiors of exceptional
This cabaret and New Year’s beauty can be found at the
satirical show, staged by Karol Frycz, Franciscan Church with its stained
ridiculed the narrow-mindedness glass and murals, designed by
and hypocrisy of the middle classes. Wyspiański (see pp86–7), the
Society of Physicians building
(see p134) and the prestigious
Reconstructed churches former Museum of Industry and
of St George and St Michael Technology (see p146).

Stadium modelled on
Roman architecture

During the rebuilding of the
Old Theatre (Teatr Stary) in the
Art Nouveau style its façade was
decorated with a stucco floral
frieze (see p107).

Polish Acropolis by Stanisław Wyspiański
The idea behind this design for the rebuilding of the entire
Wawel Hill was to transform the Royal Castle into a political,
social, academic and cultural centre of the liberated Poland. Its The façade of the Church of
the Discalced Carmelite Nuns,
architecture was intended to reflect a synthesis of Polish history.
with its elaborate decoration,
is in sharp contrast to its
austere interior.

1906 Krakow sports clubs, 1910 Riflemen’s
Wisła and Cracovia, established Union formed by
Józef Piłsudski
1912 First A late 19th-century
1907 Stanisław cinema opens armchair
Wyspiański dies in Krakow
1907 1909 1911 1913 1915
1906 Building of 1910 Grunwald
the Chamber Monument unveiled 1914 First Cadre Brigade
of Commerce and of the Polish Legions
Industry completed The sphere at the top of the Chamber of marches out of Krakow
Commerce and Industry Building on 6 August