Culture in Krakow
The Basilica of St. Mary in the center of old Krakow
Overview
Kraków, Poland's second-largest city has been the heart of the Polish kingdom for centuries. Due to its role as a royal residence and as the seat of the Jagiellonian dynasty, Kraków developed into a significant cultural center. Today Kraków is mainly known for its historic old town and buildings, its food, its art scene, and as a popular travel destination.
Historical Sites
Wawel Castle
on the street leading to the entrance of Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle in Kraków sits atop Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Former residence of Polish kings, it now houses museums and the Wawel Cathedral, the coronation church, and is the burial site of Polish monarchs.
The castle complex features Romanesque and Baroque styles. Highlights include the Royal Chambers, adorned with lavish murals and furnishings. The castle's art collection includes works by Paweł Orłowski, among others.
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Aerial view of the Cloth Hall in Kraków's Stare Miasto
Kraków's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978, recalls a time of kings, knights, and merchants. Surrounded by a wall, its well-preserved medieval core with splendid townhouses, the magnificent St. Mary's Church, and the lively Rynek Główny market square offer a unique charm.
The heart of the market square is the Cloth Hall, once the center of the cloth trade in Central Europe. In the covered market hall, decorated with artful sculptures and gargoyle heads, one can find souvenirs, handicrafts, and local specialties. Besides the market square and St. Mary's Church, the narrow streets with Renaissance and Baroque buildings, small shops, and antique stores invite exploration.
Museums and Galleries
National Museum Krakow
The main entrance of the National Museum Krakow
Just off market square in old town, is the National Museum of Kraków, one of Poland's most important museums. Founded in 1879, it houses a large collection of artworks, artifacts, and exhibits that reflect Poland's rich history and culture from the Middle Ages to the present.
The museum is spread across several buildings, including the main building, the Cloth Hall, and the Czartoryski Museum. In the grand rooms of the main building, you will find the most famous works of Polish painting, such as the renowned paintings by Jan Matejko and Stanisław Wyspiański. The gallery of 20th-century Polish art also features works by avant-garde artists such as Władysław Strzemiński and Tadeusz Kantor.
In addition to Polish art, the National Museum also houses an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and applied arts. Highlights include works by Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Van Dyck. Another highlight is the collection of Polish weapons and armor from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Schindler's Factory Museum
The main entrance to the former Schindler's Factory
Once an enamelware factory, now a place of remembrance and learning: The Schindler's Factory Museum in Kraków is an important testament to the history of World War II and the Holocaust. In the authentic rooms of Oskar Schindler's former factory, the history of the city of Kraków during the German occupation and the rescue of over 1,000 Jews by Schindler is told.
Through interactive exhibitions, multimedia presentations, and moving exhibits, visitors are immersed in the dark time of the Nazi occupation and learn about life in the Kraków Ghetto, the resistance, and Oskar Schindler's rescue operation.
Highlights of the museum include the reconstructed offices of Oskar Schindler, an exhibition on German occupation policies and life in the ghetto, and a moving documentary of the rescue operation. Original documents, photos and personal belongings of the rescued Jews illustrate the horrors of the time and Schindler's courageous efforts for his employees.
Music and Theater
Krakow Philharmonic
The grand hall in the Kraków Philharmonic
Also in the heart of Kraków's Old Town, directly at the market square, is the Kraków Philharmonic. This renowned concert hall, officially named after Karol Szymanowski, is one of Poland's most important cultural centers, offering a varied program of symphony concerts, opera performances, chamber music evenings, and jazz performances.
The Philharmonic was built in 1931 in the Neo-Baroque style and impresses with its splendid facade and elegant interior. The grand concert hall seats up to 693 people and has excellent acoustics.
Jewish Culture Festival
Celebrants at the Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow
The Jewish Culture Festival in Kraków is an annual event held in the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. It celebrates the long history and culture of the Jewish community in Kraków and offers a program of concerts, theater performances, workshops, exhibitions, and lectures.
The festival features a wide range of music concerts, from traditional klezmer sounds to contemporary Jewish music. International artists and local musicians perform on various stages in the Kazimierz quarter.
Theater performances and dance shows are also an important part of the festival. Plays exploring Jewish history, culture, and identity are performed at various stages in the quarter.
Culinary Heritage
Traditional Cuisine
this is what an Obwarzanek looks like
Pierogi—the national dish:
Pierogi are filled dumplings considered Poland's national dish. They are made from thin dough and come with a
variety of savory or sweet fillings. Popular fillings include potatoes and cottage cheese, meat, mushrooms, and
sauerkraut. Pierogi is often served with fried onions and sour cream.
Żurek - a sour soup:
Żurek is a sour rye soup that is one of Poland's most popular soups. It is made from fermented rye flour and
enhanced with various ingredients such as sausage, bacon, potatoes, eggs, and mushrooms. Żurek is a hearty and
filling soup, perfect for cold winter days.
Obwarzanek - the Krakow bagel:
Obwarzanek Krakowski is pretzel-like bread sold on many street corners in Kraków. It is shaped like a bagel
and traditionally sprinkled with salt or sesame seeds. Obwarzanek is a delicious snack perfect for on the go.
Markets and Restaurants
- Main Market (Rynek Główny): Numerous restaurants and cafés offering local specialties.
- Kazimierz Quarter: Known for its diverse gastronomic scene, from traditional Polish to modern international dishes.
Events and Festivals
Wianki (Festival)
Fireworks at the Wianki Festival on the Vistula River
Every year on the last Saturday in June, the traditional Wianki festival lights up the Kraków night with music, dance, and fireworks. On this magical evening, coinciding with the summer solstice, people gather on the banks of the Vistula River to celebrate ancient customs and welcome the start of summer.
The origins of the Wianki festival date back to pagan times. It was a festival of fertility and nature worship. Over the centuries, pagan and Christian traditions merged into the festival we know today.
One of the most important rituals of the Wianki festival is the weaving of flower wreaths. Young girls weave flower wreaths and then throw them into the Vistula. It is believed that the wreath that floats the farthest will bring luck and love into its owner's life.
Off Camera Film Festival
Every July, the T-Mobile New Horizons Film Festival Kraków takes place, offering a kaleidoscope of modern films and creative talents. This festival provides a platform for independent film productions and emerging directors to present their works to a broad audience and connect with the film industry.