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The Krakow Old Town, or ‘monuments on the UNESCO list’

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Wieliczka Salt Mine

Poland is full of interesting places that remember the times of kings and were silent witnesses to the most important events in both the country’s and Europe’s history. One of them is undoubtedly the Krakow Old Town, which is why it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List already in 1978. Experience Krakow and its surroundings and fall in love with Małopolska!

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Krakow – The Medieval Capital of Poland

Krakow is one of the most beautiful Polish cities – until 1795, it was the seat of kings, the place of coronations, and the country’s capital. Here you can see monuments from hundreds of years ago and find yourself exactly where the most important historical events took place centuries ago.

It was here that the Prussian tribute took place in 1525, commemorated by a plaque on Krakow’s Main Square and by the famous painting by Jan Matejko, and it was here that Tadeusz Kościuszko swore allegiance to the Polish nation in 1794. The Krakow Old Town also welcomed Prince Józef Poniatowski in 1809 and witnessed both our country’s historic successes and its failures.

Wawel Hill

 

The Krakow Old Town within the ancient walls, Wawel Castle, and the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1978. They were inscribed as one of the first sites in history – for good reason! Discover magical Krakow and its surroundings and you will feel the heart of Małopolska beating.

UNESCO World Heritage List – what is it?

Do you know why the Krakow Old Town is on the UNESCO list? Since 1972, the UNESCO World Heritage List has brought together cultural and natural heritage sites of ‘outstanding universal value’ to society. Krakow – the old market square and everything within the old walls, Wawel Hill, and Kazimierz were placed on this list on the basis of criterion IV. It indicates that the list should include sites that are a special example of a building, architectural or technological ensemble that illustrates important stages in human history. All of this can undoubtedly be seen in a city like Krakow – the Old Town and the other monuments not only please the eye, but also help to broaden one’s knowledge on many levels.

What benefits can the Krakow Old Town derive from being on the list? UNESCO provides the necessary assistance when a site is threatened for some reason. It is not only about the financing of the monument, but also about political issues and expert advice.

The Main Market Square in Krakow
The Main Market Square in Krakow

 

Interestingly, there are also other UNESCO-listed sites in the vicinity of Krakow. We are, of course, talking about the complex of monuments in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oświęcim, and the royal salt mines in Bochnia and Wieliczka.

Krakow – the old market square, the cloth halls and... what else?

Remember that Krakow is more than just Wawel Castle and the Market Square with its buildings. Once you’ve explored the Cloth Hall, seen the beautiful altarpiece by Veit Stoss in St Mary’s Basilica and enjoyed the view from the Town Hall tower, discover the monuments and museums tucked away between the old streets.

After passing through St Florian’s Gate, simply turn right to reach one of the three buildings of the Princes Czartoryski Museum. It is there that you have the chance to see the famous Lady with an Ermine, a 15th-century painting by Leonardo da Vinci. In the Jan Matejko House, you will learn about the painter’s history, see his studio and some of his works, and under the Cloth Hall, you will discover the Underground Market and the secrets of medieval Krakow. 

The Barbican
The Barbican

 

Following Grodzka Street, you will reach Wawel Hill, where you will visit the Wawel Royal Castle, the treasury, the armoury, Wawel Cathedral with the necropolis of kings and people of particular merit for the history of Poland, and many other unusual places. Finally, visit the Dragon’s Den – home of the legendary dragon in the cave beneath the castle – and after a stroll along the Vistula River, head to Wieliczka to celebrate a special jubilee!

From Krakow to Wieliczka for a great jubilee! 45th anniversary of the entry of the Wieliczka Salt Mine onto the UNESCO World Heritage List

In 2023, the ‘Wieliczka’ Salt Mine is celebrating an important 45th anniversary – that is how many years have passed since it, like the Krakow Old Town, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most beautiful Polish monuments. On the occasion of this special jubilee, a trip to Wieliczka is well worthwhile.

St Kinga’s Chapel in the Wieliczka Salt Mine
St Kinga’s Chapel in the Wieliczka Salt Mine

 

A walk through the underground corridors of the Wieliczka mine will be an extraordinary adventure for children and adults alike! Together with your family, you will discover the history of salt mining on Polish soil, you will learn the realities of the miners’ work over the centuries, and find out about the Treasurer – a caring spirit who lives in the mine.

A visit to Wieliczka is not only about the joy of sightseeing and exploring – another advantage of a walk among the salt walls is the unique microclimate, which has a beneficial effect on health and well-being.

Visit the ‘Wieliczka’ Salt Mine and experience a unique time in one of the most beautiful places on earth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

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