Krakow

Overview

Stretching out from the Royal Wawel Castle, Krakow’s medieval center contains one of the largest market squares in Europe, as well as a plethora of historic palaces, houses, and churches. One of the city's most-visited sites is Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, a factory turned interactive museum where during WWII Schindler helped more than a thousand of his Jewish workers survive the Holocaust, as depicted in the movie “Schindler’s List.” Poland’s second-largest city and former capital is also home to the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, the heart of Krakow’s Jewish community since medieval times, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a towering Gothic church that dates to the 13th century.  

What to See

Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory – See the factory where Schindler’s Jewish workers were kept alive during WWII, as depicted in the movie “Schindler’s List.” Here you will also find two museums and a permanent exhibition entitled “Krakow under Nazi Occupation 1939-1945.”

Old Town – Krakow’s vibrant Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of historic buildings, including Wawel Royal Castle, once the residence of Polish kings and queens; the Barbican, Old Town’s only remaining gatehouse that was once connected to the city walls; and one of Europe’s largest market squares, which is overflowing with cafés and restaurants.

St. Mary’s Basilica – This Gothic church made of brick is a symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for having two towers of different heights and styles and its wooden altarpiece, which was carved by famed German sculptor Veit Stoss. 

Old Town

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is teeming with attractions, including Market Square, Wawel Castle, and St. Mary's Basilica, as well as a cornucopia of cafés, bars, and restaurants. Old Town's quaint cobblestone streets and squares are mostly pedestrianized, so are ideal for exploring on foot.