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Barbican in Krakow
The Barbican in Krakow is one of the symbols of the city. This unusual building that guards the historic entrance to the city attracts crowds of tourists every day. The Barbican is one of the few preserved elements of the former fortifications of the city. Its history is quite turbulent, and there were even plans to destroy it. What do we know about the Krakow Barbican preserved to this day? History The Barbican was built at the very end of the 15th century. King Jan Olbracht personally laid the cornerstone and financed the construction of fortifications. The role of the Barbican was to defend the city against the invasion of Wallachian-Turkish…
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5 Best Luxury Hotels in Krakow
Do you wish to spend the long weekend in some serene place with an atmosphere like no other and rich history, which is evident everywhere you turn? If so, Krakow is the perfect destination for you. Being one of Poland’s oldest cities, Krakow draws in millions of tourists annually; hence it is no surprise that it is home to some of the best luxury hotels in the country. Check out the recommended luxury hotels that you should stay here. 1. Sheraton Grand Krakow Located on the banks of Vistula River with stunning city views, Sheraton Grand Krakow is a luxury hotel that caters to the needs of business and leisure…
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Lancut Castle in Poland
Łańcut Castle is one of the most beautiful aristocratic residences in Poland. It is famous for its excellent residential interiors and a fascinating collection of horse-drawn vehicles – one of the largest in Poland. The palace complex is surrounded by an old, picturesque English-style park. History The history of the Łańcut Castle dates back to the 16th century when the Pilecki family erected the first defensive tower in this place. In the 17th century, the Stadnicki family rebuilt it, but Łańcut gained real significance in the 17th century during the Lubomirski reign. By order of Stanisław Lubomirski, bastion fortifications were added to the castle (1629-1642), and the building became the…
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Bobolice Castle in Poland
Castle lovers should definitely visit Bobolice Castle because this 14-century object is unique, so it would be worth checking what it offers. The castle is located in the Silesian Voivodeship just 25 minutes from the other stunning castle in Ogrodzieniec. It was built by King Casimir the Great, who left behind many castles all over Poland. For several years now, we can admire a beautifully restored medieval castle. History The Bobolice stronghold was part of the entire defense system so-called Eagles’ Nests, intended to protect the western border of the Polish state. In 1370 the castle fell into the hands of the Opole prince – Władysław Opolczyk, who later rented…
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Morskie Oko Lake
Zakopane doubles as Poland’s winter capital and a famous resort town for foreign travelers in the summer. It’s proximity to Krakow also made Zakopane what it is today, a popular tourist destination. Most people come to this city for its charm, Krupowki Street famous for its international stores and, more importantly, Morskie Oko – the most beautiful spot in the region, with endless stunning views. Morskie Oko Overview You might have bumped into pictures of this beautiful lake online, and they look so unreal. Well, this is because you haven’t visited the lake firsthand. Surrounded by the Tatra Mountains, Morskie Oko is, without a doubt, the most beautiful of the…
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Pieskowa Skala Castle in Poland
Pieskowa Skała Castle in the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland is a real architectural gem, located in the Ojców National Park. The Renaissance castle welcomes all tourists and captivates with its beauty. The building was created as a part of the fortification chain called Nest Trails, protecting the trade route from Krakow to Silesia. Currently, it is one of the few well-preserved monuments of Renaissance architecture in Poland. History The first mention of this stronghold dates from 1315 and appears in a document signed by Władysław Łokietek, in which the German name Peskenstein of the castle comes out. Probably it is a fortification erected by Henry the Bearded to protect the road connecting…
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How to Visit Auschwitz?
Auschwitz Concentration Camp is perhaps the most impressive memento of the horrors of the Holocaust in World War II. Within driving distance of Krakow, more than a million people, mostly Jews, were killed in a terrible way. After the war, the concentration camp became a symbol of the enormous crimes committed by the Nazi regime, a symbol of terror and genocide, and a grim reminder of what man is capable of. For people from all over the world, Auschwitz is an important reason to visit Krakow. About Auschwitz The Auschwitz concentration camp is located in the Polish town of Oświęcim. Auschwitz is a collective name for several concentration and extermination…
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The Cloth Hall in Krakow
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is located in the middle of the main square (Rynek) of Krakow. The old market place in its current form dates from the 16th century. Numerous souvenir shops are located inside the market hall, and several cafes, pubs, and restaurants can be found around the Cloth Hall and on the market. It makes it one of the best things to do in Krakow. History Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Krakow is Sukiennice. Located in the center of Krakow’s main market square, the Cloth Hall refers to a rich trading tradition. In these halls, Sukiennice, in Polish, the wealthy merchants sold their textiles and…
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Krasiczyn Castle in Poland
On the eastern border of Poland, in a quiet village, just a few kilometers from Przemysl lies probably the most beautiful noble residence in Poland. A real pearl of architecture is surrounded by the idyllic and picturesque landscape of the region. The object is not only beautiful but also important from a historical point of view; it witnessed and participated in many tragic events in this part of Europe. History The Castle was built at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. The Castle was the property of the Krasicki family, one of the most powerful Polish magnates. Marcin Krasicki, in the 17th century, gave it a magnificent appearance,…
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Palace of Culture and Science Warsaw
The Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Warsaw and also in Poland. That 230.7m high structure was the gift of the Soviet people to Poland. However, Polish citizens have a love-hate relationship with it. Some Warsaw residents argue that the building should be demolished. And if you know that the citizens associate this building with the painful communist history, you would agree with them. Some, on the other hand, think that the building is a vital part of the city. History of the Palace of Culture and Science The founder of the idea of having a tall building in Warsaw built was none other than…
