KRAKOW

[curtiejoe]

Slowly emerging from beneath the oppressive yoke of the Soviet occupiers, this old Polish city, which was the country's capital until1609, is becoming a very interesting and exciting destination for many world travellers. I for one find it a diamond in the rough, as it has many amazing historical landmarks and sites that easily rival those in many of the European cities that tourists traditionally set their sights on.In Krakow, within an easy walking distance of theMain Square,

are the gargoyle-festooned Cloth Hall (aka Sukiennice), theMedieval covered marketplace that bustles with colourful vendors and hundreds of tourists, Wawel, the royal castle, the old, formerly separate Jewish city of Kazimierz, and the 14th century Gothic St. Mary's basilica (aka Kosciol Mariacki) that soars high above the Vistula River.Though luxury accomodations are very scarce as yet, there are reasonable hotels available near the Old Town as well as a large number of interesting restaurants, bars, cafes and galleries. These all help make a visit to Krakow an experience to remember.



curtiejoe

[jublueyz]

My first trip to Krakow, Poland was 9/06, with 2 friends. We rented an apartment on SW Jana Street overlooking the Market Center (fantastic). The apartment cost $650 for 13 nights. In two weeks I will return with my daughter to show her magnificent Krakow, for another 2 weeks. Again, we were able to rent the same apartment. Krakow is a city that is so wonderful. I agree, a jewel in the rough. We all agreed (on our last trip) that Krakow was indeed the most beautiful cityin Europe. Hopefully, over the next few decades,our gem will remain not so commercialized to ruin it's unique beauty. By heritage I am Austrian, with no direct family from Poland. But of all the places in the world, it is Krakow,with it's history, churches, colleges, castles, architecture, people, kindness, art, and shopping,that willbring me back to Europe at least twice a year. Krakow here we come............Julie

[curtiejoe]

Hi julie



Your recent post on Krakow speaks volumes about this beautiful Polish city. Wonderful to hear that you're about to travel there again and this time with your daughter. As a native Austrian, yourobvious lovefor Krakow, even over and above an awesome Austrian city like Vienna, is a marvellous testament. I share your concern that as Krakow becomes more popular as a favoured travel destination for many people, it not be at the expense of the very things (art, architecture, castles, etc.) that make it so attractive. Thanx for sharing your views.



Curt