Krakow

Kraków is a city in southern Poland, situated on the Vistula River. It serves as the capital of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship and is one of the country’s largest cities by population, with about 780,000 residents in the city proper. The city is a major historical, cultural, and academic center in Poland.

Historically, Kraków was the royal capital of Poland from the 11th century until 1596, when the capital moved to Warsaw. Its well-preserved medieval core was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 under the name Historic Centre of Kraków. The Old Town features the Main Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe, with the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary’s Basilica, where the horn signal, or hejnał, is traditionally played from the tower.

Kraków includes districts such as Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, and Nowa Huta, a 20th-century socialist-era planned district. The city is a leading center of higher education and culture, home to the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364 and one of Europe’s oldest universities. It hosts numerous museums, theaters, and music scenes, and is known for festivals such as the Kraków Film Festival and Jewish Culture Festival.

The local economy emphasizes education, tourism, and technology. Nearby attractions include the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO-listed site. Kraków is served by John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice and an extensive rail and tram network, supporting both daily life and international visitors.