Museums, architectural monuments and religious buildings carry not only educational information, but also perform an entertaining function. Krakow knows a lot about the tandem of these two characteristics. Poland is a country where tourism has reached a whole new level in recent years.
The birth of an unusual legend
The first mention of the city dates back to 966. At that time, the point was described as a successful trading center under the rule of the Czechs. Later, these territories came under the leadership of the Polish princes. In the course of further events, Casimir the Great moved his capital to Krakow.
The settlement began to actively grow and develop. During this period, dozens of interesting myths about its origin appeared. It was then that the famous legend about how Krakow was founded was born. The city, according to chronicles, was terrorized by a terrible dragon that lived in a cave.
At that time, this land was owned by Prince Krak (the name of the city came from his name). The ruler had two sons and a beautiful daughter. According to one version, the king sent his children to the monster. For a long time, the young men tried to defeat the dragon by force. And only thenrealized that success can only be achieved by wisdom. Young princes stuffed a stuffed cow with poison. A terrible snake went hunting, swallowed the bait and suffocated. But after the victory, the guys did not know how to share the glory, so a fight began. Only one survived the fight. The son who returned lied that the other died at the hands of the monster.
Three heroes of one story
All cities in Poland are shrouded in multiple myths. Krakow is no exception. According to another version, young girls were sacrificed to the dragon. When only the daughter of the ruler remained in the principality, the king announced that he would marry her to the one who defeated the ferocious beast. The cobbler named Skuba Dratevka defeated the snake with cunning. He put sulfur in the stuffed animal, and when the dragon swallowed the poison, he felt a burning sensation in his stomach. The serpent flew to the river and drank the water until it burst. Later, the young man sewed boots from the monster's skin. And Krak kept his promise.
There is also a version according to which the king himself defeated the dragon.
In any case, whoever defeated the monster, these legends still live on. The authorities contribute to the preservation of the culture of their people.
Mounds of princes
There is another story about the prince's daughter. They wanted to force the girl to marry an unloved man. In order not to be captured, the lady threw herself into the river.
The museums of Krakow do not tell about these legends. But on the outskirts rise two artificial barrows, named after the king and his daughter Wanda. The first is located in the Nowa Huta area, the second - in the old town. Construction dateof both mountains is not exactly known, but scientists suggest that the tomb of the king was built in 500. An embankment for the young lady was built two or three centuries later at the place where her body was found.
Those who visit Wanda's mound on November 4 or February 2 will be able to observe an amazing picture. The sun will set exactly over the mountain of the prince. And if you stand on the grave of an ancient ruler on May 2 or August 10, then the luminary will descend from the embankment, which is the grave of his daughter.
Pride of the country
The Wawel Castle Complex is an architectural gem of the city. It draws thousands of visitors to Krakow every year. Poland is still proud of this majestic building.
People built on this land in the 11th century. Until 1300, a fortress was erected on the hill, and subsequently King Casimir III rebuilt the fortifications and decorated them in the Gothic style. The city itself has evolved since the Polish state was proclaimed in the 10th century.
The stagnation of progress began when the Commonwe alth was created. Therefore, the point was on the very edge of a large country. The unfavorable location led to the fact that the capital was moved to Warsaw. Although for a long time the castle remained the residence of the rulers, yet numerous fires and barbarian attacks relegated it to the background.
But, starting from 1900, the complex began to be restored. Today, all tours in Krakow offer a visit to an amazing architectural landmark.
Land of National Heroes
Wawel can tell a lot of interesting and useful information. Greets visitorsstatue of the national hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko. It is worth noting that the monument is a copy. The original was destroyed by the Germans during World War II. The pedestal was restored in 1960. Many researchers note that the rider is a copy of the original, but the horse changed color and got fatter. Interestingly, the same monument is installed in Denver, USA. The fact is that Kosciuszko participated in the War of Independence.
As previously noted, for 500 long years Wawel was known not only as the center of Krakow, but also as the capital of Poland. That is why a lot of objects worthy of the attention of a tourist are concentrated in this city.
For many centuries the castle remained the residence of the rulers. Princes not only lived in it, but also died. Famous figures of the country are buried here. Among them is President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria, who tragically died in a plane crash near Smolensk on April 10, 2010. The resting place was the Cathedral of the Krakow Fortress, which is located near the grave of Jozef Pilsudski, a Polish statesman. Their sarcophagus was covered with a stone slab weighing 400 kilograms, on which the names of the president and his wife were carved, as well as a cross. A special memorial plaque was installed nearby.
Dragon tradition
The inhabitants of Krakow still keep their legends. Therefore, bones hang in front of the entrance to the temple. Today it is known - this is the skeleton of a mammoth. But for a long time people believed that these were the remains of a dragon. In fact, in ancient times on this earth they believed that such a talisman would bring peace and prosperity. Suchother cities in Poland also have symbolic talismans.
The cycle of legends about the evil snake is continued by the cave, which is also located on the territory of Wawel Castle. According to legend, it was in it that a terrible monster lived. For some time the great hall in the dungeon was known as a tavern for the rich. Later, all entrances to it were walled up. But after gaining independence, this corner again began to fulfill its main role - to impress visitors.
Chervensky Boulevard, lying under the walls of the fortress, has become a favorite place of pilgrimage for tourists. There is a monument to the dragon. The monument erupts in flames every five minutes. The author of the work is Bronislav Khromy. Interestingly, you can start a fire using an SMS message to a specific number with the text smok.
Marvel of architecture
Many surprises the city. It contained 25 monasteries, 7 synagogues and many chapels. The churches of Krakow should be placed in a separate row. There are about 40 of them. Each is worthy of the attention of a tourist. But the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has long been a calling card.
The first stone of this structure was laid back in the 1200s. Several times the temple was engulfed in flames, destroyed by enemy troops and even an earthquake. But the shrine was rebuilt more and more luxuriously. The church received its modern look at the end of the 14th century.
A characteristic feature of the structure are towers of different sizes. So far, it has not been possible to establish what such planning is connected with. This architectural nuance explains the local story. According to legend, the towers were built by two brothers. When alonenoticed that the second one was doing the job faster, then he killed him. Subsequently, unable to withstand remorse, the murderer threw himself from the roof to the ground and crashed.
The exterior of the church is not the only thing Krakow has to offer. Poland has always cared about spiritual development, so the interior of the temple is also impressive. The highlight was the Vit Stwosh Altarpiece, which combined Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Fresh ideas
Museums of the city received a special status. There are more than twenty of them in this area. Each of them is interesting and unique. Their main advantage is a departure from harsh rules.
The Jewish Museum "Galicia" is extraordinary. There, visitors can not only learn about the culture of this people, but also listen to concerts that are often held within these walls.
Exhibits of the Modern Art Gallery surprise the guests. Exhibitions of the last twenty years, educational programs, scientific publications, library and bookstore - this is what Krakow has to offer. Poland took an active part in the creation and opening of this institution. Today it represents the best examples of the newest trends.
An outstanding place is the home of Japanese art and technology Manggha. His main task is not just to talk about the life of a distant country, but also to arrange master classes, give lectures and organize art courses.
It is in this city that the world-famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci "Lady with an Ermine" is located. The Czartoryski Museum has the honor of presenting a masterpiece.
City of Myths
Guests are attracted by the price of accommodation, cheap, delicious food and a rich entertainment program. In this city, everyone will find an excursion to their liking.
In addition to numerous churches and museums, tourists are offered modern entertainment. Everyone who comes to the city can visit bars, clubs, restaurants and even a water park. Krakow is the cultural capital of Europe. About 2 million foreign tourists come here every year.
Practically every monument is shrouded in an interesting and extraordinary legend. Although many skeptics point out that all these myths are invented for children, nevertheless, city tours are much more interesting with them.
But so far, Krakow has not been as touristy as some other European capitals, so it has retained its unique energy and beauty.
