The King's city Krakow - the former capital of Poland, monarch's residence, coronation and burial place of kings of Poland.

Krakow is situated on Wisla river, just over 200 m a. s. l. in the south of Poland. According to a legend, the name "Krakow" comes from the name of a legendary Slavonic prince who founded a medieval city on a rocky hill, which mounts by Wisla riverbed. The first mention about Krakow is found in a record of journey of a merchant from Cordoba - Ibrahim Ibn Jacob in 965. The first traces of settlement date back to the period of several thousands of years ago.

At the end of 10th century Krakow was incorporated into the Kingdom of Poland which was the ruled by a king of Piast dynasty. In the year 1000 a bishopri was established (it was subject to Gniezno metropolis). Gradually, Cracow was gaining prominence among Polish cities and in 11th century became the official of Poland.

Tatar raids, particularly those in 1241 and 1242 inflicted great damage on the city - the contemporary ruler, king Boleslaw Wstydliwy was thus obliged to practically build the city anew and strengthen its fortifications. As a result, Krakow was endowed with municipal rights in 1257. In 14th century, Krakow became a coronation place and the King's necropolis.

Under the rule of Kazimierz Wielki a generous patron of arts and sciences, the city develops and expands. During this period, two satellite cities Kazimierz and Kleparz were founded (at present they are districts of Krakow). In 1364, the King founds the Cracow Academy, which after Prague's is the second University in central Europe. The Academy develops quickly, particularly after receiving endowment from Queen Jadwiga and King Wladyslaw Jagiello. In 15th and 16th centuries, known as the Golden Age, Poland and Krakow flourish. Many artists and scholars settle in Krakow. It is there that the greatest sculptor of medieval times - Wit Stwosz - creates his masterpiece: the altar for St. Mary's church. The famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus pursues his studies at the Academy of Cracow. Splendid Italian architects: Francesco Fiorentino, Giovanni Padovano, Bartholomeo Berecci, Santi Gucci work there creating the renaissance image of the city. During the same period first painting houses are established.

In 1609, king Zygmunt Waza the Third moves his residence to Warsaw, and since that time the importance of Krakow diminishes. In spite of the fact that Warsaw becomes the capital, Wawel Cathedral remains the coronation and sepulchral church of kings of Poland. Throughout the 18th century, Krakow was repeatedly besieged, conquered and pillaged by Swedish, Russian, Austria and Prussian armies. In 1795, when Poland lost independence, Krakow was incorporated into the Austrian domain. With the exception of periods of Grand Duchy of Warsaw (1809-1812) and of Cracow Republic (1815-1846), Krakow remained under the Habsburg rule till 1918. The relatively liberal Austrian regulations allowed for cultivation of Polish language, culture and custom. On the turn of 20th century an artistic vanguard, known by the name of Mloda Polska arose in Krakow. This new artistic movement was a true revolution against hitherto existing currents in art. From Krakow, the new ideas spread to other parts of the country.

After regaining of independence by Poland, Krakow remains an important center of culture and sciences. New universities are established, industry develops. During the World War II, Krakow is the capital of General Government, and the Wawel castle becomes the residence of governor Hans Frank. The city was liberated by the Soviet army on 18th of Jan. 1945. After the liberation, the city, once again become a center of Polish culture and sciences.