This Krakow practical information article will help give you an insight to one of the oldest cities in Poland. Krakow is a popular tourist destination and an important Polish economic center that is situated at the Vistula River. Aside from this, Krakow is most famous for the antiquated architecture of its buildings, monasteries and historical sites. A visit to Krakow will leave you awe-stricken at the several beautiful buildings. It will also give you insight into some interesting history you probably did not know.

World Heritage Site

Krakow has been listed by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites for conservation. Krakow is believed to have a cultural and natural significance to the universal heritage of humanity. Krakow’s significance lies on its urban layout that is illustrated by the congruent expansion and growth of rudiments, representing the progress of architectural styles from the early Romanesque phase up to Modernism. In other words, Cracow is the perfect town that showcases the progression of urban growth from the middle ages to the present day.

Famous People

Pope John Paul II was the archbishop of Krakow before he was promoted to papacy. He was also the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the first Slavic one at that.  Academy award winning Director Roman Raymond Polanski was a survivor of Krakow Ghetto. Lastly, the movie Schindler’s List was based on a real life story of Oskar Schindler, who helped saved 1,200 Jews from the ghetto camp.