Krakow Poland

Wawel Cathedral was built between 1320 and 1364 C.E.

By Theresa Scanlon

To find the soul of Poland, you must seek it in Krakow -- wrote the author and critic Wilhelm Feldman at the beginning of this century. Poland's soul is chiseled into almost every stone of its old capital. This atmosphere can be felt in each of the city's most visited sites.

Krakow is a colossus of art and architecture, and its Old Town has been placed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's -- UNESCO list of protected World Historic Sites.

Krakow is also a modern city -- the third largest in Poland. Set on a rocky point overlooking the Vistula River, Krakow has been attracting increasing numbers of tourists, lured by its colorful past, which is associated with Poland's national heroes. The country's patron saint, Stanislaus, charged with high treason and murdered by King Boleslav the Bold in the 11th century, rests in a silver tomb in the center of the Wawel Cathedral .

The heart of the city is Rynek Glowny, a great plaza reminiscent of Brussels' Grand Place or Venice's Piazza San Marco. On any given day, a visitor will find Krakovians out for a stroll, itinerant musicians, university students and small groups of tourists from the hinterlands.

The Sukiennice, or Cloth Hall , dominates the square. It is here where merchants of old sold their wares. Today, visitors can stock up on local art and souvenirs or simply sip a cup of coffee or espresso.

Other attractions in the area include the original city walls, the Barbican fortress and the Florian Gate. Once the main entry point to the city, the gate is now the site of a flourishing open art show.

In addition, the Kazimierz district, one of the principal centers of Jewish religion, culture and learning since the 15th century, now boasts a large complex of partly restored historical architecture.