Lying at the foot of the Carpathian Beskids, on the left bank of the Vistula, Krakow is the "heart" of Poland, often contrasted with Warsaw, which is considered the "brain" of the country. Effervescent, lively, dynamic, elegant, romantic, nostalgic, the attributes multiply to describe this university metropolis which was also the royal capital and which remains the symbol of the Polish nation. The city is particularly grand during its famous Christmas market and nativity scene competition.
Krakow, between medieval vestiges and cultural bustle
Throughout its history, Krakow has been invaded by Tatars, Teutonic Knights, Swedes, Russians, Austrians and Nazis, without ever really giving in or letting itself be conquered. Fifty years of communism have not managed to erase the beauty of this city, which is the most beautiful urban jewel in Poland.
The Old Town, one of the most important examples in Europe of a superbly preserved medieval center, enchants visitors with its cobbled streets, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque facades, and its magical atmosphere. The oldest and most evocative district of Krakow, the Old Town brings medieval Krakow to life, with its quiet alleys, the Rynek, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its two asymmetrical towers, the Cloth Hall and the Jagiellonian University. The Old Town is easily accessible on foot, and is a pedestrian zone anyway.
However, Krakow is also attractive for its contrasts. Leaving the Old Town, one forgets the medieval Krakow and the royal Krakow of the Wawel Hill, and plunges into the old Jewish quarters of Kazimierz and Podgórze, where one can still breathe in an authentic Galician atmosphere. And for those who have time to venture even further, the remnants of the communist era await them in Nowa Huta. Not to mention that in Zwierzyniec, Bielany and Łagiewniki you will find an even different face of this surprising city: this is the Krakow of shrines and churches, surrounded by green hills and meadows.
A city of a thousand faces, Krakow is also a popular destination for its incredible cultural dynamism. As a university town, Krakow is in perpetual cultural and artistic turmoil. The city's calendar is punctuated with festivals, exhibitions, concerts and cultural events of national and international level. The new scene is dynamic. But the traditions are also there. Religious and patriotic, Poland is constantly celebrating large-scale festivals. Culture has a prominent place in the life of Krakow's citizens: literature, cinema, theater and music (an impressive number of philharmonic concert halls, symphony orchestras and opera houses).
Finally, around Krakow, a peaceful and green countryside and small picturesque villages will make the happiness of your escapades. In short, traveling to Poland is, for a Western visitor, a change of scenery guaranteed at only two hours by plane, without time difference, visa or passport. Slavic language and culture, a colorful architecture, a surprising gastronomy, specific atmospheres and traditions, a disconcerting spirituality... And yet you will not feel lost in this European country, welcoming and easy to discover. The Polish people are eminently hospitable. Even if the Poles can often seem reserved at first, they very quickly reveal a great sense of welcome and solidarity, in all simplicity. Easily accessible from Paris, Krakow and its surroundings offer a multitude of activities in an enchanting setting.
Christmas traditions in Poland
In Poland, Christmas traditions are numerous and very important for everyone.The festivities begin with St. Andrew's Day on November 30, the last night when people are allowed to party. This evening, often well drank, gives the opportunity to plan the great events of the future year. To do this, each guest pours hot wax over a pan of cold water with a key. The shape obtained in frozen wax, becomes, according to the imagination of each one, a marriage, a voyage, a birth, money..
December 1st begins Advent, the religious period of preparation for Christmas. It is also a time of excitement when, despite the cold and short days, families go shopping, often at the Christmas market on the Rynek. They stock up on almonds and hazelnuts, crosses and straw stars, mulled wine and conviviality.
On December 6, as in other regions of Eastern Europe (also in Alsace), Saint Nicholas comes to distribute sweets and gifts to children.
On December 23, people are busy preparing the food for Christmas Eve. In order to respect the tradition, 12 dishes must be prepared that evoke the 12 apostles. The tree is set up on December 24, decorated with small objects made of woven straw and colored paper garlands. Christmas Eve begins the moment the first star appears in the sky. At midnight, most people go to church. On December 25, everyone stays home and on December 26, people visit their families. On December 27, the carnival begins. The atmosphere changes to take on a more pagan air with the preparations for the New Year. The shelves of the stores are filled with an impressive quantity of alcohol bottles. On New Year's Eve, between midnight and 1 a.m., many people gather on the Rynek to admire Krakow covered in fireworks.
An internationally renowned Christmas market
In Krakow, the Christmas market takes place in the Old Town Market Square. In numerous wooden huts set up all around, craftsmen display their handmade objects and regional producers offer a variety of Polish specialties. But what makes this market famous is the Polish nativity scene contest(szopka) which takes place every first Thursday of December on the same square. The participants in the competition represent the most beautiful monuments of Krakow and make both wooden and paper nativity scenes. The szopka represent the Nativity scene not in front of a stable but in front of a Krakow monument. The precision in the details is impressive! These miniature buildings are also inhabited by characters from Polish culture. A perfect opportunity to discover the pearl of Poland!
Did our article make you want to visit Krakow? Discover without further delay the 13 places to visit in Krakow.
Smart info
When is it open? All year round. With a continental climate, summer is warm and sunny. The golden autumn often offers pleasant weather, as does spring. Winter is very cold, but the cities have a special charm under their snowy mantle, especially at Christmas time.
How to get there. Count 2h15 of flight between Paris and Krakow.
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