Today was the first full day in Krakow, Poland. The group took a walk through the city to become familiar with the sights and history. There is a lot of history to see in Krakow. Some of the sights are listed below along with some friends that Larry made.
Barbican – the last completely standing remnant of the medieval fortifications that once protected Krakow’s old city. Built in 1498. It is just north of St. Florian’s Gate in the center of the Planty Park that surrounds the old city.
The Plantary – Okay, no pictures but imagine a park that you walk through. Joyce understands the layout and the rest trail along behind. We know that some have issues with directions.
Grunwald Monument – The Grunwald Monument is an equestrian statue of King of Poland Władysław II Jagiełło located somewhere in Kraków’s Old Town and constructed to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald (teutonic knight thinly veiled reference to Germany.) When the Nazis took over first thing to tear down was this monument and when Poland was freed the status was the first thing rebuilt. Nothing like a polite rivalry. (Debbie just likes the story).
Main Market – The Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny in Polish in case you need to know), designed in 1257, is considered Kraków’s city center During the German occupation, the square was renamed Adolf Hitler Platz. It is just a big shopping area that we got slightly lost and walked around a lot.
Cloth Hall – Another big shopping area. Those Polish people like to shop. It is the central feature of the main market square in the Kraków Old Town
St. Mary’s – In the early 15th century the towers were rebuilt when the northern tower was raised to 80m high and made into a watchtower for the city. It is from here that the hejnał mariacki – the city’s famous bugle call – is played every hour on the hour. One of the city’s most enduring traditions, the tune ironically breaks off mid-melody in honour of the mythical trumpeter who was shot in the neck while belatedly warning the city of Mongol invaders; don’t miss it. (Okay, the group missed it. They’ll just watch on youtube or something).
The church starry ceiling was impressive. A lot of other stuff is under construction. Here is a statement that was found to describe the current status – “gradual conservation work on the altar is currently underway (projected to last until 2020), and not all elements may be on display during your visit” One might could say that is an understatement.
Big Head in front of Town Hall – This sculpture in the western corner of the market square is a popular meeting place and at some point serves as a photographic backdrop for almost every tourist who visits the city. (Count the group in on that statment) Affectionately referred to as ‘The Head’, Summary – Big controversy and children like to play in it.
Jagiellonian University and the Collegiete maius – Old college
Professor’s Garden – Attached to the University and was the site where the Nazis closed the school and arrested all the professors. It is the type of persecution story that is repeated over and over throughout the city during World War II.
Archbishop Palace – The palace was the home of Bishop Karol Wojtyla. You probably know him as Pope John Paul II. Every time he visited Krakow on his pilgrimages, he stayed in his previous home and attended the people from one of the palace’s windows, situated above the gate-entrance to the palace. When you pass by the building, you can view a picture of John Paul II in the window and read the memorial tablet near the entrance. People come and stare at the picture and one group sang.
St. Francis Basilica – The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of the oldest and best-known churches in Krakow. Weddings lined up for this church. Debbie and Joyce actually attended a wedding. Debbie thinks Joyce was in the wedding party as she hustled up the aisle in front of them and made a quick right turn to get out of the way. Debbie tried to get in the next wedding but Larry drug here away by telling her more singing was going on outside.
The group did have some exciting moments. They discovered the donut shop which had magnificent looking donuts but all taste the same inserted with Rose Hip jelly. (Debbie insisted it was a huge travesty to donuts everywhere).
Joyce lost her camera but through the technological advancements and google translate, was able to track it down on the square. This involved much hand waving and loud voices.
Lastly, Larry hired a Polish employee to escort him around town. He is really missing Dan.
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It is not uncommon to see horse and carriage in the tourist area -
Barbican – Yes she can -
Gruewald statute -
St. Mary’s -
Debbie likes the stars -
More St. Mary’s stars -
Inside the church -
Krakow goes crazy for donuts but they all test the same -
Market Hall -
Cloth Hall – Wait is that Jerry shopping? He doesn’t shop. -
Jagiellonian University -
Garden of the university where professors were arrested -
Archbishop palace -
This people were singing outside the window but no one is there -
Is that Joyce in line? -
St. Francis Basilica -
The big head – kids won’t leave it alone -
Hey, hey who are you coming around my Barbican -
You are Larry Eng? -
Larry Eng’s new Polish employee