Krakow – due to its demographic, economic, social and scientific-cultural strength – ranks second in Poland among cities. It has unique values that are the basis of its economic
development and an increase in the quality of life. It has high-quality human capital at its disposal. It is a city people consciously choose as a place to live, work, study, spend free time in
a variety of ways. Sustainable development and the ability to meet specific challenges with the skillful use of own resources are the main priorities.
The academic center, with its 650 year old University , is permanently connected with the city and builds an unrepeated resource of knowledge in a unique way. It is the key to
competitiveness and innovation not only of Krakow, but also of the entire region. The intensively developing economy based on knowledge is a completely new process in the
economic life of the City, which makes it part of the modern economies of the world. The overriding goal for Krakow is not only to be a modern city but also to be proud of its
historical heritage. It aspires to be an open, rich, friendly and safe metropolis, vibrant with culture. Smart management and strengthening the sphere of modern services and the
research and development sector are the foundations for the development of Krakow - a city where innovation and effective cooperation between science and business are
the focus.
We invite you to visit our website and learn about the possibilities offered by magical Krakow - rooted in tradition, sensitive to everyday life and open to development:
Fot. Piotr Krochmal
Krakow was entered in the UNESCO World Heritage Register in 1978
The city is rich in picturesque relics of all epochs. In Krakow you can admire many different styles of architecture, unique Romanesque objects, monumental Gothic edifices, and masterpieces by some of the most outstanding architects of the Renaissance and Baroque period. As long ago as the 11th century Krakow became the capital city of Poland. The Royal Castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill was the coronation and burial place of Polish monarchs. In the 13th century the layout of the city, was established and has been preserved till today, with one of the biggest market squares in Europe (200 m x 200 m), a Gothic-Renaissance Cloth-hall (Sukiennice) and the Town-hall tower. The city fortification system was built in the 13-15th centuries, parts of the wall, four turrets and a barbican have survived to this day.
Jagiellonian University is one of the oldest universities of Europe, established: 12th May 1364. Nicolaus Copernicus was one of its students.
Krakow is renowned for its numerous old churches, including the Gothic St. Mary's Church famous for its magnificent altar carved by Wit Stwosz. The most famous landmark in Krakow is Wawel Castle situated on Wawel Hill overlooking the river Vistula. This Renaissance castle boasts a beautiful arcaded courtyard, magnificent interiors and the famous the Flemish tapestries. Wawel castle is a necropolis for kings and national heroes and poets. Later this role was taken over by the church vault of the Paulite Fathers in Skalka. In this period many museum collections were founded, such as the art collection of the Czartoryski Family (including Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine"). Kraków is also the city of Karol Wojtyła - Pope John Paul II, the composer Krzysztof Penderecki, and many other famous people.
Today, Krakow is a modern and developing city and a “melting pot” where tradition of indigenous residents is mixed with student's avant-garde. However, thanks to a great number of monuments, excellently preserved in the city's layout, it has never lost its majestic character.
For more information about the city of Krakow please visit: www.krakow.pl
Entertainment zone (opera, music concerts, theatre, sport, exhibitions) on: www.karnet.krakow.pl
