Photos of Krakow
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We never
expected to be enchanted by Poland! Krakow is a city with soul. From the violinist playing
Ave Maria to the gypsy band to the young man playing Celtic music on a flute, the
streets of Krakow resound with music. Women in babushkas sell bread, and flower stalls fill
the Market Square.
The 700-year-old salt mine in nearby Wieliczka is fascinating. There's a
lot more to the salt mine than just tunnels underground. Over the years, miners have
carved out scenes from history and fairy tales in their off hours. There's even a
functioning church! We'll never forget Krakow. |
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The Cathedral of Wavel, in the
castle grounds, was consecrated in 1364. |
Top, flower stalls fill the Market Square in
front of the Cloth Hall. Bottom, exterior of the Church of St. Barbara, founded in 1362. |
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The staff at the Hotel
Europejska were so kind about getting us into a room first thing in the morning after a
long journey on a smelly night train from Prague. |
The "babushka ladies" were out early
every morning selling wonderful homemade bread. |
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The Cloth Hall, in the middle of
the Market Square, was commissioned in 1358 by Casimir the Great. |
This horse and buggy took a
family around the Market Square and the twisting roads of the Old City. |
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| The earliest foundations for Wavel Castle were
laid in the 10th and 11th centuries. |
No visit to Krakow is complete without a visit
to the salt mine in Wieliczka. |
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| Nothing prepared us for the Chapel of St. Minga
deep within the salt mine. Everything in the chapel---from the "crystal"
chandeliers to the tile floors---was carved from salt! |
The Polish people, particularly those from
Krakow, are very proud of Pope John Paul II. This statue graces the chapel of St. Minga. |
| Updated August 4, 2000 |
