Regional Information
Krakow
At a Glance
Currency: Zloty (PLN)
Population: 750.700
Language: Polish
Local Time: Irish and UK time +1 hour
Voltage: 230V – continental adaptors purchased in Ireland / UK can be used
Flight Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Airport: Krakow-Balice International Airport is 11 km west of Krakow. Journey time into the city centre is approximately 25 minutes
Climate: Krakow enjoys a temperate climate with features of both European marine west coast and more severe continental conditions of Eastern Europe. Weather systems built over the Atlantic bring humid air masses, relatively cold in summer and warm in winter. Whereas dry continental air from the East produces hot summer days and frosty winter ones.
Overview
Unlike the Polish capital of the modern days Warsaw, the city of Krakow came through WWII unscathed and has retained a wealth of old architecture from different periods. The tallest structures dominating Krakow's skyline are the spires of old churches. It is a city alive with character and soul. As the former national capital and the seat of kings, the city has a history encompassing more than a thousand years and is still a leading cultural centre. Ringed by parkland, Krakow’s Old Town is both charming and compact. The Main Market Square is flanked by historic buildings, museums, and churches. St Adalbert's Church is one of the oldest, dating back to the 10th century. The Czartoryski Museum exhibits a fascinating and impressive collection of European art. The Wawel castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit. The city is also situated near Auschwitz, the largest of the Nazi concentration camps, which is now turned into a museum.
Highlights
Lost Wawel - This smartly conceived and executed exhibit presents the remaining fragments of medieval Wawel, including remnants of the Rotunda of the Virgin Mary (Krakow’s first church). A computer generated model of Wawel gives visitors a peek to the early 10th century construction.
The Market Square - The largest one in the medieval Europe, it is framed by tenement houses, palaces and churches with their magnificent interiors.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - It houses plenty of shopping stalls and cafes. On the first floor there is the Gallery of Polish nineteenth-century art that shows a rich collection of paintings and sculptures.
Auschwitz - Words cannot describe the horror of Auschwitz. Pass through the main gate of the concentration camp Auschwitz I - which bares the notorious lie 'Arbeit Macht Frei' (work brings freedom) - and you will become a witness to mankind’s capacity for wickedness.
Salt Mine Wieliczka - A listed UNESCO monument since 1978, the Wieliczka mine is thought to have been created by the forces of nature around 15 million years ago. The mine features nine floors, ranging from 64 meters’ to 327 meters’ in depth, with one shaft dating from medieval times.
Getting Around
Krakow has what most cities dream of - safe, efficient, and cheap transport city-wide, through a network of trams and buses. Buy your tickets from any of the little kiosks that are dotted around the town. All journeys cost the same, irrespective of distance. Taxis are metered and can be found at taxi ranks, which are located in most of the squares on the perimeter of the Old Town. Alternatively, taxis can be hailed on the street – those with a hail-light and displaying a telephone number and company name usually charge reasonable rates. Others are to be avoided.
Health/Security
Visitors to Poland will be pleased to know that the drinking water is safe in many areas, although many travellers do choose to buy bottled water instead because they are unaccustomed to the taste of Polish water. Krakow is generally safer than most European countries, east or west. It is also safer than other major cities in Poland. Generally, tourists should take the precautions they would in any major city. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or leaving belongings unattended.
Passport/Visa
Poland is a member of the EU; therefore no visa is required for Irish or UK citizens.
Useful Contacts
Irish Embassy: ul. Mysia 5,
00-496 Warsaw
Tel: + 48 22 849 66 33, Fax: + 48 22 849 84 31
Web: www.embassyofireland.pl
British Embassy: Warsaw Corporate Centre, ul. Emilii Plater 28
00-688 Warsaw
Tel: + 48 22 311 00 00, Fax: + 48 22 311 02 50
Email: visa@britishembassy.pl or consular@britishembassy.pl
Web: www.ukinpoland.fco.gov.uk/en
Local Emergency Services: 112 / 997 / 999
Calling Krakow from Irl/UK: 00 + 48 + 12 + the number
Calling Ireland from Krakow: 00 + 353 + area code + the number
Calling the UK from Krakow: 00 + 44 + area code + the number
Local tourist office: Krakow Tourist Office, ul. Szpitalna 25, Krakow
Tel: + 48 12 432 01 10, Fax: 48 12 432 00 62
Email: it-krakow@wp.pl
Web: www.krakow.pl
Useful Websites
www.roughguides.com
www.krakow.pl