Kraków

placed in the category: Cities

Krakow is one of Poland's oldest and largest cities, with the city dating back to the 7th century. It used to be the Polish capital from 1038 to 1596, but it remains to be an important economic centre of the country. It is now a famous tourist spot, with its historic centre having a World Heritage Site. It has been traditionally been a leading centre for cultural and artistic life, as well as a Polish academic centre. Now it is the capital of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship.

The prehistory of Krakow starts with a found evidence of a Stone Age settlement where Wawel Hill stands now. Legend says that the mythical ruler Krakus, who founded Krakow, built a cave, which was occupied by Smok Wawelski, the dragon of Wawel Hill. The name of the city's firs written record was dates back to 966. The city was described back then as a notable commercial centre.

Krakow was already a leading trading centre even just by the end of the 10th century. Brick buildings were built, including Romanesque churches and the Wawel Castle. The Romanesque churches include a basilica, a cathedral, and St. Adalbert's. The Tatar invasions in 1241, 1259 and 1287 almost completely destroyed the city. Then it was rebuilt in 1257 and was incorporated based on Magdeburg law, applying tax, benefits, and privileges for the citizens. In 1364, the city was able to rise to prominence once again.

After the communism's collapse, the private sector started to grow in Krakow, and it has been growing ever since. The city has around 20 large multinational companies, including IBM, Google, General Electric, Motorola, Hitachi, among others. There are also Scandinavian, British, and German-based firms in Krakow. This city is the second most often visited by foreigners, next to Warsaw.

Being the former capital of Poland, Krakow still remains as a heart of the country. It attracts both local and international tourists, summing up to around seven million a year. Notable landmarks include the Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica, the Zygmunt Bell, the National Art Museum, and the Wawel Cathedral. Krakow's historic centre was added to the list of World Heritage Sites.