Christmas In Krakow (Poland)

Europe is known for its cozy and picturesque Christmas Markets that attract tourists from all over the World. As soon as winter starts approaching, many cities in our beautiful continent start decorating their streets and squares, making them even more beautiful than they usually are.

I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Christmas, so when I hear about Christmas Markets I get an instant cozy kick. Living in Sweden I have the privilege to go to some amazing Christmas Markets and decorations spread all over the city, but when I read about the one in Krakow I knew I had to go there. I had been meaning to go to Poland for quite a while anyway, so it was perfect!

The beautiful city of Krakow is the second largest in Poland, as well as it is one of the oldest cities in the country. In fact, the city dates back all the way to the 7th century and it was Poland's capital until 1596. What started out as a settlement during the Stone Age is now one of the most special cities that Poland has to offer.

Remarkably enough, the city has come close to being destroyed three times: it could have been destroyed when the Nazis overran Poland, but it wasn't because they chose it as the capital of the General Movement; it could have been wrecked when the Allies controlled the skies after 1944, but, even though it was such a relevant place for the Nazis, it was still spared; and it could have become all ruins when the Red Army kicked out the Nazis, but it was once again spared, without the Nazis attempting to destroy it as they tried to do with Auschwitz. Just like a cat, Krakow just seems to have 9 lifes.

The city's main attraction is the Old Town. In fact, it is so special that it was one of the very first places to be nominated UNESCO World Heritage. This uniquely preserved Medieval Old Town boasts includes unbelievably good-looking and Historically fascinating buildings such as St Mary's Basilica, the Church of St Barbara and the Town Hall Tower.

The crown jewel of this unique Medieval Old Town is the Main Square: Rynek Główny. This gorgeous and uniquely preserved square is actually the biggest medieval square in Europe. Dating back to the 13th century, this absolute pearl has even been considered Europe's best public space, thanks to the extremely lively street life it has. In fact, visitors to Krakow will be able to find a bit of everything at this outstanding square. It is also there that Krakow's Christmas Market takes place.

Krakow's Christmas Market with Sukiennice in the background

Located at the center of the main square is an extremely famous building called Sukiennice: a Renaissance Cloth Hall. What was an important center of international trade throughout History is nowadays a beautiful preserved building where visitors can buy a bit of everything, as well as it houses the Sukiennice Museum at its top floor.

The beautiful ornamented building of Sukiennice, overlooking the Town Hall Tower

Another highlight in this area is the Town Hall Tower, which dates back to the 14th century. It is the only thing remaining from the old Krakow Town Hall, which unfortunately was demolished in the 19th century due to a plan to open up the Main Square a bit more.

It is 70 meters tall and its top floor has an observation deck from which visitors can get amazing views of Krakow. Don't think about it while you're up there, but the Tower is actually leaning more than half a meter due to a heavy storm at the beginning of the 1700s.

The Old Town Hall in Krakow

Another fascinating building in the main square, and perhaps the most majestic of them all, is St Mary's Basilica.

Overlooking the medieval market square, St Mary's Basilica is a 14th century Gothic Church that stands proudly at the center of Krakow's Old Town at 80 meters of height.

Its most quirky feature and perhaps what it is most known for amongst travelers is the fact that every hour (really, every hour, no matter the date) there is a trumpet signal played from the top of the Basilica's tallest Tower. An even more interesting detail is that you won't get to hear the whole thing: it always spots midway, to celebrate a famous medieval trumpeter who got shot in the throat while he sounded the alarm to alert that the city was about to get attacked.

St Mary's Basilica in Krakow

Not far from the Main Square there is another interesting Historical building to see: St. Florian's Gate.

This Medieval Gate is one of the most well-known in the city of Krakow. Having been built during the 14th century as a part of Krakow's city walls and fortifications, it is still remarkably well-preserved. In fact, this gateway tower in Gothic style is nowadays one of the few buildings remaining from Krakow's ancient city defenses. Due to it being the most important of all of Krakow's medieval gates, the St Florian's Gate didn't get demolished by the Austrian occupiers during the 19th century.

Nowadays it is possible to go inside the almost 35-meters tall Tower, by visiting the City Defensive Walls Museum. Visitors will get the chance to see the chapel that exists inside the Tower, as well as they will get the opportunity to take a look at the great views from the balcony.

St Florian's Gate and Christmas decorations

Last but definitely not least, Wawel Castle is a must-see while in Krakow.

This majestic Castle is one of the biggest in the whole country and it contains buildings in many different architectural styles, making it a truly unique sight to behold. At more than 200 meters above sea level, the Castle is integrated in a fortified complex. Being at such a high point also provides great views of the river and Krakow's surrounding areas.

Inside the Castle complex there are several Historically relevant buildings, such as the place where Polish Monarchs were crowned and later buried: the Wawel Cathedral. Apart from that, the Wawel Castle was the official residence of Poland's Royal Family for hundreds of years.

Wawel Castle in Krakow