Krakow

Another cool and partly cloudy day in Krakow. Tram into the rail station where we stored our bags until our train at 4 pm. Then a walk into the old town square and on to have a good look at the castle.

The tram system is the best way to get around town.

Sunday market was in full swing and thousands had come to town for the day.

Paella and Beer, a great combination.

The castle and grounds were bathed in sunlight by the time we got there. Even after 700 years it is quite a sight.

First to explore was the watchtower. Lots of steps and great views over the city. The date of the building of the tower has been set at ca. 1460 because there is a record of 6 burghers being executed in the tower.

There are 5 different museums in the castle, the tower being one of them. The other area we were interested in was the state rooms of the castle. Again the photo ban was on for which I blame all the selfies. Anyway I managed a few pics.

The ceilings of the downstairs rooms are solid timber. Never seen ceilings like this before.

Marble staircase. Note the carved marble hand rail.

Upstairs the ceiling were this timber carved and painted design.

I loved the woodwork of these heavy and solid doors, although they were probably a recent addition from the early 1900’s.

Embossed leather wall coverings.

The rooms were filled with huge tapestries.

With church services now over we were able to tour inside the cathedral. There are so many Polish dignitaries and bishops buried inside the church it is more like a glorious cemetery. Again no photos allowed.

Chopin was Poland’s most famous and prolific composer and has a copy of his memorial stone in the crypt of the church. While he was buried in Paris where he died aged 39, Krakow has his heart.

Below the castle the fire breathing dragon, every 5 minutes.

Enough of the castle. We had a train to catch so we took a last walk through the old town on 5he way to the station. Stoped for a feed of perogies which were delicious.

“The Head”, an iconic landmark in Krakow since 2004.

The square was filled with people with lots of things to do and eat.

Lined up waiting for business. Note the special shoes for the horses on cobblestones.

Wish this was our train. It does 250 to 300 kph which would make our 6 hour trip back to Poznan in 2 hours.

Anyway it has been fascinating to spend some time in Krakow and to be numbered amongst its 12 million tourists per year. I can certainly see why. It is a beautiful town with so much to see and do. But I prefer Poznan because not so many tourists have found it.

Tomorrow is our last day in Poznan so more exploring to be done.