"Hotel Biała Gwiazda"
sp. z o.o. Pokoje Gościnne
ul. Reymonta
22
30-059 Kraków
30-059 Kraków
12 633 49 22
Kraków
Cracow
Cracow is a city in the south of Poland at the Vistula river. It is one of Polish biggest and oldest cities. In the past Cracow was the capital and royal city. Cracow possesses outstanding cultural and architectural features. It has been listed in the World Heritage Site. It is the seat of Malopolska Voivodship Office and fulfils important administrative, cultural and tourist role.
Monuments and unique atmosphere are Cracow’s richness. More than three hundred and fifty pubs, restaurants and clubs near the Market Square attract visitors and create inimitable atmosphere not only during the day but also at night.
We invite you to visit the city and to discover all its assets.
www.krakow.pl
www.wirtualnykrakow.pl
www.strona.krakow.pl
www.cracow.pl
Monuments and unique atmosphere are Cracow’s richness. More than three hundred and fifty pubs, restaurants and clubs near the Market Square attract visitors and create inimitable atmosphere not only during the day but also at night.
We invite you to visit the city and to discover all its assets.
www.krakow.pl
www.wirtualnykrakow.pl
www.strona.krakow.pl
www.cracow.pl
Royal Castle
Wawel - pantheon of the country - is a distinctive place of Polish culture and history. It lies in the centre of Cracow on the left bank of the Vistula river. On Wawel Hill there is the Renaissance Royal Castle which was the royal residence until 17th century and the Cathedral which is one of Polish most famous churches. In its interiors we can find the tombs of kings, great rulers and illustrious representatives of Polish culture. On Wawel Hill there are also caves including the dragon’s cave.
Market Square
Market Square is the cultural and entertainment centre of Cracow. In the past it was the biggest market square in Europe. Nowadays its size is comparable only to St. Mark’s Square in Venice. Round the Market Square there are situated historical tenement-houses, numerous shops, cafes and famous restaurants. It is the place where many festivals, concerts, fair, shows and other cultural events are set. The Market Square is also the place of meetings for Cracow residents and tourists from all over the world.
Cloth Hall
Cloth Hall - the oldest shopping mall in the middle of the Market Square in which stalls and textile warehouses were situated. Nowadays stalls offer assorted souvenirs, ornaments and textile. This place is one of the buildings creating the image of the city. Wonderfully lit up at night it helps to create Cracow’s unique atmosphere.
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church is one of the most famous churches in Poland and the well-known monument in Cracow. It is situated in the north-east part of the Market Square. Inside the basilica there is the Gothic altarpiece - Assumption of Madonna created by Veit Stoss in 1477. From the tower of basilica the bugle call is sounded every hour.
City Hall
City Hall in the Market Square was the main administrative building in Cracow. After its knocking-down in 1820 only a tower remained. At the entrance there is a Gothic portal with the crest of Cracow and the emblem of Poland.
Mounds in Cracow: Kosciuszko Mound
The mound was heaped up in the memory of Tadeusz Kosciuszko - the hero of a national uprising. It is situated on St. Bronislawa Hill in the west part of the city. It is the best viewpoint in Cracow.
Jozef Pilsudski Mound
Jozef Pilsudski Mound lies near Kosciuszko Mound. It reminds the fight of Polish nation for independence. It was heaped up in the 20th anniversary of the departure of Pilsudski Legion from Cracow. In the mound there is soil taken from every battle place of World War I where Polish soldiers fought.
Wanda Mound
Wanda Mound lies in Nowa Huta. According to the legend it is the tomb of Wanda - the daughter of prince Krak.
Krakus Mound
Krakus Mound was heaped up in Lasota Hill. The legend says that it is connected with Krak - the legendary founder of Cracow.
Jozef Pilsudski Mound
Jozef Pilsudski Mound lies near Kosciuszko Mound. It reminds the fight of Polish nation for independence. It was heaped up in the 20th anniversary of the departure of Pilsudski Legion from Cracow. In the mound there is soil taken from every battle place of World War I where Polish soldiers fought.
Wanda Mound
Wanda Mound lies in Nowa Huta. According to the legend it is the tomb of Wanda - the daughter of prince Krak.
Krakus Mound
Krakus Mound was heaped up in Lasota Hill. The legend says that it is connected with Krak - the legendary founder of Cracow.
Zoo
Walking in the zoo and nearby Wolski Forest is one of the nicest ways of spending free time outdoors. Every year about 250 000 people visit this place. The zoo plays an important role in protecting species being in danger of extinction. It has a specific and cosy atmosphere and is also beautiful in every season of the year.
Kazimierz District, Szeroka Street, Synagogue, Jewish Cemetery
Kazimierz was at first an independent town situated in the south of Cracow. Then it was included in Cracow. It is a special and unique place and at the same time diverse as regards social, cultural, architectural and religious aspects. Throughout centuries Jewish and Christian culture worked together there. Kazimierz is now the place of many tourist trips.
During World War II Nazis created a ghetto here where they transported all Jewish society from Cracow including about 45 thousand people. The ghetto liquidation was the greatest crime of Holocaust in Cracow and its culminating point was the concentration camp in Oświęcim.
Kazimierz is a district with extraordinary monuments and tradition. Among its monuments we can enumerate Corpus Christi Church, St. Catherine’s Church, Pauline Church on the Rock - St. Stanislaw sanctuary who is the patron of Poland and the Pantheon of the nation, and Town Hall in Wolnica Square.
Szeroka Street is the centre of Kazimierz. There and in nearby streets numerous synagogues, kahal baths and many tenement houses are situated. Near Szeroka Street one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe and Poland is located. Monuments of Kazimierz along with The Old Town and Wawel Castle were listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
Jewish Culture Festival, Steven Spielberg’s Schindler List and the fact that Jewish culture and art are now in fashion make Kazimierz popular for visitors.
Nowadays Kazimierz just after the Market Square is the second centre of night life in Cracow. It is the place for many pubs, restaurants and cafes where tourists and residents spend their time from the morning until night. In Jewish Square many festivals and events take place.
During World War II Nazis created a ghetto here where they transported all Jewish society from Cracow including about 45 thousand people. The ghetto liquidation was the greatest crime of Holocaust in Cracow and its culminating point was the concentration camp in Oświęcim.
Kazimierz is a district with extraordinary monuments and tradition. Among its monuments we can enumerate Corpus Christi Church, St. Catherine’s Church, Pauline Church on the Rock - St. Stanislaw sanctuary who is the patron of Poland and the Pantheon of the nation, and Town Hall in Wolnica Square.
Szeroka Street is the centre of Kazimierz. There and in nearby streets numerous synagogues, kahal baths and many tenement houses are situated. Near Szeroka Street one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe and Poland is located. Monuments of Kazimierz along with The Old Town and Wawel Castle were listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
Jewish Culture Festival, Steven Spielberg’s Schindler List and the fact that Jewish culture and art are now in fashion make Kazimierz popular for visitors.
Nowadays Kazimierz just after the Market Square is the second centre of night life in Cracow. It is the place for many pubs, restaurants and cafes where tourists and residents spend their time from the morning until night. In Jewish Square many festivals and events take place.
Concentration camp in Płaszów
Płaszów is situated in the south part of the city. In 1942-1945 there was a Nazi concentration camp Płaszów. In 1993 the area of the former concentration camp was used in the film Schindler List directed by Steven Spielberg. Up to now there have been left elements of decoration - steel industrial constructions and barbed wire fences.
The Divine Mercy Sanctuary
The sanctuary is the world centre of the Divine Mercy. It was the place of pilgrimage of John Paul II and now Benedict XVI and pilgrims from all over the world. The dynamic development of the Divine Mercy cult is strongly connected with the beatification and canonization of Sister Faustyna whose life was the example of the great unification with God and mercy for the neighbour. The culminating point of the revelations was the passing on of the Divine Mercy Message. Her relicts are consigned in the sanctuary.
Benedictine Abbey Tyniec
Benedictine Abbey Tyniec is located 10 km from the centre of Cracow. According to the local legend the abbey was founded by Casimir the Restorer. It is beautifully situated on white limestone and still plays its religious role.
National Museum
National Museum collects and hauses a lot of works of Polish and European art and it is the oldest in Poland. The museum in Cracow characterises with biographical exhibitions presenting the works of Polish great artists such as Jan Matejko, Staniaław Wyspaiński, Józef Mehoffer and Karol Szymanowski.
The museum collection is shown in 9 departments of National Museum in Cracow.
The museum collection is shown in 9 departments of National Museum in Cracow.
Bunkier Sztuki
Modern Art Gallery Bunkier Sztuki is one of the most important institutions presenting modern art. In the gallery there are presented and launched the newest achievements of modern art including painting, video, interactive presentations and performances. It also organises issue exhibitions.
Theatres
The greatest theatre buildings in Cracow are Helena Modrzejewska Old Theatre and Juliusz Słowacki Theatre. They both present great drama plays: historic and contemporary.
The Old Theatre is the theatre of tradition. There are four stages: Duża Scena (Main Stage), Modrzejewska Stage, Scena Kameralna and in Piwnica Przy ul. Sławkowskiej 14. In 1994 the Old Theatre became a member of European Union of Theatres what confirms its European importance and great artistic standard.
Juliusz Słowacki Theatre was modeled after the most beautiful theatres in Europe and is an exquisite example of Eclectic architecture. Visiting the theatre with a guide lets you know its history, people cooperating with it and stage secrets.
The Old Theatre is the theatre of tradition. There are four stages: Duża Scena (Main Stage), Modrzejewska Stage, Scena Kameralna and in Piwnica Przy ul. Sławkowskiej 14. In 1994 the Old Theatre became a member of European Union of Theatres what confirms its European importance and great artistic standard.
Juliusz Słowacki Theatre was modeled after the most beautiful theatres in Europe and is an exquisite example of Eclectic architecture. Visiting the theatre with a guide lets you know its history, people cooperating with it and stage secrets.
Karol Szymanowski Cracow Philharmonic
Karol Szymanowski Cracow Philharmonic has a concert hall and two chamber music halls. The greatest instrument is Johannes Klais – Orgelbau Bonn organ. The building elevation and concert hall have Neo-Baroque character when the rest of halls are decorated in post-modernism style. Its prestigious and artistic role is confirmed by current concert activity: eminent symphonic concerts and events set in historic building of Cracow.
Kraków
The Opera and Operetta
These two cultural institutions enjoy a reputation of fine music stages and their troupe consists of prominent soloists, orchestra, choir and ballet. During the whole artistic season they present more than one hundred plays for almost 60 000 audience. The repertoire of the Opera and Operetta includes a dozen or so opera, operetta and ballet plays also for children.
Bike routers
Cracow is a friendly city for cyclists. The best conditions to cycle are at the moment in the centre (most streets near the Market Square are only for pedestrians and bikes and are marked with C13/C16 signs with a horizontal line) and in the west districts. The route Bulwary Wiślane (EuroVelo 4) is one of them with its starting point in Tyniec and finishing in Niepołomice. This route connects such places as: Benedictine Abbey Tyniec, canoeing run, the water dam Kosciuszko, Wawel Hill and Kazimierz District.
Canoeing run
Canoeing run is the most modern structure of this type in Europe. The run (starting pool) has its beginning about 160 meters below the water dam Kosciuszko. The run is well equipped and meets international standards. It offers a wide range of facilities for guests and competitors.
Aquatic Club
Railway Aquatic Club is situated near Dębnicki Bridge at Wioślarska Street. You can rent some equipment here and flow down the Vistula river. Such a trip lets you know Cracow and its neighbourhood from a different – water – perspective.
Fishing
Cracow is also a paradise for fishermen. In the area of the water dam Kosciuszko and in the Rudawa river which is one of the cleanest rivers in the country and rich in trout demanding clean and well-oxygenized water you can find perfect conditions for fishing.
Tennis
In Cracow tennis amateurs find a lot of tennis courts which can satisfy their needs. Modern artificial surface, sanitary and changing rooms, and cafes are additional advantages.
Zwierzyniecki Klub Sportowy (Zwierzyniecki Sport Club) – situated in Błonia is equipped with indoor and outdoor tennis courts. It possesses a professional structure and trainers that help to develop your skills on every level.
Zwierzyniecki Klub Sportowy (Zwierzyniecki Sport Club) – situated in Błonia is equipped with indoor and outdoor tennis courts. It possesses a professional structure and trainers that help to develop your skills on every level.
Krakow Valley Golf & Country Club
Valley Club is a golf club situated in the area of 160 ha in a small village – Paczółtowice between Cracow and Katowice. It is 18-hole golf club of championship class. It is located in Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska and satisfies all requirements of golf players.
Studs
In Cracow the lovers of horse-riding and hippotherapy find a perfect place for themselves. A lot of horse-riding clubs organise camps, competitions, breaking-in training, horse-riding outdoors or in riding stables and sport training of horses and riders.
Kraków
Airports
In Cracow district there are situated tow airports: International Airport in Balice and a sports airport of Cracow Flying Club in Pobiednik.
Airport in Balice
The John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice is located to the west of Kraków, at a distance of 11 km from the city centre. The airport can be reached from the centre of Kraków by four different roads, the airport possesses its own exit ramp from the A4 motorway as well. Apart from the cheap lines it also offers service for small private planes and helicopters.
Sports airport in Pobiednik
The airport of Cracow Flying Club is located in Pobiednik Wielki. The flying club organizes flight trainings on ultralight planes, paragliding, parachute jumps, gliding, balloons and modeling.
Airport in Balice
The John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice is located to the west of Kraków, at a distance of 11 km from the city centre. The airport can be reached from the centre of Kraków by four different roads, the airport possesses its own exit ramp from the A4 motorway as well. Apart from the cheap lines it also offers service for small private planes and helicopters.
Sports airport in Pobiednik
The airport of Cracow Flying Club is located in Pobiednik Wielki. The flying club organizes flight trainings on ultralight planes, paragliding, parachute jumps, gliding, balloons and modeling.
Wieliczka
Wieliczka is situated in the south-east from Cracow. The main tourist attraction is the oldest in Poland historical salt mine. It is a unique monument on an international scale. Its beginning goes back to medieval times. The salt mine possesses 9 levels of headings and reaches 327 meters deep. It also has nearly 300 km of galleries and about 300 chambers. In the mine there are presented traces of mining works and genuine machines. There are chapels, lakes, chambers and various sculptures and bas-relieves. Since 1978 the salt mine has been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Oświęcim
Oświęcim is situated near other tourist attractions such as Cracow, Wadowice, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and Pszczyna. In a short distance from the city there are Beskid Mały and Jura Krakowsko-Wieluńska.
The most often visited place in Oświęcim is the area of the former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau which was one of the biggest camps. It functioned from 1940-1944. It took a toll of more than a million of human lives. In 1979 this place was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most often visited place in Oświęcim is the area of the former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau which was one of the biggest camps. It functioned from 1940-1944. It took a toll of more than a million of human lives. In 1979 this place was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Niepołomice
Niepołomice is a town situated 25 km from Cracow in the south-east. Along with the nearby Forest they are one of the most beautiful areas of Poland regarding nature, landscapes and tourism.
The castle in Niepołomice which was a royal residence and royal hunt in the Forest brought fame there.
Niepołomice is a place of many cultural attractions. In the Forest of Niepołomice you can find trails for walking, riding a bike or a horse and a learning path. Tourist Information Office is in the royal castle in Niepołomice.
The castle in Niepołomice which was a royal residence and royal hunt in the Forest brought fame there.
Niepołomice is a place of many cultural attractions. In the Forest of Niepołomice you can find trails for walking, riding a bike or a horse and a learning path. Tourist Information Office is in the royal castle in Niepołomice.
Zakopane
Zakopane is situated at the foot of the Tatras and is one of the most famous tourist resorts in Poland. Nature and views attract tourist and visitors from Poland and all over the world. Zakopane offers a lot of ski lifts and excellent conditions to ski and tourist trails. Tourists can find there bars and pubs referring to the region Podhale and in famous Krupówki buy traditional highlander souvenirs.
Pieskowa Skała and Ojców
The fortified castle in Pieskowa Skała was built in 17th century. It is set on a rock going steeply down from three sides to Prądnik Valley. It had two keeps and an artificial moat with a drawbridge. In the castle there is presented a collection of furniture, sculpture, painting and handcraft dated from 14th century to the half of 19th century. In one of the keeps a cafe functions. In the neighbourhood of the castle there is a national park with an arbour from the 19th century.
Castle in Tenczyn - Wawel relative
The castle in Tenczyn is situated on an extinct volcano and a former emplacement. It is surrounded by hills nearby the highest hill Garb Tenczyński (411 meters above sea-level). It was a great magnate fortress of noble Poland and played an important historic role. The ruins of the castle in Tenczyn fascinated their proportions and mysteriousness throughout centuries being a source of tradition. They were also used as the scenery in various films such as Czarne Chmury and Rycerze i Rabusie.