Wandering the streets of the Old Town or the former Jewish district, Kazimierz, you will find a Krakow pulsating with life in all its variety. Galleries full of fascinating exhibitions present both the classic and the experimental avant-garde; caf's, pubs and restaurants offer the finest in both Polish and world cuisine?and all are an integral part of any visit to Krakow.



Like a magnet Krakow attracts an extraordinary range of people who help create the atmosphere of a city that is full of life, yet which exists in perfect harmony with its rich past. Actors, painters, musicians and poets make the city a magical place in which each moment becomes history. There are not enough words to describe the phenomenon that is Krakow, combining tradition and modernity with a multitude of avenues with which to escape from everyday life. It is enough to come and visit us to be convinced that the alternative to the relentless march of progress is not necessarily a step backwards.

One of the best and most famous activities for Krakow tourists is to take the Royal Route. The route begins by St Florian's Church in Matejki Square, leads by the Krakow Barbican, through the main entrance to the city, St Florian's Gate, along ul. Florianska, across the Main Square, and then along Grodzka Street to the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill.

Worth attention is the remaining fragment of city fortifications. The houses in ul. Florianska include the famous Jama Michalika (Michalik's Den) caf? and Jan Matejko House. The Main Square?the largest public square of medieval Europe'is dominated by the towers of the Gothic St. Mary's Church. Every hour the famous Krakow bugle call is played from the taller one. Inside the church, we can admire its greatest highlight: the high altar by Wit Stwosz (Veit Stoss) which is Europe's largest Gothic altar. The central part of the Main Square is occupied by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)?a rare example of a medieval structure that has for centuries served as a commercial centre. On its other side stands the tower of the former Town Hall. Passing by the Monument to Adam Mickiewicz and the Church of St Adalbert, we enter ul. Grodzka, pass by the precious church and monastery complexes of Dominicans and Franciscans, Wielopolski Palace (currently, the seat of municipal authorities), SS Peter and Paul's Church, the convent of Poor Clares, St Andrew's Church, and the Church of St Giles. Running parallel to Grodzka, ul. Kanonicza is a charming street lined with recently renovated palaces and residences. Both Grodzka and Kanonicza lead to the foot of Wawel Hill with its Royal Castle, one of Europe's most splendid Renaissance royal residences. Among its treasure of artistic masterpieces, most noteworthy in the Castle is the famous Audience Hall with a coffered ceiling adorned with 30 wooden heads. Similarly unique is the collection of 142 tapestries commissioned by King Sigismund Augustus in Flanders.