Krakow, one of the oldest cities in Poland, has played a major role in the country’s history. The former capital, situated by the Vistula River and at the foot of the  Wawel Hill(Castle),  has always been the cultural and artistic center of the country. Although the capital was moved to Warsaw in 1596, Krakow still remains the spiritual heart of Poland.

It is one of the most visited places in Poland and attracts visitors from all over the world. But this city is more than just another tourist destination – its ambience gives a feeling of touching the past, as almost every stone there witnessed the history that shaped present country and its citizens.
Krakow is one of the few cities in Poland that were saved from major destruction during numerous wars that occurred over time. Its old town, together with Wieliczka Salt Mine, was included in the very first UNESCO World Heritage List.
A must see for every tourist is the part of Krakow within the former city walls. Its central part – the Old Market Square – is the largest medieval square in the world. The Old Town, with its precious monuments, is surrounded by the remains of the walls and the city park – Planty – that was founded in the nineteenth century in the area where the walls were pulled down. The castle, situated on Wawel Hill near the Old Town, is one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe.
Another area worth visiting is Kazimierz – the former Jewish district that used to be one of the main cultural centers of Polish Jewry. For people interested in WW2 history there is, however, much more to see: Podgórze – the former Jewish ghetto, Oscar Schindler’s factory and  Plaszow – site of the former concentration camp.
Nowa Huta, a popular tourist site and now a district of Krakow was built by the former Communist regime as the first socialist city in Poland. It contains a Steelworks together with industrial style housing blocks for the steel-workers. There are also many old buildings; churches, palaces and manor-houses.