The depiction shows the Wawel Hill in 1618. The drawing is a part of composition of G. Braun and A. Hogenberg.

The name of Krakow is connected with the legendary prince Krak, who is thought to have been its founder. The city’s origins, however, are obscure. The traces of settlements date back to prehistoric times but records on Slavic peoples inhabiting the banks of Wisla in this area are from the 8th century.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY:

Development of the city was caused by its situation at the junction of several important east-west trade routes. In the 10th century Krakow had already been an important commercial centre in Slavonic Europe (mentioned the first time by name in 966 by Abraham ben Jacob – a Spanish merchant). By the end of the 10th century the city had been incorporated into Poland (reigned at that time by the Piast dynasty) and in 1038 became a capital of the country – with its Wawel Hill as a seat of rulers. The city had been almost entirely destroyed by the invasions of Tartar tribes  but was rebuilt and given municipal rights (under the Magdeburg law) in 1257. King Kazimierz the Great enhanced its importance by founding a university here in 1364, restoring areas of the city and supporting the development of the Jewish community settling in the nearby town (named by the king) – which later on became a district of Krakow.

PERIOD OF POLISH-LITHUANIAN COMMONWEALTH:

The influence of joint Polish-Lithuanian dynasty of Jagiellons made Renaissance Krakow important European centre of learning. The loss of its status was caused by moving the capital to Warsaw at the end of sixteenth century. The golden age of the city ended.

AUSTRIAN RULE AND WW II:

After further numerous invasions and various forms of political control, the city fell under the influence of the Austrian Habsburg Empire – being, during the Partition of Poland, in a province of Galicia.
After regaining the independence of the Polish State, Krakow became a major cultural centre (also for the Polish Jews) to be turned during the WW II into the capital of the Central Government – headed by Hans Frank. The occupation by the Nazis caused a great loss to cultural heritage: many professors and academics were killed, historic relics and monuments were destroyed and almost entire Jewish community of Krakow was murdered in nearby established Concentration camps – Plaszow and Auschwitz. The city, however, escaped complete destruction – planned by the Nazis during their withdrawal.

TRANSFORMATION OF KRAKOW:

The communist government brought on the establishment of the suburb of Nowa Huta – with the country’s largest still works. After the collapse of the Communist Government in 1989 Krakow has been undergoing rapid transformations. Together with restoration of city’s historic monuments, springing up Western-style shops, restaurants and cafes, Krakow is regaining its status of a cultural centre of Poland and Europe.