Krakow

Krakow will always remain in my mind as one of the hidden joys of unexpected standby travel. What was supposed to be a trip to South America ended up in Europe instead for lack of available seats for nonrevs. Krakow is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe, so it wasn't a bad consolation prize. The second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakow dates all the way back to the 7th century. In more recent history, it's known as the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla, who went on to become Pope John Paul II, the first non-Italian pope in nearly five centuries. It became "European Capital of Culture" in 2000.

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Changing money at the airport. Poland certainly has some photogenic currency!

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I generally don't like arriving in new cities at night, as it's much harder to get your bearings in the dark in a foreign environment. One of the reasons I picked the Puro Hotel was that I hoped it would be easily seen and found at night. Mission accomplished! :)

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Florian Gate was the main entry point to Krakow for hundreds of years, guarding the entrance to the city from the north. Together with a section of the city walls and three towers, it is one of the few surviving remnants of the city's medieval fortifications.

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It's always fun to take pictures that contrast the old with the new...

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Artists selling some beautiful paintings inside Krakow's old city.

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Old fashioned horse and carriages offer rides around Krakow's old city.

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Krakow's central market square, one of the largest and oldest squares in Europe, first laid out when Krakow received its new municipal charter in 1257

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Statue of Adam Michiewicz, Poland's national poet, erected in 1898. The statue was taken by the Germans during the war and sold for scrap but recovered in Hamburg after the war and brought back here.

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Rebuilt in the 14th century, the Church of Saint Mary towers over the Main Market and is one of the best recognized landmarks of the city.

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Officially photography isn't allowed inside the church without a special permit, but that didn't stop several people from sneaking pictures with their phones.

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One of the countless little statues and pieces of art found around Krakow's main market square.

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High-end winter fashion in Krakow's old city.

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Trams ply the cobblestone streets in Krakow's old town.

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Magnificent Gothic architecture from a Dominican Church in Krakow that was built in the second half of the 13th century. I discovered this church completely by accident just making random turns along random streets. The city is literally alive with history.

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Early Baroque Church of Saints Peter and Paul, consecrated in 1635. Sculptures of the Twelve Apostles stand guard out front.

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So many churches, so little time...

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Heading to what many consider to be the storehouse of Polish national identity, Wawel Castle on Wawel Hill.

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Wawel Cathedral.

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Wawel Castle courtyard grounds.

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Krakow's fire-breathing dragon statue.

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Krakow's gorgeous main market square at night.

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The Barbican (Krakow's city wall defense position), doesn't look a day older than 500 years!

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Matejko Square at night. Love the silhouette of the horse statue reflected on the building in the background.