07.16.09
The History of Kraków, Poland
The city of Kraków was given World Heritage Site status in 1978 by UNESCO, the same year Karol Wojtyla, archbishop of Kraków, was elevated the papacy as Pope John Paul II . Kraków is also famous for it’s overruling in WWII by the Nazi empire, making Kraków the Capital city of the General Government. The large Jewish population were moved into the Kraków Ghetto, where they were sent to local concentration camps, such as Auschwitz. A German businessman by the name of Oskar Schindler, used his enamelware plant as a way to save many of the local Jews. His story was portrayed in the excellent move, Schindler’s List.
Where Pope John Paul II was based
Climbing the tower in St Mary’s Church, Main Market Square
View from St Mary’s Church tower, overlooking Main Market Square
Snake Handler in Main Market Square
Snake Handler
Female snake handler in Main Market Square
Jewish plaque in cemetery
Weathered building in alley
Singer sewing machine, on an outdoors table at a cafe
The stair scene from Schindler’s List, just past the arch on right
Disused railway near Schindler’s Factory
Worn building in the Krakow Ghetto
Walking across the Holocaust Memorial
Holocaust Memorial – 70 empty iron chairs, representing absence
Lifting the mood, street performer in Main Market Square with puppets of the recently passed Michael Jackson, and Elvis – both kings of music.
Statue at Wowel Cathedral
Street artist at the Castle
View from the Castle over the Vistula River
The evening was spent back in a lovely restaurant just off Main Market Square, featuring an enclosed courtyard out the back with cheap, large meals. Perfect way to finish off a day.
