CULTURE
In 1978, Krakow was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list; in 2000 the town was chosen as the European Capital of Culture. Since then, it has undergone a significant metamorphosis thanks to numerous renovation projects and media promotion campaigns. As a result, Krakow has become the most popular tourist destination in Poland. In 2004, since Poland joined the European Union, Krakow has been a constant invasion target for tourists from the West of Europe who are instantly flabbergasted by its welcoming and electric atmosphere. Krakow is home to the Jagiellonian University, the oldest and best university in Poland. The Medieval Latin quarter remembers the days of the most famous local student Nicolaus Copernicus, and those who want to learn about the development of culture and education in Poland have to visit the exposition in the Collegium Maius. Tourist can also visit here numerous branches of the Polish National Museum, as well as galleries of modern art. Regardless of the season, the town’s cultural life stays vibrant due to countless cultural festivals and events.
KRAKOW FESTIVALS
All year round, the town organizes art and music festivals, parades, marathons and other sport events, as well as folk art shows and festivals. The most famous ones include: the Jewish Culture Festival (the largest festival of this kind in the world), the Night of Museums, and the International Festival of Independent Cinema OFF Camera, the Easter Festival “Misteria Paschalia”, the Baroque Music Festival “Opera Rara”, the Summer Jazz Music Festival, the Folk Art Festival, the Summer Street Theatre Festival, and the Krakow Marathon. Since Poles do love excellent cuisine, Krakow organizes festivals of bread, soups, honey, as well as the most famous Lesser Poland’s Festival of Savour. Please, contact us for details!
MUSIC IN KRAKOW — EVENING CONCERTS
Krakow is well known for its extensive offer of classical music concerts. The connoisseurs of the Baroque music may take part in the chamber orchestra concerts held in The St. Peter and Paul’s Church and in the St. Bernadine’s Church. The Chopin music concerts are regularly organized in various exquisite concert halls scattered around the Old Town. Organ music concerts, as well as Easter music concerts played by the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir are also highly regarded among music lovers and visitors. The historic Kazimierz Jewish Quarter is also home to numerous klezmer music concerts and gigs. In summer, the Royal Castle in Krakow organizes a series of concerts, held in the arcade courtyard, called “Wawel at Twilight”. Please, contact us for details!
JAZZ IN KRAKOW
The history of the local jazz music clubs is inextricably related to the exceptionally rich students’ life in Krakow. Even today, the best jazz concerts take place in two oldest students’ clubs, i.e. in “Żaczek” on the university campus and in “Pod Jaszczurami” in the Main Market Square. Among others, Krakow is famous for two jazz names: Jarosław Śmietana, a guitarist, and Janusz Muniak, a saxophonist. Muniak was the founder of the widely known jazz club “U Muniaka” where until now the best jazz events in town have been organized. In order to popularize jazz music among wider audiences, Krakow is home to two popular festivals, i.e. the Summer Jazz Festival, and the Krakow All Souls’ Jazz Festival. Each and everyone average jazz fan is probably familiar with such Polish jazz celebrities as Urszula Dudziak, Basia Trzetrzelewska, Tomasz Stańko or Leszek Możdżer. Please, contact us for details!