Krakow description, location, history. Poland map.

Krakow description, location, history. Poland map.

Kraków is the capital of Małopolskie Voivodeship, large academic and cultural centre. There are 12 universities in Kraków, among them the oldest one in Poland - the Jagiellonian University, 6 theatres, opera house, concert hall and numerous museums. The largest and the most valuable historic buildings complex is located in the city - these are mainly Gothic, secular and sacred buildings. Kraków is a large industrial centre. Nowa Huta Steelworks is a metallurgical cobine - second largest industrial plant in Poland.

In the 8th and 9th century, Kraków was a trade settlement located at the foot of the Wawel Hill. In the year 1000, the diocese was established; for 500 years, from the reign of Casimir the Restorer (around the year 1038) until the end of the 16th century, Kraków was the capital of Poland. It received city rights in 1257, and in 1320 became the coronation place of the Polish kings. The economy and culture flourished between the 14th and 16th centry (in 1364 the Jagiellonian University was established)- it was a golden age of the city. After the Second Partition of Poland (1793), Kraków became a part of the Austrian province of Galicia; after 1809, it belonged to the Congress Kingdom. In the second half of the 19th century, Kraków was the centre of the Polish culture, education and art (Young Poland Movement).

Kraków is one of the most significant cultural centres in Poland, by many still considered to be the capital of Poland. It is also one of the most important tourist, cultural and historic places in Europe. The historic Old Town of Karków has been placed on UNESCO World Heritage List. 3-4mln tourits visit the city every year.

Numerous cultural institutions which have been established in Kraków are of siginifant importance fot the cultural life of Poland.