IN this city you can feel history on every street corner. Cracow was lucky to escape war damage, so the city’s form remains unchanged. However, the Nazis did manage to destroy part of the city’s soul. They treated Cracow Intellectuals with special cruelty. Professors horn Cracow universities were al) deported to concentration camps, and many ol them didn’t survive the war. The Jewish community which lor ages had contributed to the city’s cultural development

ceased to exist.

Cracow Is an old and beautiful city which has been quite neglected over the past 40 years It requires very costly and extensive restoration work. Polish conservators who return the city’s old buildings m their former beauty are highly appre elated and receive main < om missions from dltlereni countries. The city’s academic life con-< iiirates around J.tpirllo-nimt l ni\< rsii\ and oih< i col-h g< s. and dozens of small and

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large theatres and museums provide for a rich < uhural life.

< i.uow and its residents Insist nt their conservative attitude which has helped retain the city's unique personality and individuality through many historical storms. At present Its location on the Vistula Rivers is just a scenic virtue, but in the past it helped defend the citx against many attackers, including the trouble-some Tatars. Cracow’s historical architecture testifies to the artistic taste and wealth of Cracow residents The city's townsp'o-pie were so rich that they could fund monumental churches, and a townsman named Miko taj Wicrzvnek hosted the Polish kin- and his quests at his hip

The citv centre's medieval plan has been preserved. Like centuries ago. it is surrounded b\ ih tensive walls - or rather their remnants - with the Goihii B.irbakan and Florian-ska Gate hi 1920-1830 the Planrv park surrounding the old city centre was created in place of the walls. The most popular tourist route starts by the Bar-, bakap througlj Fiori-

anska' street wlucli is some-

times called "Cracow’s Salon." It features historical townhouses, ehgant shops, cafes, restaurants and art galleries. The literary- cafe Jama Michallka is a historical fin de siecle spot. It was decorated by outstanding painters from the turn of (he century and i( Mill attracts Cra-cows bohemia. Numerous popular cafes can be found on the ground floors, m the cellars and courtyards

I he Mam Squat laid out in 1267. remains our ol Europe's largest and most beautiful medieval monuments There you will find (he Gothic Mnrmrki church from Hie 14' century wnh a big 15 century altar by Wii Siwosz from Nuremberg He squares centre is occupied la Sukiennicr. the former cloth hall. On the ground floor tudav tin i< .m souvenir siands and the floor alum houses the Polish Painting Gallery The square is busy all day and night: it sees many festivals and ap tracts visitors with its outdoor cafes and art galleries. Here you can also find the city's finest restaurants. Wierzynek.

Hawelka and Wenzel. If you walk down Grodzka Street, you will reach Wawel Castle, a huge complex of buildings on a hill which used to be the seat of Polish rulers. The castle offers visitors a museum of historical interiors, and a magnificent colled ion of Polish and foreign works of art. including 16 -century tapestries, paintings by famous artists, military items and jewelry’. The castle complex includes the 14 century cathedral wliich was remodeled in the 18 century. The Renaissance Zyginuntowska Chapel is an especially valuable monument. The cathedral contains the tombs of Polish rulers The Zvgmuntowska Tower, with its famous Zygmunt Bell of 1520. I>t’6vidcs beautifu I vistas.

Kazimierz, which used to hr a separate town and now is pan of Cracow, has a different history. It was inhabited by the Jewish community which eventually Joined Cracow and exerted a significant influence on the city's cultural, scientific mid economic life. During World War II the Nazis mur-

dered Kazimierz residents and the district was seriously ne-glcc led until recently. Only now is Kazimierz coming alive again, with Jewish cultural institutions. book-stores and restaurants like Ariel. The most valuable historic buildings in the district include the synagogues: Hie Old Synagogue, from the 15' century, with the Museum of Judaism. Remu'h (16'" century) and A|zyk’s (17"’ Century), as well as the Pauline and Augustinian churches.

Outside the city centre. It's worth visiting Wolski Forest with picturesque rocks. Kosci-uszko and Pilsudski hills and the Canialdolese monastery. There is also a historical Benedit line abbey In Tyniec near