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Italy, France, and Spain are some of my favorite countries in the world and are places I go to marvel at architecture, ingest culinary masterpieces, drink wine I can’t find at home, and appreciate the warm hospitality and rich culture. These places are mainstays for me and offer the familiarity factor, so when I decided to travel to Krakow, Poland, to embark on a learning journey of WWII and the Holocaust, I didn’t know what to expect. One look at Krakow’s Market Square, though, and my heart was aflutter. How did I not know how beautiful this city was?
Unlike Warsaw, which was decimated during the war, Krakow remained unscathed since the Nazis proclaimed it the capital of the General Government once the occupation began. It is virtually a time capsule, much like Prague, retaining its original charm and architectural integrity with centuries-old buildings; it is truly stunning. We stayed right on Market Square at a historic property named Hotel Wentzl, and I would highly recommend it for its location, delicious breakfasts, and kind service. Hotel Wentzl in Krakow, Poland
The star of Krakow is the Market Square with its lively street artists, cafes, restaurants, handcrafted vodka shops, and bustling market stalls. I made a game out of trying every type of homemade pierogi I could, and the plump pillows filled with an array of ingredients were light and tender. Make sure to try them if you visit.
There are many day trips you can take from Krakow, too. In a previous post, I mentioned hiring a private guide and going to Auschwitz, but there is also Schindler’s factory that has been turned into an interesting museum (plan on spending a couple of hours if you go there). Additionally, you can visit the Plaszow Memorial, a concentration camp south of Krakow; you may remember this camp from the film Schindler’s List. One thing I enjoyed the most was just walking the city, visiting Wawel Royal Castle, and especially exploring the Jewish Quarter with its authentic restaurants and synagogues. If you are looking for a different type of trip, a learning experience, I highly recommend Krakow. Make sure to absorb the history and beauty of the city, and of course, take in the splendor of Europe’s most prized square.
