Seniors Discover Kraków’s Popularity

Recently rated as the #15 most popular city in the world, seniors are off to visit Kraków. So why have I not visited Kraków already for this blog? Honestly, Je ne sais pas! Also known as Cracow, Kraków is one of the oldest cities in Poland. To the Polish people it’s known as “The Gem of Poland” and “Slavic Rome”.

The word is quickly getting out that this medieval city is home to an eclectic and creative atmosphere that tourists crave. So let’s explore Kraków a bit and see why seniors are finding that there is much to see and do in this beautiful capital city.

The main market square, or Rynek Glowny, dates back to before 1300, is the oldest and largest medieval square in Europe and is a World Heritage Site. On any afternoon in the market square you’re likely to find folks just like you sipping cappuccinos and babcias, gossiping over tea, tourists bartering for amber jewelry, and pigeons soaring into the wide sky overhead.

Most senior tourists are lured by a magical atmosphere and the architectural beauty of this city. In Kraków, you can see a medieval cathedral, Renaissance castle , Baroque churches, Art Nouveau Theater and a host of other monuments.

In Europe, Kraków is a “perfect vacation destination.” Loaded with history, Kraków is ancient, with evidence showing settlements there since thousands of years BC. Legend has it that it was built on the cave of a dragon whom the mythical King Krak had slain.

 A Great Senior European Vacation

Most of the cities that sustained massive bombing damage like Kraków were rebuilt in the same decade. Kraków is a big exception to this in spite of its central location during the conflict. In other words, the central part of Kraków still abounds with historic buildings and churches, and its design in general makes it one of the most pleasant town centers in all of Europe. On top of all of this, Kraków is one of the cheapest major cities on the continent.

Pedestrian only zones run throughout the Kraków’s old city making it a delight to wander and have lunch or dinner outside watching other tourists stroll by. The hundreds of restaurants and clubs make it a lively city both day and night. The cultural depth of the city is easily revealed by the range of its festival calendar, with annual standouts like the Street Theatre Festival, Jewish Culture Festival and the Kraków Film Festival.

The 13th century merchants’ town is home to Europe’s largest market square and offers numerous historical houses, palaces and churches with magnificent interiors, 14th century fortifications, ancient synagogues, Jagiellonian University and the Gothic cathedral where the kings of Poland were buried.

Kraków is considered one of the top ten most beautiful cities in Europe.  jeb