| One of Europe's finest examples of historical | | | | Rising beyond its once functional beginnings as a |
| architectural beauty that ranks alongside Austria's | | | | centre for industrial trade, the Sukiennice or Cloth Hall |
| Vienna and Italy's Florence, the once regal capital of | | | | building is one of Krakow's most distinguished and |
| Krakow has retained much of its ancient charm. | | | | recognisable landmarks. The huge covered floor was |
| By far the most exuberant attraction is the huge | | | | once an international market for the textile trade. |
| Rynek Glowny, or Grand Square, which has long been | | | | St Wojciech Church is a diminutive, yet significant piece |
| the heartbeat of the city's Old Town district. Stretching | | | | of architecture, finding its own small corner in the |
| over ten acres, the square is an unavoidable must-see | | | | expanse of the Grand Square. Often one of the first |
| for any tourists visiting Krakow. | | | | ports of call for tourists with an interest in history, it is |
| Krakow hostels in and around the Grand Square | | | | one of the oldest churches in the country, built in the |
| maintain some of the city's historically social charm as | | | | 11th century. |
| well as reflecting some of the finer points of gothic | | | | The Grand Square also plays host to a variety of |
| architecture. The 13th century grid of streets | | | | restaurants, bars and cafes, offering tourists rare, yet |
| surrounding it alone offer no end of hidden cultural | | | | beautiful surroundings (compared to their Krakow |
| treasures, from cafes to museums. | | | | hostels) in which to enjoy their food or coffee during |
| In the square itself the tower of the St Mary's Basilica | | | | the summer. |
| dominates the skyline and the neighboring St Wojciech | | | | There are also seasonal events hosted in the square, |
| Church. Built in the 14th century, its exterior is dwarfed | | | | although the highlight is without a doubt the New Year's |
| in stature by the immense interior altarpiece, complete | | | | Eve party - one of the most significant in the Polish |
| with ancient religious carvings. | | | | calendar. |