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Main Market Square, Krakow


The Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny), was originally set up at the intersection of ancient trading routes.  This was the site of the main trading market, a place where executions and punishments were carried out and the spiritual center with St. Mary's serving as a parish church.  It was also the center of social and political life.  Kosciuszko pledged here in 1794 formally beginning the Kosciuszko Rising.

This square is also a gathering place, a site of many cultural celebrations and a favorite spot for a Sunday stroll. 

 

 The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the oldest commercial center in Krakow.  The original Cloth Hall was built in the 13th century and it consisted of two rows of stalls forming a street in the center of the market square.  The roofed version was built in the 14th century and it became a significant revenue source for the city of Krakow.  That structure burned down in 1555 and it was finally rebuilt in the 19th century to what it is today. 
 




Every kind of Polish souvenir can be purchased here and the prices are surprisingly decent. 
























 THE original bagel is a necessity.  These small carts can be found at every corner of the Main Square.  They are delicious but not as soft as the bagels sold in the U.S.






 St. Mary's Church
The first church was raised here in 1222, this church was built during the second half of the 14th Century.



 When visiting the Main Square or the Old City, one will hear the bugle call that is played every hour on the hour.  The trumpet is played in the four directions of the globe.  One will notice that the ending is very abrupt.  According to the legend, a guard sounded the bugle as he saw the Tatar hordes approaching the city.  He managed to warn the city of the impending attack but his throat was pierced by a Tatar arrow.  

The noon call is played on the nationwide radio, pretty much every Pole can sing the tune whether they have visited Krakow or not.

    

 The stunning interior of the church with the high altar, a masterpiece by Wit Stwosz, a sculptor from Nuremberg.  I took this photo very discretely during regular hours. There are special tourist hours when all photography is permitted.  The high altar is opened at 11:50am Monday-Saturday.  The tickets for the opening of the altar can be purchased in a building to the right of the church.
 


I didn't get a chance to take photos in the restaurants but some really good places to eat are:
Szara, Pino, Miod & Malina, Charlotte, Wentzl, Trzy Rybki, Pod Baranem, Studio Qulinarne, Camelot, Bianca, La Campana.



 Joanna

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