My Remodeled Life

Day Two - Dinner - Miod Malina

Thank you to our guide Marta for recommending this dining spot for our dinner. It was excellent and fully packed. We arrived without reservations so ate in the courtyard. It wasn't a problem except for a bit of rain. Luckily our umbrella protected us and the gods decided a full all out rainstorm wasn't needed.

Toast, cheese, almonds, cranberry

Pasta with Shrimp

Fried dumpings

Short ribs with plum sauce

Day Two - Maly Rynek - Local Spot

Maly Rynek is a small square located one block east of the Market Square. It is a terrific quiet place that is filled with locals. Vendors and cooks fill the square. We ran across it and could not help going back to this spot every day.

Local Market

Polish Pop

Sausage & Onion

Bread, Lard, Pickles - yep

Outdoor dining

Pierogi - Yummy!

Pierogi

Fried Chesse

Grilled Cabbage

BBQ Polish Style

Day Two - Barbican

Constructed in 1400's to add defense to the walled city of Krakow - the barbican is the best preserved fortress in Europe. The original moats and bridges are long gone. Its fortifications connected to the Florian's Gate leading to the city center.

Barbican

Barbican moat

Florian Gate into Krakow

Florian Gate

Day Two - Cloth Hall - Shoppers delight

Cloth Hall has always been a covered market in the center of Krakow. It is impossible to overlook this building if only because of its position in Market Square. It is home to vendors selling Polish-made items. A quick one-stop-shop for souvenir purchases from Krakow.

Cloth Hall - exterior

Cloth Hall - interior

Modern statue outside of Cloth Hall

Day Two - Jagiellonian University

The Collegium Maius was constructed in the 15th Century and is the oldest building in the Jagiellonian University in Krakow.

Collegium Maius courtyard

Professors Garden

Statue of Copernicus - the only original statue not destroy by the Nazi Germans

Day Two - Franciscan Church - John Paul II

This beautiful church was reportedly a favorite of John Paul II. He was often seen praying from the back pew which is dedicated to him. He lived and trained across the street. As Pope whenever he visited Krakow he would often stay up all night taking with people on the street from his room window. The wall paintings are amazing and well worth a stop to view first hand.

Franciscan Church

Chapel

Wyspianski's Let It Be stained glass window

Maksymilian Kolbe portrait - he sacrificed his life for another inmate at Auschwitz

Original wall paintings in the Cloister

Statues in the Cloister

Day Two - Churches

Krakow is home to many Cathedrals. Each one is worth a quick visit as you wander the streets of the city. John Paul II served in Krakow so many of the Cathedrals have special dedications to him and his life. All are preparing for his sainthood. If you thought he was popular in Rome - you should visit Krakow where he is an iconic figure.

Krakow's original square

Saint Andrews

Saint Frances

Day Two - Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel Hill is home to the Cracow Catherdral and Royal Castle. It overlooks the city of Krakow and had its own wall for defense. It is home the largest Castle in Poland and once had it's own dragon if the stories are true. The Castle is home to famous tapestries and temporary home to Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine. You could spend days exploring this area alone.

Krakow's Dragon

Wawel Hill Grounds

Krakow Cathedral (home to John Paul II)

Cathedral Treasury

Cathedral entrance

Bell Town - one touch for good luck

View of Krakow from bell tower

Tombs beneath Cathedral

Center court of Krakow Castle

Day Two - Krakow Market Square

Krakow's market square is the largest in all of Europe. At 650 meters by 650 meters - It is a perfect square and much larger than the original city square located by Saint Peter & Paul Church. It is home to the City Hall tower, Cloth Hall and St Adalbert's Church. This is the lively center to Krakow. The area is filled with good food and drink. Cloth hall is dedicated to merchants selling Polish-made wares.