We invite you to the magical city of Krakow-old, mysterious and full of history.
The old capital of Poland, Krakow is known for its deep culture, beauty and architecture that dates back to the age of the Renaissance.
The legendary Market Square in the Old Town, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, lies among exquisite historic buildings and monuments such as the Florian
Gate, Barbican and the magnificent St. Mary's Church. Old town houses line the cobblestone streets, while the enormous Wawel Castle towers above the Vistula River,
all contributing to the city's timeless atmosphere. In 1978, Krakow was named an official UNESCO heritage site so that its historic beauty will be preserved for future generations.
It is no wonder that tourists consider Krakow as one of the most attractive and important places in Europe to visit.
While in Krakow, you can enjoy visiting art galleries, theaters, concert halls, opera and countless cultural events. The city's twelve colleges and universities include the distinguished Jagiellonian University, established in 1364.
At the Jagiellonian Library, one can find some the rarest and oldest examples of music manuscripts, including those of Monteverdi, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and many others.
The presence of over 200,000 students brings an irresistible life and energy to the city.
As part of the Krakow Piano Summer, participants are invited to take the following optional excursions:
A tour of the Old City that includes a short walk along the Royal Road beginning at the Barbican, through the Florian Gate , the Main Square and then towards Wawel Hill.
A tour of Kazimierz: The center of Jewish life in Krakow for over 500 years, Kazimierz is considered a Bohemian neighborhood. It is home to many historic landmarks including synagogues,
Jewish cemeteries, cultural centers, and features a well-preserved, pre-war old town atmosphere. Kazimierz is associated with the film of Steven Spielberg, Schindler's List.
Balloon ride: Experience a breath taking panoramic view of the whole City.
A visit to the National Art Museum, one of the largest Polish and European art galleries in Europe.
A visit to the Auschwitz- Birkenau State Museum, the most visited Nazi Concentration Camp and the site of one of the greatest atrocities in the history of humanity. It is located 60
kilometers west of Krakow.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine: Called "the Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland," Wieliczka is the site of an enormous 700- year-old salt mine that is still
in operation. Designated as an UNESCO Heritage Site, it is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, featuring underground lakes, exhibitions of the history of salt mining
and 3.5 kilometers (2.2 mi) of underground touring route that includes historic halls, chapels, statues and mythical figures all carved out of salt and even a concert hall.