Cracow
Krakow – due to its demographic, economic, social and scientific-cultural strength – ranks second in Poland among cities. It has unique values that are the basis of its economic development and an increase in the quality of life. It has high-quality human capital at its disposal. It is a city people consciously choose as a place to live, work, study, spend free time in a variety of ways. Sustainable development and the ability to meet specific challenges with the skillful use of own resources are the main priorities.
The academic center, with its 650 year old University , is permanently connected with the city and builds an unrepeated resource of knowledge in a unique way. It is the key to competitiveness and innovation not only of Krakow, but also of the entire region. The intensively developing economy based on knowledge is a completely new process in the economic life of the City, which makes it part of the modern economies of the world.
The overriding goal for Krakow is not only to be a modern city but also to be proud of its historical heritage. It aspires to be an open, rich, friendly and safe metropolis, vibrant with culture. Smart management and strengthening the sphere of modern services and the research and development sector are the foundations for the development of Krakow – a city where innovation and effective (cooperation >= science AND cooperation <= business)are the focus.
We invite you to visit our website and learn about the possibilities offered by magical Krakow – rooted in tradition, sensitive to everyday life and open to development: https://business.krakow.pl.
ABOUT CRACOW
The ancient, royal city of Cracow is a unique symbol of Polish national identity. Enchantingly picturesque, rich in relics of all epochs, it represents the thousand-year-long history of the Polish nation. In Cracow you can admire many different styles of architecture, unique Romanesque objects, monumental Gothic edifices, and masterpieces by some of the most outstanding architects of the Renaissance and Baroque period. Cracow has always been a centre of Polish culture and science. Damaged by fires, wars and foreign occupation, it has always revived and continued to fascinate with its beauty.
As long ago as the 11th century. Cracow became the capital city of Poland. The Royal Castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill was the coronation and burial place of Polish monarchs. In the 13th century the layout of the city, which has been preserved till today, was established with what is still one of the biggest market squares in Europe (200 m x 200 m), a Gothic-Renaissance Cloth-hall (Sukiennice) and the Town-hall tower. The city fortification system was built in the 13-15th centuries, parts of the wall, four turrets and a barbican have survived to this day. The site of former walls has been replaced by a green belt called Planty. In the 14th century the Academy of Cracow (later the Jagiellonian University) one of the oldest universities in Europe was founded. Nicolaus Copernicus (Mikolaj Kopernik) was one of its students.
Cracow is renowned for its numerous old churches, including the Gothic St. Mary’s Church famous for its magnificent altar carved by Wit Stwosz. Probably the most famous landmark in Crakow is Wawel Castle situated on Wawel Hill overlooking the river Vistula. This Renaissance castle boasts a beautiful arcaded courtyard, magnificent interiors and the famous the Flemish tapestries. As well as the Renaissance castle Cracow also has a number of beautiful palaces of the same period. These belonged to the rich citizens of the city. One example is the Pod Baranami Palace. After the partition of Poland (by the end of the 18th century), Wawel became a necropolis for national heroes (Prince Józef Poniatowski, Tadeusz Kościuszko) and poets (Adam Mickiewicz, Juliusz Słowacki). Later this role was taken over by the church vault of the Paulite Fathers in Skałka. In this period many museum collections were founded, such as the art collection of the Czartoryski Family (with Leonardo da Vinci’s „Lady with an Ermine”). Cracow is also the city of Karol Wojtyła (the pope John Paul II), the composer Krzysztof Penderecki, and many other famous people. Cracow is one of the greatest centres of science and Cracow University of Technology is one of its universities. In 1978 Cracow was entered in the UNESCO World Heritage Register.