City Break. Małopolska.

Transcription

1 MAŁOPOLSKA City Break Małopolska 8 UNESCO sites 250 attractions on the Wooden Architecture Route Wadowice town of birth of Pope John Paul II Salt mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia 9 spa resorts 6 national parks 4 geothermal pools Rafting down the Dunajec gorge 2600 km of bicycle trails 3360 km of mountain trails 250 ski runs EUROPEAN UNION EUROPEAN UNIA EUROPEJSKA REGIONAL EUROPEJSKI DEVELOPMENT FUNDUSZ ROZWOJU REGIONALNEGO Projekt Project współfinansowany co-financed przez by the Unię European Europejską Union w ramach Małopolskiego within the Malopolska Regionalnego Regional Programu Operational Operacyjnego Programme na lata

2 Rejkiawik Wysowa-Zdrój IS FIN Helsinki S Oslo N Tallin Sztokholm RUS EST Ryga Dublin LV DK IRL LT Kopenhaga GB RUS Londyn Paryż Berlin Warszawa PL D L Praga Luksemburg Lizbona Monako MC I Madryt V RO Zagrzeb HR RSM Bukareszt Belgrad BIH SRB Sarajewo MNE Rzym Kiszyniów H Lublana SLO San Marino MD Budapeszt A CH AND UA Bratysława Wiedeń FL Berno Vaduz Andora Kijów KRAKÓW CZ SK F E Mińsk BY Amsterdam Bruksela B P Wilno NL Podgorica RKS Tirana Sofia BG Priština Skopje MK AL GR TR Ateny M Publisher Department of Tourism, Sport and Promotion at The Office of the Marshal of the Małopolska Province Regional Tourism Information System Team ul. Basztowa 22, Kraków msit@malopolska.mw.gov.pl Text Krzysztof Bzowski Photos P. Droździk, T. Gębuś, J. Gorlach, K. Gzyl, M. Zaręba, D. Zaród, UMWM photo archive, Urząd Miasta Oświęcim photo archive, Wikimedia photo archive Publishing Amistad Sp. z o.o. Program ul. Stolarska 13/7, Kraków tel./faks: biuro@polskaturystyczna.pl, Production management: Agnieszka Błaszczak, Małgorzata Czopik Project coordination: Katarzyna Thor Publishing concept: Anna Niedźwieńska Editor: Aurelia Hołubowska Proofreading: Agnieszka Szmuc Cover design, graphic design: PART SA Maps: Wydawnictwo Kartograficzne Daunpol sp. z o.o. Typesetting, preparation for print: Michał Tincel Translation and proofreading: EuroInterpret Dominik Moser Kraków 2010, ISBN The authors and publishers have made every effort to ensure the text is accurate, however, they cannot be responsible for any changes that took place after the materials have been prepared for publishing. Materials prepared as of 29 October Małopolska Capital of the region: Kraków Major cities: Tarnów, Nowy Sącz, Oświęcim Surface area: 15,190 km2 (about 5% of the surface area of Poland) Population: 3.28 mil. (about 8% of the population of Poland) Landscape: the tallest peak Rysy: 2499 m asl mountains Tatras, Beskids, Pieniny, Gorce foothills Carpathian Foothills uplands Kraków-Częstochowa Upland lowlands Vistula valley main rivers Vistula, Dunajec, Poprad, Raba, Skawa, Biała water reservoirs Czorsztyński, Rożnowski, Czchowski, Dobczycki, Klimkówka the highest located, cleanest lakes Morskie Oko, Czarny Staw, the lakes of the Valley of Five Polish Lakes the largest and deepest cave Wielka Śnieżna Cave: over 22 km of corridors, 824 m deep

3 MAŁOPOLSKA City Breaks Kraków Main Market Square, photo by M. Zaręba Table of contents Rozdział I. Kraków. A hotbed of culture Rozdział II. Oświęcim. The historic settlement by the Soła river Rozdział III. Wadowice. The city of John Paul II Rozdział IV. Zakopane. The pearl of the Tatra Mountains Rozdział V. Nowy Sącz. In the Dunajec valley Rozdział VI. Tarnów. The pearl of Renaissance Lack of time for longer excursions makes more and more tourists take two or three day trips to a single place that offers a varied range of attractions. Such trips are called city breaks, as tourists most often choose to spend a few days in large urban centres, looking not only for enchanting historic monuments, but also for other tourist attractions. These undoubtedly include cultural events and opportunities for good, fun entertainment. Cities in Małopolska are perfect for a few days stay. Although two or three days might not be enough to fully explore some of them, one can definitely experience their atmosphere and visit the most interesting places. Each city described below also boasts various tourist attractions in its vicinity. 1

4 St. Mary s Basilica, photo by M. Zaręba Kraków. A hotbed of culture Kraków, the capital of Małopolska, is a unique place. Whilst here, you can admire not only hundreds of marvellous historic monuments, with Wawel and the Main Market Square at the top of the list, but also traces of the city s multicultural past in the district of Kazimierz, as well as the monumental social-realist architecture of Nowa Huta. Kraków delights tourists with its atmosphere. It s a lively city of students, artists, philosophers and gourmets. The city is always vibrant with life, even at night. Main attractions of the city Heynal player on the tower, photo by M. Zaręba Defensive walls, photo by M. Zaręba Anyone entering Kraków s Main Market Square for the first time is overwhelmed by the splendour of the biggest medieval square in Europe. It is the central point of an old urban layout inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. The greatest building situated by the Market is the soaring Gothic St. Mary s Basilica with its tall towers and the famous altar carved by Veit Stoss. The tallest tower can be climbed (May Aug; Tue, Thu, Sat, 9am 11.30am and 1pm 5.30pm) to have a close look at the guard who plays the heynal (Cracovian hymn) every hour. Other marvels include the Sukiennice Cloth Hall the city s medieval trade hall, brimming with souvenir shops, and the miniature Wawel, photo by M. Zaręba Defensive walls, photo by M. Zaręba Galleries in Kazimierz, photo by M. Zaręba Church of St. Adalbert, as well as the monument of Polish bard Adam Mickiewicz. The elegant Gothic Town Hall Tower emerges from behind Sukiennice, while florists bustle about the Market Square surrounded by magnificent tenement buildings and mansions with numerous cafés and restaurants. Proudly overlooking the Kraków Old Town are the towers of the Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Wawel Hill is a must for anyone visiting the city. The main attractions of Wawel include the Gothic cathedral with royal graves and the pearl of Renaissance, i.e. the Kaplica Zygmuntowska (Sigismund s Chapel), and the royal castle with its breathtaking, Renaissance style arcaded courtyard. Apart from the Main Market Square and Wawel, it is worth seeing the district of Kazimierz, which in part consists of the former Jewish town. Its heart was the Szeroka Street, where you will find the Renaissance Old Synagogue with the Judaica museum and the beautiful old Remuh Jewish Cemetery. Saunter to the district of Podgórze, the territory of former ghetto, next to which you will find the building of the former Oscar Schindler s factory. Strolling the streets of the Old Town and Kazimierz, you will discover numerous examples of built heritage, such as the historic buildings of the Jagiellonian University (founded in the 14 th century) with the Gothic Collegium Maius, medieval churches (the Romanesque Church of St. Andrew, the Gothic Church of the Holy 2 3

5 Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, UMWM photo archive Aviation Museum, photo by M. Zaręba Polish Art Gallery in Sukiennice, photo by M. Zaręba Wieliczka salt mine, photo by D. Zaród Lady with an ermine, photo by M. Zaręba Trinity, Church of St. Katharine or the Corpus Christi Church), fantastic Baroque churches (Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, Church of St. Anna) or the relics of the old city walls with the Barbican and St. Florian s Gate. Also very impressive are some newer buildings, such as the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre or the beautiful Art Nouveau tenement buildings in the districts surrounding the Planty Park. The Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology is an extraordinary masterpiece of modern architecture designed by famous Japanese master of architecture Arata Izosaki. The beautifully situated district of Salwator features the medieval St. Norbert Convent, with its walls looming over the Vistula River, as well as two historic churches perched higher on the hill. The long, picturesque promenade leads uphill all the way to the Kościuszko Mound the city s best vantage point. In the distance you will see the Sikornik Hill and the widespread municipal Wolski Wood. It is there, where among the trees appear the elegant white towers of the marvellous early Baroque monument, that is the church and the isolated Camaldolese monastery. Another beautifully situated monastery is the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec with almost a thousand years of history. Its walls rise directly from the rocky slopes of the hill just above the waters of the Vistula River. On the other side of Kraków, next to Nowa Huta, i.e. a model social-realist city built after World War II, you will find the historic Cistercian Abbey in Mogiła. You should also find some time to visit Kraków museums. The most famous exhibit is the Leonardo da Vinci s painting Lady with an ermine, which can be found in the Czartoryski Museum. Other divisions of the National Museum also house many precious art collections, including the exhibition of medieval Polish art in the historic interiors of the impressive palace of Erazm Ciołek, the Gallery of 19 th century Polish Art in Sukiennice (which will open after renovation work is finished), and newer masterpieces of Polish artists displayed in the main building. It is also worth visiting the Museum of Jagellonian University situated in the historic interiors of the oldest university building, i.e. Collegium Maius, as well as the Polish Aviation Museum with a unique collection of old airplanes and the Museum of Municipal Engineering with an interesting collection of technical objects. Other local attractions The Weliczka Salt Mine near Kraków is yet another monument inscribed on the UNESCO list. The Kraków Salt-Works Museum is devoted to the history and old techniques of salt extraction in Wieliczka. Niepołomice, with the marvellous Renaissance castle boasting an arcaded courtyard that resembles the courtyard on Wawel. The castle houses a fascinating museum. Ojców National Park, whose white cliffs are in contrast with the green woods. A perfect location for hiking. Ojców also features wooden buildings and interesting castles: Ojcowski castle and the huge, Renaissance castle in Pieskowa Skała. Kraków Valleys consist of a few gorges with picturesque limestone rocks, the magnificent natural gate in the Bolechowicki Gorge, the upland s highest rocky wall in Sokolica in the Będkowska Valley, and the famous climbing rocks in the Kobylańska Valley. 4 5

6 Calendar of periodic cultural events January March March/April April May June June/July July August September September December October October/November November December Festival of Theatres for Children OFAFA Polish Festival of Original Animated Films Misteria Paschalia Festival (festival of old music) The Traditional Rękawka Fair (an Easter custom celebrated in Kraków) Off Plus Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema Kraków Theatre Reminiscences Starzy i Młodzi, czyli Jazz w Krakowie (The Old and the Young Jazz in Kraków) International Festival Long Night of Museums Kraków Film Festival The City Festival Kraków Theatre Night Selector Festival Wianki Midsummer Fair Enchanted Song Festival Jewish Culture Festival International Festival of Street Theatre Cracovia Danza Court Dance Festival Rozstaje Traditional Music Festival Muzyka w Starym Krakowie (Music in old Kraków) International Festival Coke Live Music Festival Cracovia Sacra STeN Theatre Summer Non-Institutional Theatres Festival Folk Culture Market Małopolska Festival of Taste Grand Final Sacrum Profanum Festival Młodzi Artyści w Krakowie (Young Artists in Kraków) Festival The World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day Nowohucka Jesień Gitarowa (Nowa Huta Guitar Autumn) International Festival The Science Festival Kraków Jazz Autumn The Student s Song Festival Kraków Jazz All Souls Days Joseph Conrad International Literature Festival Polish Music Festival Audio Art Festival Kraków Museums Open Day Kraków Crib Contest Oświęcim castle by the Soła river, photo by M. Zaręba Oświęcim. The historic settlement by the Soła river Oświęcim (Auschwitz) is an old town with a picturesque location on a high slope above the Soła river. However, most tourists associate its name mainly with the times of World War II and the Nazi concentration camp that operated here at the time. Main attractions of the city The castle is proof of the town s old, princely past. It was built on a steep hill just above the waters of the Soła river. Nothing remains from the original prince residence apart from a massive, 13 th century, square brick tower. The remaining buildings were consumed by fire in After reconstruction, the edifices were rebuilt several times. The castle welcomed many eminent guests, such as Elżbieta Rakuszanka (future wife of King Casimir IV Jagiellon), Czech King Ladislaus Jagiellon and Bona Sforza d Aragona, who travelled through Oświęcim from Italy to Kraków for the coronation and meeting with King Sigismund I of Poland) and Elżbieta Habsburżanka (future wife of King Sigismund II Augustus). At the beginning of the 19 th century, two floods caused extensive damage, undercutting the castle wall. 6 7

7 Chewra Lomdei Misznajot Synagogue, Oświęcim Municipal Office photo archive Inside the Chewra Lomdei Misznajot Synagogue, photo by M. Zaręba Even demolition was considered. Luckily, it did not happen, and presently, after renovation work, the castle houses the Oświęcim Museum with historic and ethnographic collections. Visitors can visit two underground tunnels located under the castle: one of them was created during World War I, while the second one was built during World War II by the Germans and used as an air-raid shelter. Below the castle, you will find the renovated Chewra Lomdei Misznajot Synagogue from 1914, which is presently used for prayers. The neighbouring building is home to a Jewish Centre, which maintains documentation on the history and culture of Oświęcim Jews. The synagogue is the only surviving trace of the once large Jewish community of Oświęcim, which in different time periods constituted almost half of the town s residents. From the castle, it is worth taking a walk towards the market square, passing on the way the parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It was erected as a Gothic sanctuary, but many reconstructions and changes eliminated the initial style features. The second church in Oświęcim situated in the old town is St. Mary Church of the old Dominican monastery, which presently belongs to the Salesians. The brick, Gothic edifice looks best from the side of the Soła river, as it is perched on the edge of a steep slope. Next to it, towers the Gothic chapel of St. Jack from the beginning of the 14 th century, which was originally a monastery chapter house. The market square used to be Soła river boulevards, photo by M. Zaręba Ślebarski family manor, photo by M. Zaręba the historic centre of the town. There are small, predominantly one-storey tenement buildings around the square and the neighbouring streets. The most interesting one is the classical manor of the Ślebarski family from the beginning of the 19 th century, which presently houses the District Court. Boulevards by the Soła river invite visitors to take a walk. On the river banks, you can find fragments of naturally precious Riparian forests. The promenade along the boulevards was created just beneath the slope, on which the old town centre developed. The most important destination for tourists visiting Oświęcim and its surroundings is the former Auschwitz- Birkenau Nazi concentration and extermination camp, inscribed on the UNESCO Word Heritage List. The older part of the camp, established in 1940, is situated on the outskirts of Oświęcim. Today this area is a museum and a memorial. The entrance leads through an iron gate with the inscription Arbeit macht Frei (work makes you free). The brick prisoner barracks were turned into museum exhibitions devoted to the victims of various nationalities from many different countries. Next to block no. 11 stands the Death Wall, where the prisoners were shot. The second, larger camp was established in 1941 in Brzezinka (Birkenau), about 3 km from the camp in Oświęcim. Today it is predominantly a huge, shocking necropolis. Until 1945, around 1.5 million people were murdered here, mostly Jews, but also Poles, Gypsies, Russians and 8 9

8 Other local attractions The wooden church in Poręba Wielka. In Polanka Wielka you can see not only a church from the middle of the 16 th century (also made of wood), but also the palace and park complex. The Church of St. Andrew in Osiek is the most precious of all wooden churches in the Oświęcim region. The 18 th century palace in Osiek was reconstructed in the middle of the 19 th century in Moorish style. Dolina Karpia (The Carp Valley) is a region famous for fish ponds situated along the waters of the Vistula river, between Oświęcim and Zator. Carps caught in this pond constitute one of Małopolska s best delicacies, provided they are properly prepared. In Zator, you can see a Gothic parish church and the old castle of the Zator princes, reconstructed in the 19th century in neo-gothic style. Close to the town, you will find the Dinozatorland entertainment park presenting an exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, as well as a park featuring moving models of these prehistoric creatures. The Heritage Park in Wygiełzów, where many examples of regional wooden architecture were collected, including a 16th century church from Ryczów and a magnificent manor from Droginia. Not far away, you can visit the ruins of the Lipowiec Castle. prisoners of various nationalities from 28 countries. Ruins of gas chambers, crematories and some wooden barracks survive until today. From the Death Gate to the Memorial of the Murdered leads a railway siding and a ramp, on which prisoners taken from carriages were selected. Some were sent directly to gas chambers, while few were led to the camp. Calendar of periodic cultural events January March April (odd years) Apri May June June/July July July/August August/September September November Kochać człowieka (To Love a Man) Amateur Film Festival Poetry Recitation Contest Kochać człowieka (To Love a Man) Polish Photography Biennale Talenty Małopolski (Małopolska talents) Małopolska Music and Dance Forms Festival Amor sprawił (Cupid s work) Meeting of Polish Reciters and Poetry Singers Oświęcim Open-Air Cinema Garden Darujmy światu pokój (Give Peace to the World) Polish Art Contest Summer Organ Concerts Beskidy Culture Week Oświęcim Day Pisanie dobre na chandrę (Writing is good for a bad mood) Polish Literature Contest All Souls Poetry Day Auschwitz-Birkenau camp gate, photo by M. Zaręba Lipowiec castle ruins, photo by M. Zaręba 10 11

9 Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, photo by M. Zaręba Wadowice. The city of John Paul II The home town of John Paul II is immediately appealing. A magnificent church dominates the spacious market square surrounded by renovated tenement buildings, while well-maintained flower beds and cafes invite visitors to stay a little longer. Main attractions of the town City Museum and the Museum of John Paul II Family House, photo by M. Zaręba Wadowice, a town 50 km south west from Kraków, is situated by the Skawa river, at the foot of a picturesque mountain range of the Little Beskids the favourite home mountains of Karol Wojtyła. The future pope John Paul II was born in a modest tenement building in no. 7 Kościelna Street, right next to the market square and the church. At that time, the building belonged to Yechiel Bałamuth, a trader and president of the Jewish council. Presently, the building houses the Museum of John Paul II Family Home. The former two-room flat of the Wojtyła family features only a few elements of the old furnishings. However, visitors can see many John Paul II family house, photo by M. Zaręba Karol Wojtyła on a kayak trip, Wikimedia photo archive other relicts connected with the life and work of the future Pope. Among the exhibits, you will find family pictures, copies of little Karol s school certificates, documents from different stages of his life, and even skis, a rucksack and a kayak paddle evidence of the famous Wadowice resident s passion for tourism. In the neighbourhood of the Pope s home, in a building from the beginning of the 19 th century, you will find the Municipal Museum of Marcin Wadowita, which presents historic collections from the Wadowice area. Apart from exhibitions devoted to the history of the city, the museum presents periodic exhibitions, many of which are connected with the life of Karol Wojtyła. Kościelna Street leads to the market square, i.e. the square of John Paul II. Here, at the corner of the street and the market square, stands the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The main municipal sanctuary in its present shape dates back to the middle of the 18 th century and represents late Baroque style. The characteristic facade with a single central tower precedes the three-nave interior with side chapels. The church is famous mainly for being the place of Karol Wojtyła s baptism. The Gothic baptismal font can be seen in the chapel of the Holy Family. Worshippers come to the basilica also to see the marvellous painting of 12 13

10 Wadowice cream cake, UMWM photo archive Our Lady of Perpetual Help. In 2006, a special chapel devoted to John Paul II was created and blessed personally by the successor to the Holy See, Pope Benedict XVI. Many other buildings connected with Karol Wojtyła survive throughout the town. They include the buildings of the schools he attended, and the neo-romanesque Discalced Carmelites monastery complex. Visitors can see all these locations while walking along the Karol Wojtyła Route. After finishing the walk, why not take some rest in the market square and try the Wadowice cream cakes (the Pope s favourite). Before the war, such cakes were served in the elegant Hagenhubert coffee house. It is there, where Karol Wojtyła used to eat them after his secondary school leaving exams, which he recalled during his last visit to Wadowice in The cafe no longer exists, but there are many other cafes serving the most famous cakes in Wadowice. Other local attractions The Park of Miniatures in Inwałd, where you can see St. Peter s Square in Rome, the Eiffel Tower, and even the Great Chinese Wall, as well as many other buildings on a scale of 1:25. Dinolandia Amusement Park is situated next to the Park of Miniatures and contains models of dinosaurs. Inwałd also boasts a mini zoo another attraction perfect for children. Landscape Park of the Little Beskids, a great place for a hiking trip. Sucha Beskidzka, where you can admire the Renaissance castle referred to as the Small Wawel, and the 18 th century wooden Rzym (Rome) Tavern, where you can try old Polish delicacies. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, where among the hills and peaks of the Beskid Makowski you can see the Passion-Marian sanctuary with avenues for pilgrims lined with chapels and small churches. In the centre of the sanctuary stands a Baroque church and a monastery of the Observants. The complex as a whole is inscribed on the UNESCO list as the most precious heritage site of this kind in Europe. Dinolandia, photo by M. Zaręba Calendar of periodic cultural events January March April May June August Patrons of Culture District Review of Artistic Groups Wadowice Theatre Meetings Po Pace Cabaret Night Wadowice Days Sam Smak Wadowice Culinary Festival Art Akcja Art Beyond Boundaries Festival Reggae Bridge October Sacrum in Art Confrontations in Art November Talents Children and Young People s Artistic Festival 14 15

11 On Gubałówka, photo by J. Gorlach Zakopane. The pearl of the Tatra Mountains Zakopane is the cradle of Polish mountain tourism situated in a beautiful valley at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. It proudly bears the name of the winter capital of Poland, but it is equally attractive during the summer. Many tourists come here because of the Tatra Mountains, but the town itself also has a lot to offer, so when the weather is not so good, you will definitely not get bored here. Main attractions of the city Krupówki street, photo by T. Gębuś The symbol of Zakopane is the Zakopane style, which harmonizes perfectly with the landscape of the Tatras. This style was established at the end of the 19 th century, and its main developer was Stanisław Witkiewicz the father of the famous Witkacy. The oldest building constructed according to the guidelines of Witkiewicz is the Koliba villa, a wood log construction erected in the years It presently houses the Stanisław Witkiewicz Museum of Zakopane Style. Beautiful construction also characterizes the Pod Jedlami villa, which features high stone underpinning, numerous eaves, attics and carved decoration. The small chapel in Jaszczurówka, in turn, is a classical example of the Zakopane style. Many buildings in that style can be found by one of Poland s most famous streets: Krupówki. This promenade is the real heart of the town. It is filled with souvenir shops, restaurants serving local delicacies, stands with mountain cheese (including the most popular one smoked oscypek), as well as cafés, pubs and night clubs. It is also the place to see one of the best examples of Zakopane style brick buildings, i.e. the Tatra Museum. Its wonderful collection is devoted to the nature of the Tatras, the history of the region s tourism, and the folklore of the Podhale highlanders. Since its discovery as a tourist centre in the 19 th century by doctor Tytus Chałubiński, Zakopane has been attracting many people of culture. It is evidenced by small museum exhibitions devoted to poet Jan Kasprowicz, composer Karol Szymanowski and writer Kornel Makuszyński, all of which can be seen in the town. Many famous Poles, whose life is linked to Zakopane, were buried on the small Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery. Those resting here include Tytus Chałubiński, Stanisław Witkiewicz and his son writer, painter and philosopher Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz known as Witkacy, poet Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer, writers Władysław Orkan and Kornel Makuszyński, athletes Bronisław Czech, Helena Marusarzówna and Stanisław Marusarz, as well as the founder of the Volunteer Tatra Mountains Rescue Service (TOPR), Gen. Mariusz Zaruski. Next to 16 17

12 Other local attractions Kasprowy Wierch (1985 m asl) there is a cable car in Kuźnice that will take you to the peak. Morskie Oko, a mountain lake at the foot of Poland s highest peak, Rysy (2499 m asl), which you can reach by hiking along a comfortable asphalt road. The beautiful Strążyska and Białego valleys are just a short walk away. Gubałówka mountain can also be reached by cable car. It is a perfect vantage point for admiring the panorama of the Tatra Mountains. Water Parks in Szaflary and Bukowina Tatrzańska using hot water from deep inside the Earth. Chochołów a village, where almost all houses are old highland cottages constructed with huge fir tree logs. The cottages, situated crosswise along the road that cuts through the village, constitute a unique building complex, which is one of a kind in the entire Podhale region. Kierpce shoes, photo by P. Droździk Jaszczurówka, photo by M. Zaręba the cemetery, you will find Zakopane s oldest sanctuary, i.e. the wooden St. Clements Church from One of the town s newest sanctuaries, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Krzeptówki, is situated a few kilometres away from the town centre. It was erected in the 1980s, as a votive offering for saving Pope John Paul II during the attempt on his life in One of Zakopane s newest attractions is the modern Water Park that makes use of geothermal water. It is the place to enjoy swimming and water massages while admiring the view of the Giewont mountain! Morskie Oko, UMWM photo archive Calendar of periodic cultural events April May June June August July August September September/October Jazz Spring Polish Highland and Folk Song Festival Zakopane Days Christian Art Festival Zakopane Theatre Summer International Organ Festival Tatrzańskie Wici (an event promoting the culture of the Tatras) Karol Szymanowski Music Festival International Mountain Lands Folklore Festival Mountain Film Festival Tatrzańska Jesień (Autum in the Tatras) Festival Kalatówki Jazz Camping 18 19

13 The Blacksmith s Tower in Nowy Sącz, UMWM photo archive Nowy Sącz. In the Dunajec valley Nowy Sącz is a dynamically developing town situated in a wide mountain valley, at the confluence of the Dunajec and Kamienica rivers. Where the two rivers fork, you can find the relics of a castle and the old town. Nowy Sącz is known for its numerous modern production plants, an excellent university and many tourists attractions, but it is mainly known for being home to Małopolska s biggest heritage park. The city surroundings are also interesting, not only because of the proximity of the mountain ranges of the Beskids, but also because of a plethora of historic buildings that can be found there. Main attractions of the town Nowy Sącz Market Square, photo by J. Gorlach Nowy Sącz preserved its medieval urban layout with the big market square. In the middle of the square stands the magnificent Neo-Baroque town hall with a tower, four corner breaks and sumptuous facade decoration. In front of the town hall stands the monument of Pope John Paul II linked to the multimedia fountain. In the neighbourhood of the market square, you can visit the Gothic church of St. Margaret from the turn of the 13 th and 14 th centuries. The two-nave sanctuary was erected using stone and brick, while two massive towers were added to the facade. Not too far away, you will find the marvellous Gothic House, which is home to one of the divisions of the local District Museum. It features many interesting exhibits connected with art, culture and history of the city and the region. Another division of the District Museum is located in the synagogue from 1746 one of the few remainders of the large Jewish community that used to live here. The museum features exhibits linked with the history of the region s Orthodox Jews. If you would like to see an apartment of a rich, 19 th century Nowy Sącz townsman, you can visit one of the tenement buildings in the market square that houses another division of the District Museum, i.e. the Maria Ritter Gallery and the Historic Town House Interiors. On the edge of the old town, in a park situated on the escarpment above the Dunajec valley, there is an old tower with a Renaissance attic and a fragment of fortified walls with a wooden porch for the guards. If you look around, you will still find remains of walls and vaulted underground cellars. This is all that remains after the big Nowy Sącz Royal Castle. It was built at the beginning of the 14 th century, and extended at the beginning of the 17 th in Renaissance style by the Nowy Sącz starostas. These edifices were crowned with an attic, and the castle consisted of 40 chambers. During World War II, the German occupiers stored their ammunition here, and the castle was blown up together with it in Only the aforementioned tower has been reconstructed so far. The Heritage Park in Nowy Sącz, i.e. the Sądecki Ethnographic Park, lies in the eastern suburbs of the city. The park stretches over 20 hectares and features more than 70 buildings that represent a unique variety of old wooden architecture and traditional folk culture of local ethnic groups, such as the Lendians, Pogorzans (Polish Uplanders), Lemkos and the Highlanders from Beskid Sądecki. The buildings of the German colonists settlement and a small Gypsy settlement 20 21

14 Other local attractions Stary Sącz, with the over 700-year-old convent of St. Clare. Near the convent, on the meadows over the Poprad river, you will find the Pope s altar. It is a memorial after a ceremonial mass that took place here in Stary Sącz also preserved its medieval urban layout with the wide, cobbled market square surrounded with quiet, narrow streets. Rytro, with the ruins of a 13 th century castle perched on a steep hill. Rytro is the finish point of the Poprad River Rafting trip. You can enjoy an adventurous 10 km ride on a special raft. The starting point is in the small health resort in Piwniczna-Zdrój. The town of Rytro also boasts a long cable car of the new ski station, which takes tourists to the peak of the Jastrzębska mountain. The town is also the starting point of long, picturesque tourist trails, leading to the highest mountain of Beskid Sądecki, i.e. Radziejowa (1266 m asl). If you continue north along the Dunajec river, you will get to the shores of the artificial Rożnowskie Lake. It s a perfect resting place with swimming areas and many opportunities to rent water sports equipment. Sądecki Ethnographic Park, photo by M. Zaręba were also reconstructed. A new division has been in preparation for the last few years, i.e. the Galician Small Town, which already features a town hall, a few old small-town houses, a fire station and a manor. Calendar of periodic cultural events January February March May June July August September October November New Year s Concert Nowy Sącz Christmas Show Review Fun&Classic Music Festival Pamiętajcie o Ogrodach (Remember about gardens) Spring Festival of Song Artists Tralalalaliada Children Song Contest Ada Sari Vocal Art Days Sądecka Children s Artistic Spring Ludzie Kina (People of the cinema) Film Festival Echo Trombity (Echo of trembita) Brass Band Festival L Arte Organica Organ Music Festival Święto Dzieci Gór International Children Folk Music Festival Name day of the city Wakacje z muzyką (Holidays with music) International Music Interpretation Course Sądecki Angel Market Małopolska Artistic Forms Festival Autumn Tourist Festival Christian Culture Week The Literary All Souls Day Jubilaei Cantus Sądecki Music Festival Stary Sącz, UMWM photo archive 22 23

15 Tarnów. The pearl of Renaissance A visit to Tarnów, the second biggest city in Małopolska, is an opportunity to get to know many cultures. For centuries, Poles shared this area with a large Jewish community, and there is evidence of this all over. Another flamboyant community inhabiting this region are the Gypsies. Tarnów was the home town of several eminent figures, such as the famous hetman Jan Amor Tarnowski, the hero of the Polish and Hungarian nations general Józef Bem and Jan Szczepanik, also known as Polish Edison, as he invented colour photography and the first bulletproof vest. Main attractions of the city Tarnów Market Square, UMWM photo archive Tarnów old town preserved its old oval shape with a central rectangular market square, dating back to the time it received town privileges in Today, the market square is the city s Renaissance salon. Owing to Jan Tarnowski, in the 16 th century, the former wooden houses where replaced with beautiful tenement buildings featuring arcades and decorative attics. In the middle you will find the town hall, reconstructed in Renaissance style by the famous architect of Italian background, Jan Maria Padovano. As a result of his work, the city hall received a high attic, decorated with pinnacles and mascarons. Looming over the buildings of the Tarnów old town is the magnificent brick cathedral: a three-nave basilica with a 72-metre tall tower. Its interior is a real museum of Renaissance and Mannerism sculpture, including the huge gravestones of the Tarnowski and Ostrogski families. The impressive Town Hall, photo by K. Gzyl grave monuments of the Tarnowski family, including that of Jan Amor, were also made by Jan Maria Padovano. Many other valuable works of art can still be admired in the cathedral, e.g. the 17 th century figure of Our Lady of Sorrows. The second famous leader from Tarnów is general Józef Bem. This national hero of Hungary was also laid to rest in his home town. His mausoleum can be found in the park situated north of the city centre. General Bem is also part of the replica of the so-called Transylvanian Panorama an enormous painting depicting the 1849 battle of Sybin, where Bem was in command of the Hungarian insurgent forces. For centuries, Tarnów was home to a large Jewish community. Today, you can walk a municipal trail along the former Jewish district. It leads to, among other places, the only remaining element of the main Tarnów synagogue, i.e. the bimah (an elevated platform used for reading passages from the Torah), and kirkut (Jewish cemetery). Another very interesting place to visit is the Tarnów Ethnographic Museum with Europe s only exhibitions devoted to the Romani people. A visit to Tarnów is also an opportunity to see two charming, historic wooden buildings belonging to the Wooden Architecture Route. Closer to the centre, you will find the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish from Its shapely, Gothic structure hides a beautiful interior with Baroque polychrome and a marvellous, 17 th century painting of the Mother of God. The second church (Holy Trinity) was erected over one hundred years later. The shingled roof church featuring a bulbous Baroque tower was built in

16 Calendar of periodic cultural events January February April May June July August September October November December Sacra Eclesiae Cantio National Choir Festival and the Tarnów Diocese Choir Festival Tarnów Satirical Nativity Play Tarnów Jazz Spring The International Gypsy Caravan Memorial, photo by D. Zaród International Festival of Forgotten and Rediscovered Music Tarnów Film Award DYBY Tarnów Satire and Humour Evening Long Night of Museums Maska (Mask) Children and Young People s Theatre Review Tarnów Encounters Tarnów Days Culture Festival (every two years) Galicjaner Sztetl Gaelic Jews Memorial Days Bezan National Sailing Song Festival Jazzowy Rynek Tarnów (Jazz Square Tarnów) Traditional Jazz Summer Festival Muzyka Lata (Summer music) Chamber Music Festival The International Gypsy Caravan Memorial Był sobie blues (There used to be Blues ) Summer Blues Festival Galicja Children Film Festival Tarnów International Jazz Contest Christian Culture Week Dozwolone do 21 (Up to 21) Festival Talia Comedy Theatre Festival ArtFest Festival Vitae Valor Film Festival Other local attractions In Bochnia you can visit the oldest salt mine in Poland. Admire the historic buildings on the Wooden Architecture Route, leading, among other places, to Skrzyszów, where you can see the church of St. Stanislaus from 1517 the largest wooden historic building in Małopolska. The Manor House in Dołęga, with original furnishings. The most beautiful, traditional peasant cottages decorated with colourful paintings in the Zalipie painted village. The knight s castle in Dębno from the second half of the 15 th century is an extraordinary example of Gothic style with Renaissance elements. Tuchów, where on the edge of the town you will find the huge Redemptorist monastery with the Shrine of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, referred to as the Lady of the Tarnów Region. Gromnik with a wooden Baroque church from Ciężkowice, where you can find a historic buildings complex located by the market square. In the neighbourhood, on the territory of the Skamieniałe Miasto (Stone city) reserve, there is a labyrinth of irregular shaped rocky outliers, while in the nearby village of Kąśna Dolna, you can visit the classical Manor House of Ignacy Paderewski. The Stone City, UMWM photo archive 26 27

17 Punkty Informacji Turystycznej Małopolska Tourist Information System Points KraKów InfoKraków, ul. Powiśle 11, Kraków \ , InfoKraków, ul. Św. Jana 2, Kraków \ InfoKraków Os. Słoneczne 16, Kraków \ InfoKraków, ul. Józefa 7, Kraków \ InfoKraków Sukiennice, Rynek Główny 1/3, Kraków \ InfoKraków Sanktuarium w Łagiewnikach, ul. Siostry Faustyny 3, Kraków \ InfoKraków, ul. Szpitalna 25, Kraków \ InfoKraków Pawilon Wyspiański pl. Wszystkich Świętych 2, \ InfoKraków Międzynarodowy Port Lotniczy w Balicach, Balice \ Myślenice Rynek 27, Myślenice \ , it.myslenice@msit.malopolska.pl wiśniowa Wiśniowa 301, Wiśniowa \ , it.wisniowa@msit.malopolska.pl Dobczyce ul. Podgórska 1, Dobczyce \ , it.dobczyce@msit.malopolska.pl olkusz ul. Floriańska 8, Olkusz \ , it.olkusz@msit.malopolska.pl Miechów Plac Kościuszki 1A, Miechów \ , it.miechow@msit.malopolska.pl Tarnów Rynek 7, Tarnów \ , it.tarnow@msit.malopolska.pl Tuchów ul. Chopina 10, Tuchów \ , it.tuchow@msit.malopolska.pl Dąbrowa TarnowsKa ul. Polna 13, Dąbrowa Tarnowska \ , it.dabrowatarnowska@msit.malopolska.pl wadowice ul. Kościelna 4, Wadowice \ , it.wadowice@msit. malopolska.pl andrychów Rynek 27, Andrychów \ , it.andrychow@msit.malopolska.pl sucha beskidzka ul. Zamkowa 1, Sucha Beskidzka \ , it.sucha-beskidzka@msit.malopolska.pl oświęcim ul. St. Leszczyńskiej 12, Oświęcim \ , it.oswiecim@msit.malopolska.pl chrzanów Aleja Henryka 40, Chrzanów \ , it.chrzanow@msit.malopolska.pl Trzebinia ul. Kościuszki 74, Trzebinia \ , it.trzebinia@msit.malopolska.pl zakopane ul. Kościeliska 7, Zakopane \ , it.zakopane@msit.malopolska.pl poronin ul. Józefa Piłsudskiego 2, Poronin \ , it.poronin@msit.malopolska.pl witów Witów 239A, Witów \ , it.witow@msit.malopolska.pl biały Dunajec ul. Jana Pawła II 363, Biały Dunajec \ , it.bialy-dunajec@msit.malopolska.pl białka TaTrzańsKa ul. Środkowa 16, Białka Tatrzańska \ , it.bialka-tatrzanska@msit.malopolska.pl nowy Targ Rynek 1, Nowy Targ \ , it.nowy-targ@msit.malopolska.pl rabka-zdrój ul. Parkowa 2, Rabka-Zdrój \ , it.rabka-zdroj@msit.malopolska.pl nowy sącz ul. Szwedzka 2, Nowy Sącz \ , it.nowy-sacz@msit.malopolska.pl Krynica-zDrój ul. Zdrojowa 4/2, Krynica-Zdrój \ , it.krynica-zdroj@msit.malopolska.pl limanowa Rynek, Limanowa \ , it.limanowa@msit.malopolska.pl biecz Rynek 1, Biecz \ , it.biecz@msit.malopolska.pl sękowa Siary 19, Sękowa \ , it.sekowa@msit.malopolska.pl