DRAFT AGENDA. International Conference. Ecohydrological Processes and Sustainable Floodplain Management:

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1 DRAFT AGENDA International Conference Ecohydrological Processes and Sustainable Floodplain Management: Opportunities and Concepts for Water Hazard Mitigation, and Ecological and Socioeconomic Sustainability in the Face of Global Changes Under the auspices of International Hydrological Programme UNESCO May 2008, Lodz, Poland Conference Excursion 1

2 Friday 23 rd May 2008 Conference Excursion Krakow Day Krakow is a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. For centuries Krakow was the capital of Poland, the seat of kings, drawing great scholars and artists from the whole world. It is their talents and imagination we must thank for the city's rich legacy of unique historical relics, which reflect the most important trends in European culture. The renaissance Royal Castle at Wawel, the gothic St Mary's Basilica, the historical trade pavilions of the Cloth Hall, the former separate Jewish city of Kazimierz, and even the Nowa Huta district, absorbed by Krakow together with its socialist-realist, industrial architecture, are all places which make a visit to Krakow extremely worthwhile. Although the city no longer plays such an important administrative role, for many people, thanks to its rich history, Krakow nevertheless represents a synthesis of all things Polish, connecting tradition with modernity. In the special atmosphere of the beautiful and mysterious streets of the Old Town and Kazimierz you will find everything you need to allow you to escape from everyday life. Galleries full of exhibitions, cafes, pubs and restaurants: all of this is an integral part of any visit to Krakow. And all this is merely a modest part of what we can offer travellers seeking exciting destinations on the world map. 2

3 Departure to Krakow Lunch in Krakow Krakow sight-seeing The Royal Route: the route begins by St Florian's Church in Matejki Square, leads by the Krakow Barbican, through the main entrance to the city, St Florian's Gate, along ul. Floriańska, across the Main Square, and then along Grodzka Street to the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill. Worth attention is the remaining fragment of city fortifications. The houses in ul. Floriańska include the famous Jama Michalika (Michalik's Den) café and Jan Matejko House. The Main Square - the largest public square of medieval Europe - is dominated by the towers of the Gothic St Mary's Church. Every hour the famous Krakow bugle call is played from the taller one. Inside the church, we can admire its greatest highlight: the high altar by Wit Stwosz (Veit Stoss) which is Europe's largest Gothic altar. The central part of the Main Square is occupied by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - a rare example of a medieval structure that has for centuries served as a commercial centre. On its other side stands the tower of the former Town Hall. Passing by the Monument to Adam Mickiewicz and the Church of St Adalbert, we enter ul. Grodzka, pass by the precious church and monastery complexes of Dominicans and Franciscans, Wielopolski Palace (currently, the seat of municipal authorities), SS Peter and Paul's Church, the convent of Poor Clares, St Andrew's Church, and the Church of St Giles. Running parallel to Grodzka, ul. Kanonicza is a charming street lined with recently renovated palaces and residences. Both Grodzka and Kanonicza lead to the foot of Wawel Hill with its Royal Castle, one of Europe's most splendid Renaissance royal residences. Among its treasure of artistic masterpieces, most noteworthy in the Castle is the famous Audience Hall with a coffered ceiling adorned with 30 wooden heads. Similarly unique is the collection of 142 tapestries commissioned by King Sigismund Augustus in Flanders St. Florians s Gate 2.St. Mary Church 3. Cloth Hall 4.Franciscan s Monastery 5.Dominican s Monastery 6.Wawel Castle Departure to Zakopane Dinner 3

4 Saturday 24 th May 2008 Conference Excursion Zakopane Day Zakopane - the biggest tourist centre called the winter capital of Poland, but it is visited all year long. The town, situated at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, has developed as a tourist centre in the second half of the 19th century. It includes numerous examples of historic mountaineers' trade buildings, in particular at Kościeliska and Krupówki streets and the adjacent ones. Debno Church Niedzica Castle Dunajec River Gorge Szczawnica Zdrój 4

5 Departure to Dębno Podhalanskie Sightseeing of the Archangel Michael's Church at Dębno Podhalańskie Dębno Podhalańskie is a small village in the vicinity of the Podhale (literally "Mountain meadows"), sometimes referred to as the "Polish highlands"). Its capital - Nowy Targ - is famous for its wooden artefacts and monuments. It is believed that the the local wooden church was built in the 14th century by highland robbers. Inside the church there is an impressive polychrome representing 33 shades of paints with unique floral and faunal designs, a gothic and renaissance triptych of the 16th century and a dulcimer calling to the service applied instead of a traditional bell Sightseeing of the Water Dam in Czorsztyn The Czorsztyn Reservoir was created in 1997 by the construction of a dam on the Dunajec. Since the beginning of its existence it has drawn interest owing to its attractive location at the foot of Pieniny, between the Gorce and Pieniny Spiskie Sightseeing of Castle ruins at Niedzica (13th -14th century) The present-day Renaissance defensive castle of Niedzica was originally a Gothic building. Set up on a high hill, the upper castle offers a splendid panoramic view over the Pieniny Mountains, the Czorsztyn artificial lake with its dam and the ruins of the 14th century Czorsztyn Castle. The Niedzica Castle houses a museum which illustrates the castle history and of the Spisz region. Participants will visit selected archeological and historical displays. 5

6 Lunch in local restaurant in Niedzica The Dunajec River Gorge (a trip down the river on rafts) (2 h 15 min ) Rafting down the Dunajec river through the Pieniny Gorge on highlanders' raft. It is one of the greatest attractions of Poland. While on a raft navigated by two highlanders, tourists can admire one of the most beautiful river gorges in Europe Departure to hotels/airports 6