Krakow

Krakow is Poland's second largest city, and one of the few that escaped total destruction during World War 2. Above is the Cloth Hall in the center of old town.

Krakow has some great street art. Check out this feisty parrot!

Sunflower fields were in bloom from Budapest to Krakow. Apparently you can buy the flowers whole in the supermarket.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located just outside Krakow, has been in operation since the 13th century. It was a major source of the Polish King's wealth when they ruled from Krakow until 1596.

The mine is filled with historical carvings made of salt.

A Hungarian horse-treadmill used to mine salt

A statue of King Casimir III the Great, who helped develop the mine

One of the many churches in the mines

St. Mary's Basilica in old town Krakow

The Barbican, a 15th century gateway into Krakow

A monument to Jan Matejko, one of Krakow and Poland's greatest artists, and one of my personal favorites.

Another view of the Cloth Hall

In 1980, a Polish soldier self-immolated himself to protest denial of the Katyn Massacre, an incident in World War 2 in which the Soviet Army captured and killed a significant number of Polish officers.

Under the Cloth Hall is the Rynek Underground, which showcases what old Krakow center was like. Old chunks of the road running through Krakow are still preserved under the building. Other archeological discoveries in the Underground include bodies buried in odd positions, thought to prevent suspected Vampires from escaping their graves in the 11th century.

Shops still line the interior of the Cloth Hall

Wawel Castle sits on the southern end of old town overlooking the Vistula River.

A castle and cathedral both sit on Wawel Hill.

The mighty Vistula River

Wawel Cathedral contains a variety of architectural styles

Many great Polish heroes are buried there, including the father of modern Poland, Jozef Pilsudski.

A dragon supposedly lived under Wawel Hill. A dinosaur bone, thought to be the dragon's, still hangs outside the entrance to Wawel Cathedral.

The Sigismund Bell was made in the 16th century and is still rung by a team of 12 bell-ringers on special occasions.

Adam Mickiewicz, national poet of Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus, is buried in Wawel Cathedral.

The National Museum in Krakow is undergoing renovation, but still has the Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci on display. Above are some executioner swords from the 16-18th centuries.

Old grenade launchers

Some of the art was a little gauche.

Auschwitz is located near Krakow. It is very difficult to get in without a tour; show up very early if you want to get in without one. If forced to join a tour, I would still break away and explore the site yourself. Some of the most interesting exhibits, which detail deportations to Auschwitz by country, are completely skipped by the groups.