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Latest Krakow hotel reviews
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Favorite thing: To understand Krakow, you have to listen to the hejnal (pronounced 'hey now'). In the thirteenth century, Krakow was the capital of a Poland threatened by enemies on all sides. Well, one day, a wild pack of Tatars came flying across the plain on a path to ravage and pillage. The watchman on the top of St. Mary's church saw the oncoming horde and blew his trumpet in warning. In the middle of his tune, a Tatar archer let fly an arrow, which pierced the hapless trumpeter in the throat, right in the middle of a note. The watchman did not die in vain, however, as the city's forces were able to man the defenses in time and turn away the assault.
Written Aug 24, 2002
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Favorite thing: In honor of the martyred watchman, since that time, the people of Krakow have played his song every hour on the hour, and just as he did during that famous attack, they cut the song short in the middle of a note. This tradition has lasted for years, becoming a symbol of Polish independence and liberty in the face of overwhelming odds. Even during German, Austrian, and Russian occupation, the hejnal has resonated from the top tower of Saint Mary's; in fact, the noon rendition is broadcast nationwide. Hey now!
If you can see the trumpet, congratulations! You don't need glasses!
Written Aug 24, 2002
Favorite thing: The St. Mary's Churh is a gothic church in the Market Square. From the tower of St. Mary's Church the hourly bugle-call is played and then dramatically cut, just as it was cut when the arrow struck the trumpeter, as he was sounding the alarm during the Tartar raid.
Written Nov 24, 2002
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Favorite thing: If this tower is open to the public (its not always open), please be aware that access to the top is by stairs. There are intermittent landing where you can rest but the climb is quite heavy going.
Written Feb 25, 2003
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Favorite thing: A lot of Stained glass window inside and you can climb the steps to the summit in order to have an entire view of the city
Written Nov 9, 2005
Fondest memory: The ancient beautiful cathedral of St. Marie
Located at the main Market Square (Rynek Glowny)
Written Aug 24, 2002
Favorite thing: This is one of the buglers that sound the trumpet on the hour.
Written Feb 25, 2003
Favorite thing: inside of church
Written Jun 7, 2003
Written Jun 7, 2003
Written Jun 7, 2003
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St. Mary's Church (Kosciol Mariacki) tips and photos posted by real travelers and Krakow locals.
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Q: Hi less than 2mths outta here -- after family time in UK fly East Europe and Krakow is one place i,m looking fwd to and it turns...
A: Sorry i re visited and see English guided tours happen but still luv comments on this 900 year old mine
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YOU ARE VERY WELCOME! WOW! One of the best things on VT is possibility of meeting real and cool people from all over the world who share the same passion for travel and discovering the world. No......
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Krakow - Ancient Capital of Poland
I've got some interesting experiences in Krakow. I'd love to share with you the 128 tips I've written, the 176 photos uploaded, and 5 travelogues I've created.
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I was most surprised and pleased with the cultural homogeneity of the old city of Krakow. The architectural, cultural, religious unity and an apparently social unity create a harmony that has...
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Krakow is Poland’s prime tourist attraction, a must with few equals in the entire Central and Eastern Europe. The place has been settled since the Stone Age at least. In 1038 Krakow became the capital...
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Krakow ~ Everybody's Favourite!
If you were to visit only one destination in my country, that one place should be Krakow! One phrase that summarises it all: ~ MAGIC IN THE AIR ~ I remember my first private trip to Krakow, and by...
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