![]() ![]() The fortified walls and barbed wire fences of Auschwitz-Birkenau make for a confronting arrival its gallows, barracks, gas chambers, and crematoriums a stark reminder of all that happened here between 1940-1945. Auschwitz-Birkenau, German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) Trains out to Bochnia Salt Mine take around 1 hour. ![]() The Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines neatly lay out the history of Krakow’s industrious salt production, illustrating the historic stages in the development of mining techniques and the way in which Poland carved the way in the production of salt - or as it was once known, “white gold”.įor a day at the mines, take a KML train from Kraków Główny headed for Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia. This underground metropolis, where miners lived, worked and worshipped for more than 700 years, showcases the massive lengths Poland went to in this feat of human ingenuity.Įarly Polish kings were quick to establish a monopoly over the salt mines, with Krakow being lucky enough to have been situated in such close proximity to some of the largest salt deposits in the world. Visitors can explore hundreds of kilometers of galleries at depths of up to 327 meters to admire works of art and statues sculpted from salt as well as historical machines, tools, and workshops. Wawel Castle Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Minesĭescend beneath the earth’s surface for a captivating probe into Poland’s past, amidst the staggering labyrinth of tunnels and chambers of the Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines. On the note of hills, Krakow also makes a great destination for adventure in Poland, not far from the Tatras, it’s an ideal gateway to soak up the best in Polish history and scenery. Krakow is no exception, in fact, it’s home to the famous legend of Smok, a fire-breathing dragon dwelling in a cave underneath Wawel Hill. One of the most interesting facts about history in Poland is that it’s loaded with lore. Peruse historical houses, palaces, and churches, as well as the Gothic cathedral on Wawel Hill, where Poland’s kings were once buried. The Historic Center of Krakow was one of Poland’s first sites to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, earning recognition due to its pristine level of preservation, with Krakow’s central Grand Square not only the largest market square in Europe but a huge portion of the city’s integral identity. As the former capital city and once known as the center of Poland’s political life, Krakow was a place where the cultures of East and West intertwined, cultivating a flourishing culture of arts and crafts. Situated along the River Vistula and at the foot of Wawel Hill, Krakow’s Historic Center allows an in-depth look into the town’s fascinating history through remnants of its 14th-century fortifications, medieval city walls, and ancient synagogues. And nowhere is it more apparent than Krakow. What is Poland most known for? Medieval charm. As a country ravaged by wars, history in Poland is equal parts tragic and triumphant.įrom a peek into Krakow’s ancient salt mines, to a look into the dark history behind the Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, we’re delving into Poland’s millennium of heritage through six of its most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites found in and around Poland’s major cities. Poland is home to a multitude of fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites - its majestic medieval castles, luscious primeval forests, and bustling political centers giving true precedence to the country’s natural and cultural importance. ![]()
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