Krakow is a beautiful city full of architecture and places worth to visit. Krakow is also the most touristic city in Poland, it also means that you can find many different guides book to discover it with. Today I want to give you 5 places that aren’t that easy to find in lonely planet guidebook. Or any other. Order of attractions is totally random.
Quarry Lebanon (Kamieniołom Liban)
Adress : Armii “Kraków” street 30, Podgórze
Located not very far away from the city center – at Podgórze district is perfect for a walk. If you’re into history and like post-industrial places taken over by nature – it’s a spot for you!
The quarry was named after Bernard Liban – co-founder of the company “Liban & Ehrenpreis”. The enterprise was established in 1873. Interestingly, the tradition of acquiring building stone in Krzemionki and burning lime dates back to the Middle Ages. During the Second World War, in 1942-44, a labour camp was located near the quarry, later transformed into a concentration camp. The prisoners worked, among others in the quarry.
If you watched “The Schindler List” – this is the location they use to shoot the concentration camp’s footage. Even today you can find film props there, such as rocks imitating Jewish graves.
Today the quarry is largely overgrown with trees, from which metal structures rust from rust emerges. Everything is surrounded by several dozen meters high white limestone rocks.
Krak’s Mound (Kopiec Krakusa)
While we’re in Podgórze, you have to go to Kopiec Kraka (very close to Quarry!) – the ideal place to admire Krakow from above!
There are many legends and theories about the Krakus Mound, one of them says that it was built around the 5th century BC. in turn, other sources say about the 8th and 10th centuries CE However, it is not known for what reason the mound was built.
One thing is certain, the view of Krakow from this point is truly stunning! We advise you to go there on sunny day to fully enjoy it!
Bagry Beach (Plaża Bagry)
address: Kozia Street 30,
An interesting place, a reservoir practically in the middle of the city, where you can go boating, sailing, windsurfing or wake in the summer season. During the wintertime, you can meet ice swimmers on the lake!
We advise you to avoid it in summer hot days as this place is totally crowded with people. In the cold autumn season, this place is magical, with only ducks and swans on the lake, gives you a break from the city rush.
Rakowicki Cemetery (Cmentarz Rakowicki)
address: Rakowicka street 26
If you want to reflect on life, visit a place in the very center of the city and have the chance to admire beautiful sculptures and monuments. The Rakowicki Cemetery encourages this. Especially we recommend going there in November as the whole cemetery is illuminated with thousands of candles
It was established in the 19th century (the first funeral took place in 1803). Both ordinary inhabitants of Krakow and people who have distinguished themselves in history, politics or culture are buried there – you can pay tribute to the painter Jan Matejko, musician Marek Grechuta, poet Wisława Szymborska and many others.
Some monuments and mausoleums are beautiful works of art created by famous artists that really attract attention and impress with their craftsmanship and beauty.
The Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University
address: Mikołaja Kopernika street 27
The garden is located in the city center and is another place where nature will let you relax. Look at stunning exotic plants and feel like you’re on vacation – not in the heart of a noisy city. It’s the only place from that list that requires a ticket – student’s price is only 5 zł.
It is the oldest botanical garden in Poland, established in the 18th century. The number of specimens in its area is approx. 6 thousand. Plants for the garden were brought from different parts of the world, including Vienna, St. Petersburg and Paris, as well as from South America. In the Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University, there are trees that are monuments of nature – 200-year-old so-called Derenie Śniadeckiego and the Jagiellonian Oak, whose age is estimated at 400 years.
Garden is most beautiful in the springtime(especially in may!), the number and variety of flowers will amaze you! From this year on it will be open also during wintertime, however, the last entrance is at 14.15 pm.
There you have it – the first part of our unknown best places in Krakow to discover for a walk! Have a nice day!
Check also: 5 best breakfast places
