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Wawel Castle: Situated on Wawel Hill, this historic castle complex includes a cathedral and represents various architectural styles from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. It was the residence of Polish kings for many centuries. Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): As the largest medieval town square in Europe, it's home to numerous historic landmarks, including the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary's Basilica with its stunning wooden altarpiece. Kazimierz District: Originally the Jewish quarter, Kazimierz is rich in Jewish heritage and now is a lively area known for its vibrant nightlife, historic synagogues, and annual Jewish Culture Festival. Schindler’s Factory: Made famous by Steven Spielberg's film, "Schindler's List," this former enamel factory is now a museum showcasing the history of Kraków during World War II and Oskar Schindler's efforts to save Jewish workers. Jagiellonian University: Established in 1364, it's one of the oldest universities in the world. Famous alumni include Nicolaus Copernicus and Karol Wojtyła, later known as Pope John Paul II. Wieliczka Salt Mine: Located near Kraków, this historic salt mine is famous for its underground chambers carved entirely out of salt, including a chapel with salt chandeliers. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tyniec Abbey: An ancient Benedictine abbey located on the banks of the Vistula River, offering stunning views and a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Florianska Street: A popular shopping and entertainment street leading from St. Florian's Gate to the Main Market Square. Legend of the Wawel Dragon: The city has a famous legend about a dragon that once lived in a cave under Wawel Hill. A statue of the Wawel Dragon stands nearby and occasionally spews fire. Cultural Events: Kraków is home to numerous festivals, art exhibitions, and performances throughout the year, including the Kraków Film Festival, the Festival of Old Music, and the Jewish Culture Festival. Traditional Foods: Kraków offers a wide range of Polish traditional foods, including "zapiekanka" (a type of open-faced sandwich) popularly bought in Plac Nowy in Kazimierz and "obwarzanek krakowski," a pretzel-like snack you can find around the city. Pope John Paul II: Before becoming pope, Karol Wojtyła was the Archbishop of Kraków. The city is dotted with places connected to him, and it remains a significant pilgrimage site for many Catholics worldwide.
