Krakowski Ogrod Zoologiczny is situated inside the huge forest Las Wolski. Spread up to 20 hectares (49.4 acres), this well-preserved zoological garden has been home to close to 260 species of animals and birds. Among the 1500-odd animals inside the zoo are some of the exotic species of animals such as pygmy hippopotamuses, Przewalski horses, South American tapir, barasingha, snow leopards, chimpanzees and many others. This zoo is open on all days, however, cars are permitted in the forest only from Monday to Friday.
The Bochnia Salt Mine, located around 20 kilometers (12.43 miles) from Krakow, is one of the oldest mines in Europe. It's also the only one in Poland to have an underground sanatorium, complete with its own, unique micro-climate. It is said that spending a few days down the mine guarantees good health for years. While you are here, you could even visit the chapel which is sculpted in salt.
Ulica Karmelicka has witnessed many miracles in its long history. It was here that Queen Jadwiga left her footprint and Prince Wladyslaw I Herman found the miraculous sand which cured his skin disease. In the 19th century, Karmelicka was not really a street but rather a separate village situated behind the medieval Szewska Gate. It only became a street at the beginning of the 20th century. The famous Carmelite monastery (dating back to 1087) is Karmelicka's prime landmark.
This calvary, founded in the 17th Century by the nobleman Mikołaj Zerbzydowski, is known as one of the favorite places of the late Pope John Paul II. It is a complex of sites that represent various stages of Christ's way to the Cross. Mikołaj Zebrzydowski ordered his workers to make the route ten times longer than the original one in Jerusalem. In the end, they only managed to make it three times as long, but still, walking the whole path might be difficult for an unprepared tourist.
If you begin to find that the hustle and bustle of the Old Town becomes too much and you're looking for a spot of peace and quiet, take a walk down along Ulica Pilsudskiego, you will arrive at the Blonia which is a large meadow. On the north side is Jordan Park, while the meadow itself has two sports stadiums on its south side. Just beyond the meadow, you will find the communal gardens where Krakowians grow their own vegetables and flowers or just relax.
Ulica Szeroka has to be without doubt the street with the most historical buildings in Kraków. From the Middle Ages, Ulica Szeroka was the heart of the Jewish town of Kazimierz (which is nowadays one of the districts that make up Kraków). There are three beautiful synagogues here: the Old Synagogue which was built beside the 14th century city walls in 1570 and which now houses the Museum of Judaism, the 16th century Remuh Synagogue at No 40 which stands beside the Remuh burial ground and the Popper Synagogue at No 16 which was built in 1620.
Ulica Karmelicka has witnessed many miracles in its long history. It was here that Queen Jadwiga left her footprint and Prince Wladyslaw I Herman found the miraculous sand which cured his skin disease. In the 19th century, Karmelicka was not really a street but rather a separate village situated behind the medieval Szewska Gate. It only became a street at the beginning of the 20th century. The famous Carmelite monastery (dating back to 1087) is Karmelicka's prime landmark.
This calvary, founded in the 17th Century by the nobleman Mikołaj Zerbzydowski, is known as one of the favorite places of the late Pope John Paul II. It is a complex of sites that represent various stages of Christ's way to the Cross. Mikołaj Zebrzydowski ordered his workers to make the route ten times longer than the original one in Jerusalem. In the end, they only managed to make it three times as long, but still, walking the whole path might be difficult for an unprepared tourist.
If you begin to find that the hustle and bustle of the Old Town becomes too much and you're looking for a spot of peace and quiet, take a walk down along Ulica Pilsudskiego, you will arrive at the Blonia which is a large meadow. On the north side is Jordan Park, while the meadow itself has two sports stadiums on its south side. Just beyond the meadow, you will find the communal gardens where Krakowians grow their own vegetables and flowers or just relax.
The Bochnia Salt Mine, located around 20 kilometers (12.43 miles) from Krakow, is one of the oldest mines in Europe. It's also the only one in Poland to have an underground sanatorium, complete with its own, unique micro-climate. It is said that spending a few days down the mine guarantees good health for years. While you are here, you could even visit the chapel which is sculpted in salt.
This park is separated from the Blonia Green by Aleja 3 Maja. Both parks are very different from each other: while Blonia is simply a large green space, Jordan Park is sculpted and managed. It is geared towards activity (the man it is named after was a Professor at the Jagiellonian University who advanced new ideas on physical education). It's a good place to bring a bike (although it also seems to be the place where young Krakowians learn how to ride, so watch out!). There is also a popular childrens' play area.
If you want a break from the city, visit the Ojcow Park Narodowy . To get there you will need to take the E 40 road north. The park contains a handful of trails, leading through dense forests to the Pradnik and Saspowka rivers and the Ojcow valley. In the lovely little town of Ojcow you can find cheap accommodation and eat tasty smoked or fried trout. It's worth staying there overnight so that you can admire the sunrise over strange Jurassic formations such as ravines, gorges and limestone caves.