Kraków (also known as Cracow or Krakow, sometimes Krakov, Cracovia, Κρακοβία, Cracovie, Krakau, Краків, Кра́ков, Кра́каў, Krakkó, Krakova, Krokuva or Kroke), the third largest city in Poland, located in the south of the country, is a very special place. The former capital of Poland, it is full of history, but it also vibrates with modern life. In June 2007 it celebrated 750th anniversary of receiving its municipal rights in the 13th century, but the history of human settlement here goes back to the Stone Age. This city of Nicolaus Copernicus and Pope John Paul II, it is a university city (with the famous Jagiellonian University as well as dozens of other universities and colleges and tens of thousands of students), a city of business and science, a city of industry and tourism. In the last 20 years the popularity of Kraków has been steadily on the increase, and recently it has been attracting over 10 million visitors each year. In the year 2000, it was one of the Cultural Capitals of Europe, and many national and international festivals take place here every year, the Jewish Culture Festival (in late June or early July each year), Music in Old Cracow, and Cracow Film Festival being among its many highlights. In 2006 the city was declared the most attractive tourist destination in Europe.
Kraków has its own magic (with many legends used by locals to explain things they do not understand), but also a wisdom of its own – the Jagiellonian University’s motto, Plus ratio quam vis (Let reason prevail over force), expressing it rather well. Maybe this is why for over 20 years it has been the venue of the most important National Comedy Competition known as PAKA. It takes place every year in April, and we hope to attract one of the comedy groups (performing in English) to entertain the conference participants.
There is so much to say about Kraków, that it is better to stop now (check other details at many websites e.g. Krakow.pl, cracow.travel or cracow-life or krakow4u)
Check out this recent clip about Poland too - not bad!!
A great deal of humor originates from Krakow. Here is our definitive news version: http://www.newpompom.com/. And its independent Polish version (http://www.nowypompon.pl/).
Wawel at Dusk concerts - recommended entertainment for Saturday (or Sunday) evening. Venue - historic Wawel Castle courtyard at 8 pm. Tickets:
InfoKraków – ul. Jana 2, phone 0048 12 421 77 87
Filmotechnika – Pasaż Bielaka, Rynek Główny 9, phone 0048 12 421 23 43
Jewish Cultural Festival (Including the magical final open-air concert of the Jewish Festival on Saturday July 7 - open admission).
Midsummer night outdoor concert and performance (30 June)
Summer Opera Festival (15 June-5 July)
Summer Jazz Festival - throughout July
Benedictine Days at the Tyniec Abbey (summer weekends)
STREETART International Festival of Street Theatres
Chopin concerts in Polonia House and Bonerowski Palace, both at the Main Market Square.
Kraków Singing Week 14-22 July
Crossroads Traditional Music Festival
The links above may show outdated information, but will show the accurate details of the events as the summer draws closer.
Here you can find a fuller list of cultural events in June and July.