“ADAŚ”—the Adam Mickiewicz Monument on the Main Market Square
At the heart of Krakow stands the imposing Adam Mickiewicz Monument, affectionately known as Adaś. Ten metres high, it has attracted attention since its ceremonial unveiling in 1898. Although destroyed by the German occupiers in 1940, the monument was reconstructed after the Second World War using fragments found in a scrapyard in Hamburg. Today, Adaś is both a work of art and the focal point of festivities, demonstrations and city events. One charming custom involves secondary-school graduates hopping around the monument on one leg in the belief that this will improve their examination results.
Krakow Obwarzanki—an irresistible snack
Sold from characteristic street carts, the traditional ring-shaped bread known as bajgle, precle or obwarzanki is popular with residents and visitors alike. Available with salt, sesame, poppy seeds or more strongly seasoned toppings, it is especially appreciated by students as an inexpensive breakfast, lunch or evening snack. Whether eaten on the move or shared with the city’s many pigeons, it is an essential part of everyday Krakow.
Krakow’s “Chakram”—a legendary place of energy
According to a popular tradition, one of the world’s seven great centres of spiritual energy lies at Wawel Castle. Krakow is listed alongside Delhi, Mecca, Delphi, Jerusalem, Rome and Velehrad. Visitors are said to feel the energy at the northern corner of the castle courtyard, where a short stay is believed to dispel negative forces and release positive energy. A strong magnetic field has been reported at Wawel, while the rest remains a fascinating mixture of belief, legend and local tradition—a form of genius loci that has influenced Krakow’s culture for centuries.
“Centuś”—the famously careful Krakow spender
The humorous term Centuś refers to the supposed thriftiness of Krakow residents. It arose during the period of the partitions, when Krakow belonged to Austria and local people informally called the low-value kreuzer coin a cent. Especially during difficult times, every small coin was considered carefully before being spent—a characteristic still recalled with affection and humour.
“Lady with an Ermine”—a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci
Painted between 1483 and 1490, this famous portrait is a treasure of Krakow’s Czartoryski Museum and the only work by Leonardo da Vinci in Poland. Its subject, Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, has become one of the best-known figures associated with the city’s collections and brings a touch of Renaissance splendour to Krakow.
Krakow’s pigeons—more than city residents
Why are there so many pigeons in Krakow? According to an old legend, they are knights transformed into birds to protect the city. As feathered guardians, they patrol the streets and are expected to become knights again if Krakow ever faces grave danger. Some regard them as a nuisance, but for children in particular they are a popular attraction, and it is difficult to imagine the city without them.
The Krakow Hejnał—an hourly tradition
Every hour, the hejnał trumpet call is played from the tower of St Mary’s Church in four directions: first towards Wawel for the king, then west towards the town hall for the mayor, north towards the Barbican for visitors and east towards the Small Market Square for merchants. The trumpeter climbs 239 steps, a journey taking approximately two and a half minutes. At noon, the melody is also broadcast on Polish radio. Its sudden ending recalls the legend of a medieval trumpeter struck by an arrow while warning the city of a Mongol attack.
“I’m going out to the field”—a typical Krakow expression
While people elsewhere in Poland commonly say that they are going “out into the courtyard”, Krakow residents say they are going “out into the field”. This distinctive expression, together with locally favoured particles such as “-no” and “-że”, often reveals that a speaker comes from Krakow.
Juwenalia—the festival of youth
Every May, Krakow’s large student population symbolically takes over the city for the colourful Juwenalia festival. The mayor hands the city keys to the students, and hundreds of cultural events and parties fill Krakow with energy. Costumed participants celebrate throughout the streets, while the city administration, academic organisations and students themselves help maintain safety.
Krakow’s mounds—guardians of the city
The mounds around Krakow are distinctive landmarks and provide sweeping views. The two oldest, the Wanda and Krak mounds, are around 1,700 years old and may once have served as pagan ritual sites. Kościuszko Mound was constructed in 1820 in honour of national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko, leader of the 1794 uprising against Russia, and is a popular weekend destination. The youngest, Piłsudski Mound, was created in 1936 in honour of Marshal Józef Piłsudski.
Lajkonik—the Tatar rider and symbol of Krakow
The Lajkonik is a rider in Oriental dress, wearing a pointed hat and carrying a mace while appearing to ride a decorated hobby horse. According to legend, Krakow raftsmen defeated sleeping Tatars, dressed in their clothing and entered the city in celebration. The event is commemorated every year on the first Thursday after Corpus Christi, when a colourful procession travels from Zwierzyniec to the Main Market Square accompanied by musicians and crowds. Small Lajkonik figures are among Krakow’s most recognisable souvenirs.
Football in Krakow—passion and tradition
Krakow is home to several football clubs with long traditions: Cracovia, founded in 1906; Hutnik Kraków, founded in 1950; and Wisła Kraków, founded in 1906. Rivalries between supporters are legendary. Wisła has won the Polish championship many times, while Cracovia also has a distinguished history and Hutnik represents the Nowa Huta district.
The Main Market Square—one of Europe’s largest historic squares
Krakow’s Main Market Square measures 200 by 200 metres and covers 40,000 square metres. It is the pride of the city and contains major landmarks including St Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall, the Town Hall Tower, St Adalbert’s Church and more than 40 historic town houses, many with medieval origins. The Adam Mickiewicz Monument, flower sellers, fountains, commemorative plaques and the famous Eros Bound sculpture contribute to the square’s lively character.
The Wawel Dragon—a Krakow legend brought to life
Centuries ago, according to legend, a dragon lived in a cave beneath Wawel Castle and terrorised the city. It demanded livestock and devoured people when no animals were provided. Many knights failed to defeat it until a young shoemaker named Dratewka filled a sheep with sulphur and placed it outside the cave. The dragon ate it, became desperately thirsty, drank from the Vistula and finally burst. Visitors can now explore the Dragon’s Den and see a dragon statue that breathes fire every few minutes. So-called dragon bones hang outside the cathedral, and legend claims that their fall would signal the end of the world.
Krakow—the spiritual capital of Poland
Many Krakow residents regard their city as Poland’s spiritual and cultural capital. Warsaw residents may disagree, but the rivalry is generally expressed as friendly humour rather than serious conflict. Krakow’s exceptional history and cultural life provide strong support for the local view.
Christmas cribs—a colourful Main Market Square tradition
Every December, the Main Market Square becomes a festive Christmas market whose most distinctive feature is the Krakow szopka. These colourful structures, usually made from cardboard and foil, depict the Nativity together with elements of Krakow architecture such as St Mary’s Church, Florian Gate, Wawel Castle and the Barbican. They sometimes also include figures such as Pope John Paul II. An annual competition presents both professional and homemade cribs, some up to two metres high. Examples can be seen throughout the year at the Museum of Krakow.
The Wierzynek banquet—a royal occasion
In 1364, King Casimir the Great invited some of Europe’s leading monarchs to a magnificent gathering. Guests included Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, King Louis the Great of Hungary, King Valdemar IV of Denmark and other princes. The meeting demonstrated the splendour and rising power of the Polish kingdom. The banquet, organised by Krakow citizen Mikołaj Wierzynek, was said to last 21 days and became the legendary origin of the famous Wierzynek restaurant.
Wianki—the festival of wreaths on a magical summer night
On 23–24 June, around the shortest night of the year, Krakow celebrates the old Slavic festival of Wianki. Young women traditionally made flower wreaths with candles and floated them on the Vistula. The movement of the wreath and flame was interpreted as a sign of their future, especially whether they would marry during the coming year. Since 1992, Wianki has developed into a large cultural event with music, competitions, fireworks and many attractions.
Wanda—the legendary princess of Krakow
Wanda, daughter of Prince Krak, became ruler of Krakow after her father’s death. Celebrated for beauty and intelligence, she rejected many suitors, including the German prince Rydygier. When he attacked Poland in response, Wanda’s army defeated him. To prevent further wars, she chose to take her own life by jumping into the Vistula. In Polish legend she remains “Wanda who did not want a German”, a heroine of the national tradition.
The living Nativity scene—a special Christmas experience
During Christmas, Franciszkańska Street hosts a living Nativity inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi. Alongside human performers, visitors encounter goats, sheep, ponies, a donkey and even a llama, recalling the animals traditionally associated with Bethlehem. The performance is organised by Franciscan friars and students from a religious congregation.
Find out more about our school trip to Krakow.
Discover our cultural tour to Krakow.
