Jagiellonian University

The Jagiellonian University is the oldest university in Poland and one of the oldest universities in Europe. It was founded in 1364, on the initiative of Kazimierz III Wielki, under the name Academy of Krakow. In 1400 was renovated by Władysław II Jagiełło, founded by Jadwiga Andegaweńska. His deep ties with the Jagiellonian dynasty contributed to today's university name.

Jagiellonian Uniwersity occupies the highest place in the rankings of Polish Universities because of the high level of education, which represents and achievements of students and graduates. The university grew over the years and enriched by new buildings. Along with the larger surface area it was also coming departments. Today, the Jagiellonian University consists of 12 departments – almost all fields of science and, additionally, Medical College, which includes 3 medical faculties.

The university has own buildings in the entire city - it has 4 separate campuses. First in the Old Town, the second next to the campus in the vicinity of University of Science and Technology and Agricultural University of Cracow, the third campus was established several years ago in the Ruczaj district, and the fourth is buildings Medical College.

The university provides students not only a very high level of education, but also the overall development interests, aspirations and talents. At the university operates countless scientific and hobbyist group. The university offers students a wide range of cultural projects

Krakow's mound

Krakow is the champion for the number of mounds located in the city. There are 5. They are popular and attracts crowds of walkers on a warm afternoon. Mounds are the part of landscape of the city and its surroundings. It is believed that they are places of burial and they were places of worship, observation and defense. They were built in prehistoric times, and later served as souvenirs of important historical events and persons, who deserving of commemoration for the country.

Kościuszki Mound - is located on the hill of blessed Bronisława. It was poured off in 1820-1823 and then called Kosciuszko Mound. Its construction was financed by public fundraiser. Mound has 34.1 m high. It is an amazing place, where you can admire all corners of the city. The area around the mound is the place of many outdoor events. Mound is a monument of national memory, because it contains the ground of the battlefields gen. Kosciuszko.

Plac Bohaterów Getta

„Plac Bohaterów Getta”, once called „Plac Zgody”, hides a rich history. It is located in Podgórze and the first it held there a part of the „Mały Rynek”. In this place was riding school used by the lancers, then a market place where traded pigs and cattle. The boundaries of the square changed - expanded the city and builded new buildings.

In 1915. announced an agreement about connection Krakow and Podgórze, which was a separate city. At the same time, opened a third bridge ( today „Powstańców Śląskich” bridge). A few years later the Society of Friends of Cracow Heritage Square changed its name "Mały Rynek" to „Plan Bohaterów Getta”. This name is connected with the aforementioned agreement.

At „Plac Zgody” was also housed the Bus Station, which handled the lines connecting Krakow with other cities in Podkarpacie province. It was the second bus station in Krakow.

The current name of the square has a close connection with the Second World War. The square was at that time a central point of the Krakow Ghetto (Jewish quarter in Krakow). There, in station building was stationed the police, and the square was a place where people gathered before deportation. People gathered on the west side of the square and in the central part was trucks which were loaded stolen things. In „Plac Bohaterów Getta” made the first selection in the ghetto, and then shoted more than 100 people. There was also the last selection made during the liquidation of the ghetto.

Krakow festivals

Krakow is the first city in Poland, which was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture. It is a big distinction and Krakow certainly deserves on it. For years, is known for organization many events that permanently etched into the calendar of Krakow's cultural events. Look at the short list of several popular events, which are popular not only in Poland, but all over the world.

Misteria Paschalia – one of the most important European festivals dedicated to Renaissance and Baroque music. During the event there are concerts Lenten and Easter music, during this period. The performers are recognized masters of early music. Concerts take place in Krakow concert halls, in the religious interiors and of religious and in the Chapel of St. Kinga in Wieliczka Salt Mine.

International Festival of Independent Cinema Off Plus Camera – World Cinema Festival, which takes place every year in May. As part of the event, we can see the masterpieces of the cinema, which are unknown for the Polish audience. These are ambitious, intriguing, sometimes difficult to read and original cinematographic works, specially selected for other global film events.

Sukiennice

The one of the most characteristic and the most antique building on the Main Square in Krakow are Sukiennice. This name mens a building, where once were stalls. Merchants were selling there a cloth – hence the name. Sukiennice were situated in the middle market in most European cities, close to the most important trade routes. They were built mainly in the XVII-XVIII century.

Sukiennice for years underwent many modifications and variations. Present form is only a symbol, in appearance doesn't resemble the original building. Sukiennice were built in 1257 from the initiative of Prince Bolesław Wstydliwy. Then , they were a specific form: twa rows of stalls stone, which formed the street in the middle of the market.

Long weekend in Krakow

Despite of the fact that the weather has been...cold, rainy and windy recently, the long weekend which is coming is going to be partly sunny. I present you the weather of each days bellow:

Friday: partly cloudly, no rain, the pressure: 1010.30 hPa, the temperature is about 23*C

Saturday: partly sunny, shower, the pressure: 1009.80 hPa, the temperature: 22*C

Sunday: shower, the pressure: 1015.00 hPa, the temperature: 21*C

I am of the opinion that the weather forecast presented above is conducive to spontaneous trips outside the city on bikes. Due to the fact, we spend a lot of time in the city, that activity looks pretty nice, because we can breath fresh air and gain energy for the new work week. You need to remember the weather likes changing so check it before you travel by bike.

Around Krakow, there are many great places to relax and contemplate with the nature. Check the list below with places to see.

Today in Krakow (for Children)

It doesn't matter that today is Monday and another week just begins. There are some things you can do.
During holiday, there is always something to do with the little ones.

1. "A storm summer" in Home Army (AK) - Wita Stwosza Street 12

This event is created for children 8 - 13 years old. You can expect many surprises and attractions for all participants. The main aim is to show fascinating past history of Krakow. Children will visit headquarters of a military unit and will know about soldiers' real life in that time.

"Lessons" last from
1) 4 - 8 Aug
2) 11 - 14 Aug
3) 18 - 22 Aug
4) 25 - 29 Aug

The programme looks as follows:
Monday: a tour through Piłsudski Mound and Kościuszko Mound, art classes, board games
Tuesday: a tour to the headquarters of a military unit, board games tournament, making leaflets and others
Wednesday:  a movie and a meeting with a war veteran, games
Thursday: a tour to the ZOO, classes, a movie
Friday: walking through Krakow's streets, a concert

You can book by e-mail: rezerwacja@museum-ak.pl or calling (12) 410 07 70. The participation costs 40 PLN per day (200 PLN per whole "lessons").

2. "A holiday adventure with books" The Public Library in Nowa Huta (Os. Dywizjonu 303 Street 1)

Entrance: FREE

Children will learn new definitions connected with library, literature and gain valuable skills like using an electronic catalogue. Organisators also prepared many creative classes, quizes etc.

Contact: (12) 647 28 85
email: filia10nhbp@interia.pl