Cracow Preserved

Cracow lost its medieval position of Polish capital in 1609 and this consequent loss of importance restricted later development and allowed its ancient centre to remain unspoilt and largely spared the ravages of the Second World War. Much of the wealth of Cracow flowed from the 1000 years of operation of the Wieliczka Salt Mine whose salt sculptures are a unique feature of the underground caverns.

In the 20th century Poland suffered from both German and communist occupation and a small area not far from Cracow juxtaposes two sites which could be said to represent the good and evil of this period. One is the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. The other is Wadowice, birthplace of the late Pope John Paul II, who was for many a symbol against communist rule. His birthplace is now a museum and the nearby Bernadine Monastery at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska where he prayed is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. He also lived and studied in Cracow during the Nazi occupation and later became Bishop.