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| Krakow Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cracow Cracow ... Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It was originally the home of the Polish royalty (between 1038 and 1596), before the capital was moved to Warsaw. Visiting Krakow is a refreshing break from much of European travel, where similar cities blend together, and the dominance of English might make you wonder if you ever left North America. The cobblestoned streets, majestic churches (almost 100 historical churches!), and old world charm make Krakow an unforgetable destination. Add to it the former Jewish district with its 7 synagogues, 3 gigantic Gothic churches and more than 800 of pubs huddled in beauteous nooks and alleyways where time slows down and you'd be coming back here as often as you can. Krakow is located in the south of Poland, about halfway from Warsaw and Prague and is a good place to break up your trip if you are traveling from one to the other. Krakow is now the third most popular tourist destination in central and eastern Europe, following Prague and Budapest. __________History Edit This Chapel at Wawel Castle Chapel at Wawel Castle Gosia The King's city Krakow - the former capital of Poland, monarch's residence, coronation and burial place of kings of Poland. Krakow is situated on Wisla river, just over 200 m a. s. l. in the south of Poland. According to a legend, the name "Krakow" comes from the name of a legendary Slavonic prince who founded a medieval city on a rocky hill, which mounts by Wisla riverbed. The first mention about Krakow is found in a record of journey of a merchant from Cordoba - Ibrahim Ibn Jacob in 965. The first traces of settlement date back to the period of several thousands of years ago. At the end of 10th century Krakow was incorporated into the Kingdom of Poland which was the ruled by a king of Piast dynasty. In the year 1000 a bishopri was established (it was subject to Gniezno metropolis). Gradually, Cracow was gaining prominence among Polish cities and in 11th century became the official of Poland. Tatar raids, particularly those in 1241 and 1242 inflicted great damage on the city - the contemporary ruler, king Boleslaw Wstydliwy was thus obliged to practically build the city anew and strengthen its fortifications. As a result, Krakow was endowed with municipal rights in 1257. In 14th century, Krakow became a coronation place and the King's necropolis. Under the rule of Kazimierz Wielki a generous patron of arts and sciences, the city develops and expands. During this period, two satellite cities Kazimierz and Kleparz were founded (at present they are districts of Krakow). In 1364, the King founds the Cracow Academy, which after Prague's is the second University in central Europe. The Academy develops quickly, particularly after receiving endowment from Queen Jadwiga and King Wladyslaw Jagiello. In 15th and 16th centuries, known as the Golden Age, Poland and Krakow flourish. Many artists and scholars settle in Krakow. It is there that the greatest sculptor of medieval times - Wit Stwosz - creates his masterpiece: the altar for St. Mary's church. The famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus pursues his studies at the Academy of Cracow. Splendid Italian architects: Francesco Fiorentino, Giovanni Padovano, Bartholomeo Berecci, Santi Gucci work there creating the renaissance image of the city. During the same period first painting houses are established. In 1609, king Zygmunt Waza the Third moves his residence to Warsaw, and since that time the importance of Krakow diminishes. In spite of the fact that Warsaw becomes the capital, Wawel Cathedral remains the coronation and sepulchral church of kings of Poland. Throughout the 18th century, Krakow was repeatedly besieged, conquered and pillaged by Swedish, Russian, Austria and Prussian armies. In 1795, when Poland lost independence, Krakow was incorporated into the Austrian domain. With the exception of periods of Grand Duchy of Warsaw (1809-1812) and of Cracow Republic (1815-1846), Krakow remained under the Habsburg rule till 1918. The relatively liberal Austrian regulations allowed for cultivation of Polish language, culture and custom. On the turn of 20th century an artistic vanguard, known by the name of Mloda Polska arose in Krakow. This new artistic movement was a true revolution against hitherto existing currents in art. From Krakow, the new ideas spread to other parts of the country. After regaining of independence by Poland, Krakow remains an important center of culture and sciences. New universities are established, industry develops. During the World War II, Krakow is the capital of General Government, and the Wawel castle becomes the residence of governor Hans Frank. The city was liberated by the Soviet army on 18th of Jan. 1945. After the liberation, the city, once again become a center of Polish culture and sciences. ___________Practical Information Edit This [Add Practical address] Practical tips from Mark Edit This I live here so I hope this Practical information helps. 1) Consider staying in apartments not just hotels, they can be found on the internet 2) Language: Any person under 25 in the city will speak English, for the most part. Also try this software www.claritaslux.com It uses visual association and teaches you the basics very fast. 3) Trolleys will get you anywhere you want in the city. You buy the tickets at the newsstands and cancel them when you enter, its for the most part more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] _____________Getting Around Edit This cafe on Bracka street cafe on Bracka street karol The easiest way of getting around Krakow's sights is by foot. Most of the "must-see"s inside the city are within easy strolling distance of each other, especially if you break up your journey by dropping into a bar or restaurant for a break. Public transport is cheap and efficient; the local operator is MPK (website, in Polish only, is http://www.mpk.krakow.pl) and tickets can be bought from shops and other locations. You can pay on the bus or tram, but it's more expensive - and remember that you must always stamp your ticket the first time you use it, to validate it. Day and longer period tickets ('Bilety czasowy') are sold; June 2005 prices were PLN10,40 for 24 hours, PLN18,80 for 48 hours and PLN25,00 for 72 hours. Useful trick for those of you arriving at Krakow's airport and catching the bus into town: if you buy your ticket from the bus driver, you'll get a single journey ticket for yourself at PLN 2,50 - but you'll have to pay another 2,50 for your suitcase or rucksack! If you go upstairs in the terminal building, you'll find a newsagents kiosk. Buy a 60 minute transfer ticket (PLN 3,10) and that covers both you and your luggage - and it allows you to change buses or trams within the 60 minutes... ____________-Getting There Edit This International airport Balice in Krakow has direct connections to Frankfurt, London, Paris, Rome, Wien and Zurich. International airport Okecie in Warszawa. Okecie has a direct connections to Amsterdam, Athens, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Chicago, Cologne, Copenhagen, Montreal, Moscow, New York, Oslo, Paris, Prague, Rome, Singapore, St. Petersburg, Split, Stockholm, Tel Aviv, Thessaloniki, Toronto, Vienna, Vilnius, Zagreb, Zurich, as well to some others airports. It is also possible to reach Krakow by an international train or bus from a lot of European cities. __________Christmas Edit This Christmas Christmas time is a very special time here. Both children and adults are looking forward impatiently to these days. Maybe it's because of presents or warm and familiar atmosphere. There should be a Christmas tree with a plenty of sweets, candles (usually electric ones) and some glass balls, in every house. The nicest day is the Christmas-Eve which ends with a traditional supper. We have a lot of traditions and beliefs applied to this day: animals are expected to talk, things you do this day will happen in coming new year (that's why you shouldn't do anything neither boring nor sad). With the first star in the sky we sit at the table. But it's not an ordinary meal... The table is covered by a white table-cloth and under it we put some hay. As is customary we prepare one plate more for an unexpected guest especially a homeless one. Before we start eating we break the wafer and we exchange good wishes. A Christmas-Eve traditional supper should have 12 dishes (as many as apostles were). The most traditional ones are: beetroot soup and ravioli with mushrooms, cabbage with beans, a sour soup with potatoes, fried carp, carp in jelly, mushroom soup, stewed dried fruits. After the supper everybody run runs to the tree to look for the presents. Then we sing Christmas carols waiting for the midnight mass. _____________Pubs, clubs and cafeterias Edit This CITY CENTRE Piwnica Pod Baranami Rynek Glowny 27 (18.00 - last guest) The most famous and strange cabaret. Everything is magic here. Nobody knows what time the performance will begin and who will play. There are also jazz concerts and poetry evenings. Jama Michalika Club Florianska 45 (9.00 - 22.00) The most famous artistic cafe in Poland. U Louisa Club Rynek Glowny 13 (11.00 - last guest) Cyber Cafe Pod Jaszczurami Club Rynek Glowny 8 (10.00 - last guest) Students club. Theatre. Mondays - all kind of concerts. Tuesdays - jazz concerts. Weekend - disco. Klub Kulturalny Szewska 25 (12.00 - 3.00) Roentgen Plac Szczepanski (17.00 - last guest) Rock concerts Jazz Rock Cafe Slawkowska 12 (16.00 - ) Nice place to dance. Harris Rynek (last guest) Jazz concerts. Cafe Cabaret Jablonowskich (10.00 - 23.00) You can eat here "Ruskie pierogi" - they're really good. Pozegnanie z Afryka ul.Tomasza You may taste here coffees from all over the world! Nice decoration! Great place to chat! The name of the cafe seems to be the Polish translation of title of American movie with Robert Redford or book by Karen Blixen. Lizak Pijarska 11 (14- last guest) New small lounge-club situated in the Old Town. Comfortable sofas, good music (nu jazz, soft club music, ambient) Good slection of liquers, photography exibitions, dj's occasionally on weekends. KAZIMIERZ (FORMER JEWISH DISTRICT) Alchemia corner of Estery/plac Nowy (12.00 - last guest) Most famous pub in Poland, featured every month in Warsaw's trendy mags, place to meet actors & businesspeople, listen to good life music, and have your pint Osmy Dzien Tygodnia ul. Podbrzezie - behind Tempel Synagogue (12.00 - last guest) Eighth Day of the Week is your choice for the true atmosphere ("klimat") of Kazimierz - life does slow down here, and the world becomes brighter. Singer Estery 20 (12.00 - 5.00) Go there late night, then the atmosphere is magic. Good music. Prices: beer, coffee, sandwich - about $1.00... something stronger - about $1.50-$2.00 Propaganda ul. Miodowa 20 (11am - last guest) This place is like a museum of communist kitsch. Expect to see tonnes of posters of Lenin, and as the title suggests plenty of old Soviet propaganda. It's a bit dark and moody, but the bar staff have a bone-dry wit. Just don't ask for water. club cien Jana 15 one of the most fasionable clubs in Krakow. Go here to see a young and beautiful crowd ___________A perfect day Edit This Krakow is such a city that is's a sin to spend here only one day but it would be much worse not to be here at all. Lets then take a short walk through. Sleep well to wake up happy and ready for an exciting day. Have you overslept ? Don't worry! A cup of coffee in a café at one of mediaeval streets around Rynek will surely set you on your feet. Then start your walk from Matejki square. A big monument with a man on a horse will help you to recognise it. It's a Polish king - Wladyslaw Jagiello. Passing by you must notice a round building called Barbakan. Then go through the Florianska gate where Florianska Street begins. Pass Florianska street to get to Rynek. Spend a few minutes just walking around. You can see there a long passage (Sukiennice) with small stalls , a monument of Mickiewicz (a famous Polish poet) which is usually a meeting place. A high gothic church you can notice nearby (Saint Mary's church) with wooden polyptych. OK. Enough. It's time to go further. Take the Grodzka Street and go straight ahead until you see a baroque church on the left - it's a Saint Peter and Paul church. Then turn right into Kanonicza Street. At the end of this a street Wawel Kings castle will appear. After visiting the castle you will surely be hungry. So lets go back to the centre to eat something. I propose to go through Planty (a kind of park with old big trees). __________Tours and Excursions Edit This [Add New] Wieliczka Salt Mine Edit This Only about 15 km East of Krakow you'll find historic underground chambers, shafts and caverns decorated with sculptures and carvings. It's the only site in the world where mining has continued since the Middle Ages. World66 rating: [rate it] address: Wieliczka near Krakow Nowa Huta Tour - Professional Communism Tour Edit This Nowa Huta - a huge industrial complex and steelworks - is a symbol of industrial Poland and resistance to communist rule. Your driver meets you at your hotel and takes you on the trail of history. On the Krakow Communist Tour we visit the key places where the dramatic events of the 20th century unfolded and hear some fascinating accounts of the communist era, discovering along the way the rather tragic history of the Polish state. Transportation in an authentic, Polish Syrena, Fiat 126p, Warszawa or Polonez Coupe. We have audio-systems in many languages: english, more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +48 656 465 540 url: www.communismmtour.scom email: syyrenkakracow@o2.pl ____________Festivals Edit This Goetz Palace, Krakow, - One of many venues Goetz Palace, Krakow, - One of many venues David McGirr PHOTOMONTH IN KRAKOW Krakow , Poland `A photographic feast` Krakow ( Cracow ) Photomonth is fast becoming one of the main photography events in Europe , and deservedly so. Now in its 5th year the festival takes place during May in the beautiful city of Krakow , Southern Poland . Anyone making the journey to Krakow during May will not be disappointed by either the Photomonth festival or the city itself. It really is a must see. I am a regular visitor to Krakow and have been lucky enough to attend three festivals and have seen at first hand the festival go from strength to strength. The festival is now well established, supported by a number of big name sponsors, attracting exhibitions from renowned world famous photographers as well as encouraging young photographers. The festival has been well received and enjoys very favourable critical acclaim. The festival isnt resting on its laurels, as it continues to be innovative, seeking to explore more performance exhibits and interesting venues whilst keeping a good balance of traditional and modern photography. Photomonth in Krakow 2007 basic facts: 5th edition of the Festival 45 exhibitions 30 venues 120 artists from 15 countries 30 accompanying events (movies, workshops, lectures, portfolio reviews) 70,000 visitors (300,000 including the outdoor exhibitions) Special Guest country- Germany Guest Curator Mark Power / Magnum Agency Festival Director Tomasz Gutkowski Introduction The festival itself takes place during May in various locations across, Krakow, Poland. What I love about the festival is the diversity and the large number of exhibitions in imaginative and atmospheric locations. The festival will be one of the few opportunities to the enjoy the antique interiors and faded splendour of Goetz Palace in the former Okocim Brewery, as well as the former workshops of theEmalia (Enamel) Factory of Oscar Schindler made famous by Stephen Spielberg, locations which are normally closed to the public, private apartments as well as a host of enchanting cafes and galleries. Other more unusual presentations featured an exhibition within a large dome tent pitched within a room and pictures in the form of one of those photo flick books, which you flick through, hung on the tiles within the disused toilet cubicles. One of the galleries, the Camelot Gallery, which thanks to the efforts of its owner Weronika Lodzinska-Duda, is fast becoming one of Krakows most important photography galleries featuring a photographic library, reading room, and a photography shop. Camelot Gallery serves as the festival office. The festival consists of almost 50 individual and collective exhibitions. In addition, there are a number of associated events such as presentations of film and slides, documentary films, lectures, workshops, discussions, book launches and a bookshop, as well as portfolio reviews. Of course, there are many exhibition opening parties and concerts. There is also an extensive off programme list of events and exhibitions. Each year the festival features a special guest country which for 2007 was Germany . Last years festival featured Hungary and discussions are already taking place to finalise next years guest country. It is hoped to feature Japan in 2008, however time constraints make it more likely to be the Czech Republic next year followed by Japan in 2009. Time required to visit Krakow is a compact city and the vast majority of the locations can be visited on foot from the centre of the old town. That said, the festival programme suggests that visitors allow the following timescales:- All Exhibitions 4 days All Exhibitions, excluding off programme 3 days All Exhibitions, excluding off prog. and German Presentation 2 days I personally spread my visits over three weeks, but I am sure a long weekend would give a sufficiently rewarding taste of the main exhibitions as well as allowing time for the many tourist attractions in and around Krakow. The programme, which is free and available from the festival office as well as a number of venues across the city, provides a comprehensive guide including a detaile d location map showing the numerous venues. Costs The vast majority of the exhibitions are free, however a handful charge a nominal admission fee of between 2 8 zloty ( 30p - £1.30 ). (exchange rate currently 6zl - £1) The already reasonable admission costs can be reduced further by purchasing a Pass for 15 zloty, (£2.50). An excellent illustrated 200 plus page catalogue, in Polish and English, is also available for 35 zloty (£5.50) . Both the pass and catalogue can be purchased together for 45 zloty (£7). I think the prices and value for money is incredible for the quality of photography on display, the total cost would barely cover the entrance to a single major exhibition in the UK . The 2007 Photomonth in Krakow The appeal of the festival is in the quality and diversity of the photographers and the unique venues. The icing on the cake for 2007 was the inspired use of the atmospheric former workshops of Schindlers factory to exhibit a number of works on the theme of military conflicts, under the title `Theatres of War`, as featured in a recent Guardian newspaper article. T he use of rented private apartments provided a more intimate alternative. The full 2007 programme is available on-line at www.photomonth.com, o r as a word document download. The main exhibitions for 2007 included the following `headliners` from the programme:- August Sander (1876-1964) `Face of our Time' , - A classic of German photography. His work "People of the 20th Century" presents a unique portrait of German society in the days of the Weimar Republic . Divided thematically according to the class membership of the individual subjects, as well as by their place of residence, the collection consists of over 800 photographs. Tomas Agat Blonski `We Are ` . Exhibition by a Slovakian photographer comprised of refined, large-format, hand-made, portrait prints of...chickens raised by the artists Polish family. The project questions the relation between identity and the very definition of portrait photography. Jacob Aue Sobol - `Sabine . An unusually intimate documentation of the Danish photographers sojourn in Greenland , which unexpectedly for the artist became a love story without a happy ending. The project resulted in the publishing of a book that was nominated for the Deutsche Borse Photography Prize in 2005. Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin - `Ghetto . The result of many years of documentation of ghettos in their various forms and functions. The exhibition, produced especially for the festival, presents selected fragments from a broad range of materials. Marek Gardulski - `The 54th Year . A cycle of 365 self-portraits taken every day of the year. Aneta Grzeszykowska - `Portraits . The exhibition presents portraits of non-existent people generated entirely by computers. The illusion is so flawless that the faces seem familiar to the viewer. The artist plays skilfully with our expectations regarding photography. Other work entitled , `Plan` from this artist which I found very fascinating and unusual can be found on her website. Martin Parr `Autoportraits` . Series of self-portrait made by possible the most celebrated UK s contemporary photographer. Anders Petersen - `Mental Hospital` . One of the most intriguing contemporary photographers presents a cycle of works dealing in an uncommonly personal way with the subject of the mentally handicapped. PrzemysLaw Pokrycki - "The Rites of Passage. Premiere exhibition by one of the most promising Polish artists of the younger generation. The project documents a cross-section of Polish families. Christenings and communions, weddings and funerals serve as occasions to reveal the variety and variability of perennial sacraments. 2007 Festival Highlights My personal highlights were:- August Sander `Face of our Time` A wonderful selection of social portraits from Germany taken in 1929. This was a superb exhibition with powerful portraits of a variety of characters from all walks of life. Thomas Agat Blonski `We are ` Portraits of chickens I was honestly blown away by this, a collection of huge 3` x 2` poster prints of chickens and cockerels, each one showing its own personality in a way that seemed so obvious and natural. Photographs by a Slovakian photographer on the theme of individuals and identity The striking dramatic black and white images of traditional Indian wrestlers by Tomasz Gudzowaty , best known to the international public as a four-time winner of the World Press Photo competition, and his Hungarian colleague Judit Berekai , Who's close up portrait of an Indian boxer , was my personal highlight from the many exhibitions. Why Mister Why? A powerful multi-media projection of images by the Dutch photographer Geert van Kesteren taken in Iraq . The exhibition Why Mister Why?, featured projected images on several screens which were accompanied by interviews with American soldiers and Iraqi civilians, haunting, evocative sound effects and radio broadcasts from Baghdad. The location, within Schindlers workshops, together with the audiovisual display had a huge impact which has stayed with mew till now. Portfolio Review Photographers are given the opportunity to take part in a Portfolio Review which is assessed by a panel of international photographers for a £25 fee. Visit the website, www.photomonth.com f or further information on the 2007 Festival. KRAKOW Budget flights make getting to Krakow cheap and easy, accommodation is available to suit all tastes and budgets, from hostels, beautiful private apartments to world class hotels, and importantly they are almost all very centrally located. The city itself is perfect for a weekend or short break as the central market square and old town layout make finding your way around very straightforward. Krakow has a wealth of photo opportunities at every turn, great food and lively cellar bars. There is a café culture where you can sit in the market square, people watch and enjoy temperatures of 30c plus in summer. For music lovers there are many live music and jazz clubs and a constant classical programme of events. Check out www.cracow-life.com for more information on the city. A city full of surprises, overflowing with culture, wonderful architecture and history. David McGirr ___________Things to do Edit This rental vehicle rental vehicle rentabike.pl The best idea to visit Krakow is to rent a bike. There is a lot of special bike trails in the city as well as beyond the town. [Add Activity] Ultimate Sports Edit This Rafting is a challenging sport that involves a white water raft and lots of muscle work while struggling with wild mountain rivers. We offer it combined with astonishing views of Dunajec river. type: Rafting World66 rating: [rate it] tel: - url: www.cracowonline.com address: Rynek Glowny 1 |
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GNU Free Documentation License Esso utilizza materiale tratto da http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krak%C3%B3w Cronologia/Autori: http://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cracovia&action=history CracoviaDa Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.
(Reindirizzamento da
Kraków)
Cracovia (in polacco Kraków, in tedesco Krakau, denominazione completa Królewskie Stołeczne Miasto Kraków - Cittą Reale Capitale di Cracovia) č una cittą (757.500 abitanti nel 2001) della Polonia, una delle pił antiche ed estese dello stato. Č situata a 214 m s.l.m., sulle due sponde del fiume Vistola, ai piedi della collina di Wawel, nell'area meridionale della Piccola Polonia (Małopolska). Č capoluogo del relativo voivodato dal 1999; in precedenza č stata capoluogo del Voivodato di Cracovia fin dal XIV secolo. Inoltre č un grande centro commerciale e industriale (stoffe, pelli, macchine agricole, cartiere, editoria) e un importante nodo ferroviario. Cracovia č stata a lungo la capitale del paese, e a tutt'oggi rimane il suo principale centro culturale, artistico e universitario. Con pił di sette milioni di visitatori ogni anno, č la principale meta turistica internazionale della Polonia.
[modifica] Cracovia oggiL'architettura gotica, rinascimentale e barocca della Cittą Vecchia (Stare Miasto) č mirabile testimone della lunga e gloriosa storia di Cracovia: al centro del nucleo medievale, conservatosi quasi completamente intatto, vi č la grande Piazza del Mercato (Rynek Głowny), attorno alla quale sorgono bellissimi palazzi dei secoli XVII e XVIII, alcuni dei quali di impronta veneta, la torre civica del Municipio, il grande Mercato dei Tessuti (Sukiennice) e soprattutto la chiesa di Santa Maria, del XIV secolo, con l'altare ligneo di Veit Stoss e l'alta torre da cui ogni ora viene suonata la celebre "chiamata a raccolta". Attorno alla Cittą Vecchia correva una possente cinta muraria completamente abbattuta, ad eccezione di un breve tratto superstite contiguo alla porta di San Floriano e al Barbacane, durante la dominazione austriaca. Sul suo antico tracciato oggi sorge il bellissimo giardino del Planty. L'altro nucleo storico di Cracovia sorge a sud della Cittą Vecchia, sulla collina di Wawel (residenza dei re di Polonia fino al XVII secolo), dove si trovano le pił importanti vestigia: la chiesa dei Ss. Felice e Adaucto (IX secolo), il Castello con il cortile rinascimentale degli architetti fiorentini Francesco della Lora e Bartolomeo Berecci, la Cattedrale, che racchiude le tombe dei re polacchi a partire dal Trecento e la cappella funeraria del re Sigismondo I, d'impronta italiana al pari della chiesa barocca dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, la pił bella dell'Europa centrale nel suo genere. Ad Oriente della Cittą Vecchia sorge il quartiere di Kazimierz, il centro della vita religiosa e sociale della Cracovia ebraica fino alla deportazione di massa della comunitą locale avvenuta durante l'occupazione nazista. Cracovia ospita numerosi eventi artistici ogni anno, alcuni di risonanza internazionale, come il Festival dei Cortometraggi, la Biennale della Grafica, e il Festival della Cultura Ebraica. Vi sono inoltre numerosi teatri, tra cui:
Cracovia - La Piazza del Mercato
Altare ligneo di Veit Stoss
A Cracovia risiedono inoltre 28 tra musei e gallerie d'arte, come il Museo Nazionale (Cracovia) ed il Museo Czartoryski (Muzeum Czartoryskich). Nelle vicinanze le zone di interesse includono la miniera di sale in Wieliczka, i Monti Tatra, la cittą storica di Czestochowa, il campo di concentramento nazista di Auschwitz, e il Parco Nazionale di Ojcow. Cracovia č inoltre il centro principale per la formazione delle nuove classi dirigenti polacche. Ad oggi si contano 12 istituzioni di formazione universitaria, con circa 10000 corsi e 150 000 studenti. Famosi artisti moderni vivono a Cracovia, tra i quali vi sono:
[modifica] Quartieri storiciLe zone pił antiche di Cracovia, unite alla fine del XVIII secolo sono
Le zone aggiunte nel diciannovesimo e ventesimo secolo includono:
[modifica] Distretti amministrativi
Cracovia - Il cortile del castello di Wawel
[modifica] Storia
Veduta sulla cittą vecchia
[modifica] MedioevoIl pił antico insediamento presente nella zona della odierna Cracovia fu realizzato sulla collina di Wawel, e risale al IV secolo. La leggenda attribuisce la fondazione della cittą ad un mitico re Krak, che la stabilģ sopra una grotta occupata da un vorace drago. Prima che esistesse lo stato polacco, Cracovia era la capitale della tribł dei Vistoliani, probabilmente legata alla politica della Moravia Superiore. La prima citazione di Cracovia nei documenti storici risale all'VIII secolo, nel quale si annotava che il principe dei Vistoliani era battezzato.
Cracovia
Dopo la distruzione della Moravia Superiore da parte degli Ungheresi, Cracovia divenne parte del regno di Boemia. Al termine del X secolo, la cittą era uno dei pił grandi centri di scambio commerciale dell'area. In questo periodo fu assorbita nei possedimenti della Dinastia Piast polacca. Furono costruiti numerosi palazzi in muratura, tra cui un castello, chiese in stile romanico, una cattedrale, una basilica e la Chiesa di San Felix ed Adaukt. Nel 1038, Cracovia divenne la sede del governo polacco. Duecento anni dopo fu quasi totalmente distrutta dall'invasione dei tartari. Nel 1257, la cittą fu ricostruita, e rimase praticamente inalterata fino ad oggi. Ricevette inoltre lo statuto di cittą secondo la Legge di Magdeburgo. Il 1311 segna la rivolta dei cittadini di lingua tedesca di Cracovia, interessati nel mantenere i legami commerciali con Boemia, ma la fazione tedesca non riuscģ a soddisfare le sue ambizioni politiche e cominciņ ad amalgamarsi con la realtą polacca. Cracovia divenne di nuovo un centro di luce culturale nel 1364, quando Casimiro III di Polonia fondņ l'Universitą di Cracovia, la seconda in Europa centrale dopo l'Universitą di Praga. Una scuola religiosa, sotto la direzione del Vescovo della cittą, esisteva comunque sin dal 1150. La cittą continuņ a crescere sotto la dinastia lituana Jagellone (1386-1572), che conservņ una stretta cooperazione con la casa imperiale Asburgo del Sacro Romano Impero. Come capitale di uno potente, divenne un centro fiorente per la scienza e le arti. Molte opere del Rinascimento furono create in questo periodo. Nel 1475 i delegati dell'elettore Giorgio il Ricco di Baviera vennero a Cracovia per organizzare il matrimonio di Jadwiga, la figlia del re Casimiro IV Jagellone con Giorgio il Ricco. Jadwiga viaggiņ per due mesi per raggiungere Landshut in Baviera, dove fu celebrata una elaborata cerimonia, il Matrimonio di Landshut (Landshuter Hochzeit)
[modifica] Il Rinascimento
Cattedrale del Wawel
Sinagoga vecchia a Kasimierz
Nel 1488 il poeta e umanista Conrad Celtes fondņ la Sodalitas Litterarum Vistulana, una societą letteraria basata sulla struttura e gli intenti delle Accademie Romane. Nel 1489 Veit Stoss di Norimberga terminņ il suo lavoro sull'Altare Grande della Chiesa di Santa Maria. Pił tardi incise anche un sarcofago marmoreo per Casimiro IV. Numerosi artisti, principalmente provenienti da Norimberga, lavorarono a Cracovia. Dal 1500, Haller stabilģ una tipografia nella cittą. Nel 1520, Johan Behem realizzņ la pił grande campana da chiesa della Polonia, chiamata la Campana di Sigismondo, in onore del re Sigismondo I. Nello stesso periodo Hans Duerer, il fratello minore di Albrecht Duerer, fu il pittore di corte di Sigismondo. Hans von Kulmbach realizzņ l'altare per la Chiesa di San Giovanni;
[modifica] DeclinoNel 1609 Sigismondo III trasferģ la capitale a Varsavia, meglio situata per governare tutto il Paese. Per la mancanza della corte reale cominciņ il declino di Cracovia, che poi veniva anche numerose volte devastata da diverse armate.
[modifica] Dopo la spartizione della Polonia
Il Sukiennice (Cloth Hall, palazzo del tessuto) a
Cracovia
Al termine del XVIII secolo, lo stato polacco, ormai indebolito, venne assorbito dalle nazioni vicine, preponderanti dal punto di vista politico-militare nell'Europa centro-orientale: la Russia, l'Austria e la Prussia. Cracovia divenne parte della provincia austriaca della Galizia. Tadeusz Kosciuszko organizzņ una rivolta, nella zona del mercato di Cracovia nel 1794. L'esercito russo-prussiano soffocņ la rivolta saccheggiando il tesoro reale polacco conservato nella cittą. Quando Napoleone Bonaparte invase quella che una volta era la Polonia, stabilģ un Ducato di Varsavia (1807) come stato indipendente, ma subordinato all'impero francese. Il Congresso di Vienna (1815) ristabilģ la spartizione della Polonia, conferendo perņ l'indipendenza a Cracovia, come capitale della Repubblica di Cracovia. La cittą cominciņ a concentrarsi sull'indipendenza nazionale, sfociata nella Rivolta di Cracovia del 1846. I moti non raggiunsero il loro obiettivo di coinvolgere le altre terre abitate da Polacchi, fu quindi soffocata e Cracovia perse la sua autonomia con la sua annessione all'Austria. Dopo la Guerra Austro-Prussiana del 1866, l'Austria concesse l'autonomia alla Galizia, stabilendo che il polacco fosse impiegato come lingua di governo e installando una dieta provinciale. Espressosi in queste forme, il dominio austriaco fu molto pił morbido di quello esercitato dalla Russia e dalla Prussia; Cracovia divenne il faro della nazione polacca e un centro di arte e cultura. Tra i pittori, poeti e scrittori dell'epoca, č possibile annoverare Jan Matejko, Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz, Jan Kasprowicz, Juliusz Kossak, Wojciech Kossak Stanislaw Wyspianski e Stanislaw Przybyszewski. Gli ultimi due furono i capofila del modernismo polacco. [modifica] XX secolo
Cracovia
Durante la Prima Guerra Mondiale, le truppe di Cracovia, guidate da Jozef Pilsudski si batterono per la liberazione della Polonia, in alleanza con le forze austriache e tedesche. Nonostante la sconfitta degli imperi centrali, i termini del Trattato di Versailles (1919) stabilirono il primo stato sovrano polacco da oltre un secolo. La Polonia fu poi spartita nuovamente nel 1939 con la Campagna di Polonia, casus belli della Seconda Guerra Mondiale, e le forze naziste entrarono a Cracovia a settembre dello stesso anno. Divenne cosģ capitale del Governatorato Generale, una autoritą coloniale guidata da Hans Frank. L'occupazione fu pesante, soprattutto per l'identitą culturale della cittą. Oltre 150 professori e studiosi della Universitą Jagellonica vennero convocati per un incontro, arrestati e inviati in un campo di concentramento a Sachsenhausen (vedi anche Sonderaktion Krakau). Molte reliquie e vestigia della cultura nazionale furono distrutti o saccheggiati. Vennero stabiliti nelle vicinanze di Cracovia due tra i pił tristemente famosi campi di concentramento: Plaszow e Auschwitz. Grazie alla manovra di avanzamento delle forze sovietiche, Cracovia scampņ dalla completa distruzione, ed alcuni palazzi storici e capolavori vennero salvati. Al termine del conflitto, in ogni modo, il governo della Repubblica Popolare di Polonia ordinņ la costruzione di Nowa Huta, la pił grande acciaieria dello stato. L'obiettivo era quello di ridurre l'influenza dei circoli intellettuali ed artistici attraendo le masse operaie. Nel 1978, l'UNESCO ha inserito la cittą nella sua prima lista dei siti patrimonio dell'umanitą
Corpus Domini
Cracovia
Cracovia
[modifica] SportCi sono due circoli sportivi importanti: il KS Cracovia (il club pił antico della Polonia, fondato nel 1906) e il Wisla Cracovia. Le due squadre sono tra le pił importanti della Polonia; Il KS Cracovia č campione di Polonia nell'hockey sul ghiaccio (2006), e il Wisla č il vicecampione nel calcio (2006).
[modifica] Cittą gemellate
[modifica] Voci correlate
[modifica] Altri progetti
[modifica] Collegamenti esterni
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http://www.world66.com/ *********************The content is published under a creative commons licence : http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0 / ). |
Krakow Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cracow Cracow ... Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It was originally the home of the Polish royalty (between 1038 and 1596), before the capital was moved to Warsaw. Visiting Krakow is a refreshing break from much of European travel, where similar cities blend together, and the dominance of English might make you wonder if you ever left North America. The cobblestoned streets, majestic churches (almost 100 historical churches!), and old world charm make Krakow an unforgetable destination. Add to it the former Jewish district with its 7 synagogues, 3 gigantic Gothic churches and more than 800 of pubs huddled in beauteous nooks and alleyways where time slows down and you'd be coming back here as often as you can. Krakow is located in the south of Poland, about halfway from Warsaw and Prague and is a good place to break up your trip if you are traveling from one to the other. Krakow is now the third most popular tourist destination in central and eastern Europe, following Prague and Budapest. ___________History Edit This Chapel at Wawel Castle Chapel at Wawel Castle Gosia The King's city Krakow - the former capital of Poland, monarch's residence, coronation and burial place of kings of Poland. Krakow is situated on Wisla river, just over 200 m a. s. l. in the south of Poland. According to a legend, the name "Krakow" comes from the name of a legendary Slavonic prince who founded a medieval city on a rocky hill, which mounts by Wisla riverbed. The first mention about Krakow is found in a record of journey of a merchant from Cordoba - Ibrahim Ibn Jacob in 965. The first traces of settlement date back to the period of several thousands of years ago. At the end of 10th century Krakow was incorporated into the Kingdom of Poland which was the ruled by a king of Piast dynasty. In the year 1000 a bishopri was established (it was subject to Gniezno metropolis). Gradually, Cracow was gaining prominence among Polish cities and in 11th century became the official of Poland. Tatar raids, particularly those in 1241 and 1242 inflicted great damage on the city - the contemporary ruler, king Boleslaw Wstydliwy was thus obliged to practically build the city anew and strengthen its fortifications. As a result, Krakow was endowed with municipal rights in 1257. In 14th century, Krakow became a coronation place and the King's necropolis. Under the rule of Kazimierz Wielki a generous patron of arts and sciences, the city develops and expands. During this period, two satellite cities Kazimierz and Kleparz were founded (at present they are districts of Krakow). In 1364, the King founds the Cracow Academy, which after Prague's is the second University in central Europe. The Academy develops quickly, particularly after receiving endowment from Queen Jadwiga and King Wladyslaw Jagiello. In 15th and 16th centuries, known as the Golden Age, Poland and Krakow flourish. Many artists and scholars settle in Krakow. It is there that the greatest sculptor of medieval times - Wit Stwosz - creates his masterpiece: the altar for St. Mary's church. The famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus pursues his studies at the Academy of Cracow. Splendid Italian architects: Francesco Fiorentino, Giovanni Padovano, Bartholomeo Berecci, Santi Gucci work there creating the renaissance image of the city. During the same period first painting houses are established. In 1609, king Zygmunt Waza the Third moves his residence to Warsaw, and since that time the importance of Krakow diminishes. In spite of the fact that Warsaw becomes the capital, Wawel Cathedral remains the coronation and sepulchral church of kings of Poland. Throughout the 18th century, Krakow was repeatedly besieged, conquered and pillaged by Swedish, Russian, Austria and Prussian armies. In 1795, when Poland lost independence, Krakow was incorporated into the Austrian domain. With the exception of periods of Grand Duchy of Warsaw (1809-1812) and of Cracow Republic (1815-1846), Krakow remained under the Habsburg rule till 1918. The relatively liberal Austrian regulations allowed for cultivation of Polish language, culture and custom. On the turn of 20th century an artistic vanguard, known by the name of Mloda Polska arose in Krakow. This new artistic movement was a true revolution against hitherto existing currents in art. From Krakow, the new ideas spread to other parts of the country. After regaining of independence by Poland, Krakow remains an important center of culture and sciences. New universities are established, industry develops. During the World War II, Krakow is the capital of General Government, and the Wawel castle becomes the residence of governor Hans Frank. The city was liberated by the Soviet army on 18th of Jan. 1945. After the liberation, the city, once again become a center of Polish culture and sciences. ________________Getting Around Edit This cafe on Bracka street cafe on Bracka street karol The easiest way of getting around Krakow's sights is by foot. Most of the "must-see"s inside the city are within easy strolling distance of each other, especially if you break up your journey by dropping into a bar or restaurant for a break. Public transport is cheap and efficient; the local operator is MPK (website, in Polish only, is http://www.mpk.krakow.pl) and tickets can be bought from shops and other locations. You can pay on the bus or tram, but it's more expensive - and remember that you must always stamp your ticket the first time you use it, to validate it. Day and longer period tickets ('Bilety czasowy') are sold; June 2005 prices were PLN10,40 for 24 hours, PLN18,80 for 48 hours and PLN25,00 for 72 hours. Useful trick for those of you arriving at Krakow's airport and catching the bus into town: if you buy your ticket from the bus driver, you'll get a single journey ticket for yourself at PLN 2,50 - but you'll have to pay another 2,50 for your suitcase or rucksack! If you go upstairs in the terminal building, you'll find a newsagents kiosk. Buy a 60 minute transfer ticket (PLN 3,10) and that covers both you and your luggage - and it allows you to change buses or trams within the 60 minutes... ___________Pubs, clubs and cafeterias Edit This CITY CENTRE Piwnica Pod Baranami Rynek Glowny 27 (18.00 - last guest) The most famous and strange cabaret. Everything is magic here. Nobody knows what time the performance will begin and who will play. There are also jazz concerts and poetry evenings. Jama Michalika Club Florianska 45 (9.00 - 22.00) The most famous artistic cafe in Poland. U Louisa Club Rynek Glowny 13 (11.00 - last guest) Cyber Cafe Pod Jaszczurami Club Rynek Glowny 8 (10.00 - last guest) Students club. Theatre. Mondays - all kind of concerts. Tuesdays - jazz concerts. Weekend - disco. Klub Kulturalny Szewska 25 (12.00 - 3.00) Roentgen Plac Szczepanski (17.00 - last guest) Rock concerts Jazz Rock Cafe Slawkowska 12 (16.00 - ) Nice place to dance. Harris Rynek (last guest) Jazz concerts. Cafe Cabaret Jablonowskich (10.00 - 23.00) You can eat here "Ruskie pierogi" - they're really good. Pozegnanie z Afryka ul.Tomasza You may taste here coffees from all over the world! Nice decoration! Great place to chat! The name of the cafe seems to be the Polish translation of title of American movie with Robert Redford or book by Karen Blixen. Lizak Pijarska 11 (14- last guest) New small lounge-club situated in the Old Town. Comfortable sofas, good music (nu jazz, soft club music, ambient) Good slection of liquers, photography exibitions, dj's occasionally on weekends. KAZIMIERZ (FORMER JEWISH DISTRICT) Alchemia corner of Estery/plac Nowy (12.00 - last guest) Most famous pub in Poland, featured every month in Warsaw's trendy mags, place to meet actors & businesspeople, listen to good life music, and have your pint Osmy Dzien Tygodnia ul. Podbrzezie - behind Tempel Synagogue (12.00 - last guest) Eighth Day of the Week is your choice for the true atmosphere ("klimat") of Kazimierz - life does slow down here, and the world becomes brighter. Singer Estery 20 (12.00 - 5.00) Go there late night, then the atmosphere is magic. Good music. Prices: beer, coffee, sandwich - about $1.00... something stronger - about $1.50-$2.00 Propaganda ul. Miodowa 20 (11am - last guest) This place is like a museum of communist kitsch. Expect to see tonnes of posters of Lenin, and as the title suggests plenty of old Soviet propaganda. It's a bit dark and moody, but the bar staff have a bone-dry wit. Just don't ask for water. club cien Jana 15 one of the most fasionable clubs in Krakow. Go here to see a young and beautiful crowd ______Christmas Christmas time is a very special time here. Both children and adults are looking forward impatiently to these days. Maybe it's because of presents or warm and familiar atmosphere. There should be a Christmas tree with a plenty of sweets, candles (usually electric ones) and some glass balls, in every house. The nicest day is the Christmas-Eve which ends with a traditional supper. We have a lot of traditions and beliefs applied to this day: animals are expected to talk, things you do this day will happen in coming new year (that's why you shouldn't do anything neither boring nor sad). With the first star in the sky we sit at the table. But it's not an ordinary meal... The table is covered by a white table-cloth and under it we put some hay. As is customary we prepare one plate more for an unexpected guest especially a homeless one. Before we start eating we break the wafer and we exchange good wishes. A Christmas-Eve traditional supper should have 12 dishes (as many as apostles were). The most traditional ones are: beetroot soup and ravioli with mushrooms, cabbage with beans, a sour soup with potatoes, fried carp, carp in jelly, mushroom soup, stewed dried fruits. After the supper everybody run runs to the tree to look for the presents. Then we sing Christmas carols waiting for the midnight mass. _______A perfect day Edit This Krakow is such a city that is's a sin to spend here only one day but it would be much worse not to be here at all. Lets then take a short walk through. Sleep well to wake up happy and ready for an exciting day. Have you overslept ? Don't worry! A cup of coffee in a café at one of mediaeval streets around Rynek will surely set you on your feet. Then start your walk from Matejki square. A big monument with a man on a horse will help you to recognise it. It's a Polish king - Wladyslaw Jagiello. Passing by you must notice a round building called Barbakan. Then go through the Florianska gate where Florianska Street begins. Pass Florianska street to get to Rynek. Spend a few minutes just walking around. You can see there a long passage (Sukiennice) with small stalls , a monument of Mickiewicz (a famous Polish poet) which is usually a meeting place. A high gothic church you can notice nearby (Saint Mary's church) with wooden polyptych. OK. Enough. It's time to go further. Take the Grodzka Street and go straight ahead until you see a baroque church on the left - it's a Saint Peter and Paul church. Then turn right into Kanonicza Street. At the end of this a street Wawel Kings castle will appear. After visiting the castle you will surely be hungry. So lets go back to the centre to eat something. I propose to go through Planty (a kind of park with old big trees). ______Festivals Edit This Goetz Palace, Krakow, - One of many venues Goetz Palace, Krakow, - One of many venues David McGirr PHOTOMONTH IN KRAKOW Krakow , Poland `A photographic feast` Krakow ( Cracow ) Photomonth is fast becoming one of the main photography events in Europe , and deservedly so. Now in its 5th year the festival takes place during May in the beautiful city of Krakow , Southern Poland . Anyone making the journey to Krakow during May will not be disappointed by either the Photomonth festival or the city itself. It really is a must see. I am a regular visitor to Krakow and have been lucky enough to attend three festivals and have seen at first hand the festival go from strength to strength. The festival is now well established, supported by a number of big name sponsors, attracting exhibitions from renowned world famous photographers as well as encouraging young photographers. The festival has been well received and enjoys very favourable critical acclaim. The festival isnt resting on its laurels, as it continues to be innovative, seeking to explore more performance exhibits and interesting venues whilst keeping a good balance of traditional and modern photography. Photomonth in Krakow 2007 basic facts: 5th edition of the Festival 45 exhibitions 30 venues 120 artists from 15 countries 30 accompanying events (movies, workshops, lectures, portfolio reviews) 70,000 visitors (300,000 including the outdoor exhibitions) Special Guest country- Germany Guest Curator Mark Power / Magnum Agency Festival Director Tomasz Gutkowski Introduction The festival itself takes place during May in various locations across, Krakow, Poland. What I love about the festival is the diversity and the large number of exhibitions in imaginative and atmospheric locations. The festival will be one of the few opportunities to the enjoy the antique interiors and faded splendour of Goetz Palace in the former Okocim Brewery, as well as the former workshops of theEmalia (Enamel) Factory of Oscar Schindler made famous by Stephen Spielberg, locations which are normally closed to the public, private apartments as well as a host of enchanting cafes and galleries. Other more unusual presentations featured an exhibition within a large dome tent pitched within a room and pictures in the form of one of those photo flick books, which you flick through, hung on the tiles within the disused toilet cubicles. One of the galleries, the Camelot Gallery, which thanks to the efforts of its owner Weronika Lodzinska-Duda, is fast becoming one of Krakows most important photography galleries featuring a photographic library, reading room, and a photography shop. Camelot Gallery serves as the festival office. The festival consists of almost 50 individual and collective exhibitions. In addition, there are a number of associated events such as presentations of film and slides, documentary films, lectures, workshops, discussions, book launches and a bookshop, as well as portfolio reviews. Of course, there are many exhibition opening parties and concerts. There is also an extensive off programme list of events and exhibitions. Each year the festival features a special guest country which for 2007 was Germany . Last years festival featured Hungary and discussions are already taking place to finalise next years guest country. It is hoped to feature Japan in 2008, however time constraints make it more likely to be the Czech Republic next year followed by Japan in 2009. Time required to visit Krakow is a compact city and the vast majority of the locations can be visited on foot from the centre of the old town. That said, the festival programme suggests that visitors allow the following timescales:- All Exhibitions 4 days All Exhibitions, excluding off programme 3 days All Exhibitions, excluding off prog. and German Presentation 2 days I personally spread my visits over three weeks, but I am sure a long weekend would give a sufficiently rewarding taste of the main exhibitions as well as allowing time for the many tourist attractions in and around Krakow. The programme, which is free and available from the festival office as well as a number of venues across the city, provides a comprehensive guide including a detaile d location map showing the numerous venues. Costs The vast majority of the exhibitions are free, however a handful charge a nominal admission fee of between 2 8 zloty ( 30p - £1.30 ). (exchange rate currently 6zl - £1) The already reasonable admission costs can be reduced further by purchasing a Pass for 15 zloty, (£2.50). An excellent illustrated 200 plus page catalogue, in Polish and English, is also available for 35 zloty (£5.50) . Both the pass and catalogue can be purchased together for 45 zloty (£7). I think the prices and value for money is incredible for the quality of photography on display, the total cost would barely cover the entrance to a single major exhibition in the UK . The 2007 Photomonth in Krakow The appeal of the festival is in the quality and diversity of the photographers and the unique venues. The icing on the cake for 2007 was the inspired use of the atmospheric former workshops of Schindlers factory to exhibit a number of works on the theme of military conflicts, under the title `Theatres of War`, as featured in a recent Guardian newspaper article. T he use of rented private apartments provided a more intimate alternative. The full 2007 programme is available on-line at www.photomonth.com, o r as a word document download. The main exhibitions for 2007 included the following `headliners` from the programme:- August Sander (1876-1964) `Face of our Time' , - A classic of German photography. His work "People of the 20th Century" presents a unique portrait of German society in the days of the Weimar Republic . Divided thematically according to the class membership of the individual subjects, as well as by their place of residence, the collection consists of over 800 photographs. Tomas Agat Blonski `We Are ` . Exhibition by a Slovakian photographer comprised of refined, large-format, hand-made, portrait prints of...chickens raised by the artists Polish family. The project questions the relation between identity and the very definition of portrait photography. Jacob Aue Sobol - `Sabine . An unusually intimate documentation of the Danish photographers sojourn in Greenland , which unexpectedly for the artist became a love story without a happy ending. The project resulted in the publishing of a book that was nominated for the Deutsche Borse Photography Prize in 2005. Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin - `Ghetto . The result of many years of documentation of ghettos in their various forms and functions. The exhibition, produced especially for the festival, presents selected fragments from a broad range of materials. Marek Gardulski - `The 54th Year . A cycle of 365 self-portraits taken every day of the year. Aneta Grzeszykowska - `Portraits . The exhibition presents portraits of non-existent people generated entirely by computers. The illusion is so flawless that the faces seem familiar to the viewer. The artist plays skilfully with our expectations regarding photography. Other work entitled , `Plan` from this artist which I found very fascinating and unusual can be found on her website. Martin Parr `Autoportraits` . Series of self-portrait made by possible the most celebrated UK s contemporary photographer. Anders Petersen - `Mental Hospital` . One of the most intriguing contemporary photographers presents a cycle of works dealing in an uncommonly personal way with the subject of the mentally handicapped. PrzemysLaw Pokrycki - "The Rites of Passage. Premiere exhibition by one of the most promising Polish artists of the younger generation. The project documents a cross-section of Polish families. Christenings and communions, weddings and funerals serve as occasions to reveal the variety and variability of perennial sacraments. 2007 Festival Highlights My personal highlights were:- August Sander `Face of our Time` A wonderful selection of social portraits from Germany taken in 1929. This was a superb exhibition with powerful portraits of a variety of characters from all walks of life. Thomas Agat Blonski `We are ` Portraits of chickens I was honestly blown away by this, a collection of huge 3` x 2` poster prints of chickens and cockerels, each one showing its own personality in a way that seemed so obvious and natural. Photographs by a Slovakian photographer on the theme of individuals and identity The striking dramatic black and white images of traditional Indian wrestlers by Tomasz Gudzowaty , best known to the international public as a four-time winner of the World Press Photo competition, and his Hungarian colleague Judit Berekai , Who's close up portrait of an Indian boxer , was my personal highlight from the many exhibitions. Why Mister Why? A powerful multi-media projection of images by the Dutch photographer Geert van Kesteren taken in Iraq . The exhibition Why Mister Why?, featured projected images on several screens which were accompanied by interviews with American soldiers and Iraqi civilians, haunting, evocative sound effects and radio broadcasts from Baghdad. The location, within Schindlers workshops, together with the audiovisual display had a huge impact which has stayed with mew till now. Portfolio Review Photographers are given the opportunity to take part in a Portfolio Review which is assessed by a panel of international photographers for a £25 fee. Visit the website, www.photomonth.com f or further information on the 2007 Festival. KRAKOW Budget flights make getting to Krakow cheap and easy, accommodation is available to suit all tastes and budgets, from hostels, beautiful private apartments to world class hotels, and importantly they are almost all very centrally located. The city itself is perfect for a weekend or short break as the central market square and old town layout make finding your way around very straightforward. Krakow has a wealth of photo opportunities at every turn, great food and lively cellar bars. There is a café culture where you can sit in the market square, people watch and enjoy temperatures of 30c plus in summer. For music lovers there are many live music and jazz clubs and a constant classical programme of events. Check out www.cracow-life.com for more information on the city. A city full of surprises, overflowing with culture, wonderful architecture and history. |