There’s nothing I like better than a city break so the opportunity to whisk my son away for his eighteenth birthday celebrations provided me with the perfect opportunity to try out somewhere new.
Krakow, Poland’s stunning second city, was the perfect choice. Just a two hour flight from Newcastle upon Tyne it’s a surprisingly speedy journey to one of Europe’s most historical and magical medieval cities.
After checking into the Venetian House, Krakow’s only aparthotel located directly on Krakow’s main market square, we set out to explore the city.
The main market square is the largest medieval-era square plaza in Europe. And very impressive it is too. Sitting in the middle of the square is an old Cloth Hall, which proved useful on many an occasion to gain my weak bearings, while a huge Gothic basilica stands proud at one end with the St Mary Town Hall Tower at the opposite.
Chilling in one of the many bars and restaurants (there are over 500 dotted around the old town centre), while sampling the local vodkas, wines and surprisingly delicious food, offers endless opportunities to watch the world go by.
Street performers add an entertaining buzz of excitement while horse and carriages transport tourists around the city. The market square is clearly the heart of the city.
Of course the weight of history hangs heavily in Krakow. The city has been at the centre of political upheaval in Europe for centuries, and the brutal horrors of the Second World War remain poignant.
Around 200 zlotys (approximately £40) will hire a buggy ride that explores the old Jewish quarter, and provides detailed narrative. This includes a visit to what was Oskar Schindler’s factory where the famous Schindler’s List was created, saving hundreds Jewish workers from certain death in Auschwitz.
Auschwitz is 30 miles west of Krakow. Our guide told us that all Polish students are obliged to visit. This should, in my opinion, be mandatory for everyone.
On the day we went, it was a blistering hot day as we passed under the Arbeit Macht Frei sign, yet I was cold with goose bumps. An official tour of the red-brick buildings converted to museums revealed the belongings of those who entered the camp.
I have no adequate words to describe Auschwitz. You need to go there yourself to comprehend the darkest depths of despair that over one million humans faced. Then put your own problems into perspective and be grateful for what you have.
That evening saw us spend an evening in a typical Krakow bar watching the World Cup 2014 final where Germany was victorious. The locals were beside themselves with delight and it highlighted to me that the passage of time will always bring forgiveness and light.
An interesting and beautiful city, I left a piece of my heart in Krakow.
Jennifer Clair Robson 