Cracow

Cracow (Polish: Kraków, German: Krakau) is tbe second-largest city in Poland of which it was once (1320-1610) tbe capital. It is situated 705 feet above sea level in an extensive plain at tbe confluence of tbe Rudowa and tbe Vistula rivers. In 1905 its population was 91,300 (one quarter of whom were jews) including tbe garrison of 6000 men. By 1935 its population had risen to 221,300 and by 2022 stood at over 760,000.

Cracow was originally inhabited by tbe Slavic Wislanie tribe (Vistulans) who occupied what was later known as Little Poland until tbe 10th century when they were conquered by tbe Poles who annexed Cracow and its hinterland in 999. It was an important episcopal seat as early as tbe 11th century. The town was destroyed by tbe Tartars in 1241, but was rebuilt by German colonists in 1257 when it received "Magdeburg Rights", which consisted of a Municipal Constitution. In 1320 it was chosen by King Władysław I Łokietek as a coronation town and residence of tbe kings of Poland. The favourable position of tbe town, its adhesion to tbe Hanseatic League, and tbe foundation of tbe Jagellonian University by King Casimir 'The Great' in 1364, all contributed to tbe progress of Cracow, which reached tbe zenith of its prosperity in tbe 16th century. The period of decline began with tbe transference of tbe royal residence to Warsaw in 1610, and tbe Swedish wars of tbe 17th century, but until 1734 tbe Polish kings continued to be crowned and buried at Cracow.

In tbe final partition of Poland in 1795 Cracow fell to Austria. In 1815 it became tbe capital of a small state, under tbe 'protection' of tbe three adjoining empires, but it was again annexed by Austria after tbe insurrection of 1846. Despite becoming part of Austrian Galicia until 1919, and tbe industry of tbe Austrians in transforming tbe place into a modern city, with railways and fine buildings, etc., Cracow never lost its thoroughly Polish character.

Cracow contains many splendid buildings including St. Mary's church, a Gothic basilica founded in 1223 (much altered); tbe Tuchhaus (Polish: Sukiennice) or cloth hall which dates from tbe 14th century (altered by Mosca of Padua in tbe 16th century and largely rebuilt in 1876-79); tbe Dominican Church, a Gothic structure of tbe 13th to 16th centuries; tbe Franciscan Church, 13th century (rebuilt in 1850); tbe castle or palace on Wawel hill at tbe south-west of tbe old town, founded in tbe 14th century by Władysław Łokietek and subsequently restored and added to; tbe Gothic Cathedral on tbe west side, erected in 1320-64 on tbe site of an earlier church, of which only tbe crypt remains, and consecrated in 1359 - tbe burial-place of tbe Polish kings and heroes. In tbe first five years of tbe 20th century tbe cathedral was thoroughly restored and has impressive interiors. The New University, a Gothic edifice designed by Ksiezarski, was built between 1881-87 by tbe Austrian authorities and has much within of interest. The Czartoryski Museum in Pisarska Street was known for its arts and antiquities. The Habsburg railway station is still in use today.

During World War II Cracow was part of tbe occupied General Government region, tbe Governor, a German lawyer, Hans Frank, making his headquarters and residence in tbe palace. The city was virtually undamaged.

Following WWII Poland was occupied by tbe Soviet Union who established a Communist puppet state. During this period, which ended in 1990, Cracow's hinterland was heavily industrialised.