Krakow is probably the most impressive towns of Poland, famous all over the world. Tourist visit this town in oroder to feel the spirit of this town. But who knows the history of that city?
The polish city of Krakow (known as Cracow or Cracovia) is the capital city of the Little Poland province in the southern region of Poland. It is one of the largest city in Poland, it had a population of 756,336 in 2007 - it is something about 2 % of the population of Poland.
Krakow dates back to the 7th century but who knows. There is a probability that the Wawel Hill has been populated since the Old Stone Age. The reason of its foundation is clear and simple for geologist. Just imagine, a little hill with a natural cave (known as Dragon Cave) sourranded by swamps. Firstly - living there was very safely (long viev and swamps naturally defended from enemies), secondly there had been a lot of food in the swamps (from the large vistula river). That is the reason why the Krakow was founded in this place.
But why this city become a capital of Poland? The reason is also simply geological, just imagine a travel in the old times, there were only two ways, travel by forest or travel by river. Obviously travel by river was easier way. Now imagine, a little populated hill near the river - it was a Wawel Hill. That is why Cracow becomes, a communication (later capital) of the country.
Through trade and communication with the various rulers of Europe, Krakow grew from a small settlement in to a large wealthy city. Firstly mentioned by Ibrahim ibn Jakub in the 966. Was described as an important centre of communication in Slavonic Europe.
It has been captured by the Piast Dynasty of Poland in 990s. In 1000 AD, Krakow has got its own bishop, and in the 1038 become a capital of Poland. The Wawel Hill become a residence of Polish kings. It was the capital of Poland during the rules of Dynasty of Piast and Jagiellonians (1038-1596).
Mongols demolished Krakow in the 1241. Then it was rebuilt. The ruler Boles?aw the Shy has granted to the city the municipality self-government with a wide range of autonomy based on Magdeburg with tax benefits and trade privileges for its citizens .
After more Mongols attacks, Kazimierz the Great has built walls, fortifications surrounding the city. He has also build Wawel Castle. But that not all, he has also established The Jagiellonian University, it was the second oldest university in central Europe after the University of Prague. The Kazimierz district also was founded in that times. It was founded for Jews to live in free from persecution. The 15th and the 16th centuries were Krakows golden age. Many works of Polish Renaissance art and architecture were created there during that time Krakow became also a centre of science.
After the transfer of the capital to Warszawa in 1609 (it was done officially in 1791 but in Kings chose to reside in Warsaw since 1609, where the political center moved). The city began to decline, a process accelerated by the pillaging of the city during the Swedish invasion. During the 18th century, Krakow suffered a series of sieges, foreign occupations and plunders. Russia, Prussia and Austria divided Poland between themselves. Krakow had become a city of Austria. . In 1815 the Congress of Vienna created an independent, Free city of Krakow. incorporated into the Austrian empire in 1846. It was the end of Krakow history... Till the XX century.
Nowadays as the former national capital with a long history, the city remains the spiritual capital of Poland. In means the City is traditionally a leading centre of Polish artistic, cultural and educational life.
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