Krakow Poland Oct 8, 2009

10-7-09 Krakow
We walked through the city square in Krakow through one of the biggest churches connected to many others through archways with expansive domes on Wawel Hill. From the outside it is beautiful with one shiny golden dome glistening in the sun light and others in copper, rich with patina of time. Inside are the most elaborate items I have seen. As one example, there is a crypt with ornate designs and sculptures formed in the silver. No photos allowed and I couldn’t find any postcards. This was amazing.

At Krakow’s main square we went into a 13th century St. Mary’s Basilica to see the once a day opening of the altar doors at noon. This is a church styled in Gothic architecture. For once I opt’d out of taking any photos for 5 zloty’s ($1.50) as I just wanted to enjoy the experience.

There was no Mass going on, just tourists sitting on benches looking at the designs, carvings and massive ceilings of this magnificent place. Every wall was covered with some kind of design; painted in deep jewel colors. I especially noticed the wide navy and gold ornate painted pillars going up to the ceiling that split off with the same design into smaller units to follow the arches of the ceiling. This reminds me of the details that were in the Ken Follet books – “Pillars of the Earth” or “World without End” that described building of cathedrals in the 13th century.

I looked to my left at the painted wooden relief sculptures that were about three foot square. The details were intricate. These sculptures lined the walls depicting Bible scenes.

The Veit Stoss altar carried this same theme to a higher level. These sculptures were thirty foot high (35 feet by 40 feet) with twelve multiple panels. They were so large that even from our seats we could see the details clearly. At noon the music started and the ceremony began. A nun walked regally to the altar and reaching up using a pole slowly opened the altar doors one at a time. More sculpted panels on the sides and larger than life golden sculptures in the center were revealed. Chills ran down my spine.
Every square inch of walls and ceilings were covered with paintings or sculptures. Stained glass panels lined the sides of the altar. These were made in the 13th century. It is amazing that this cathedral stands after so many centuries of turmoil in Poland. Treasures from the past are significant when you compare it to the throw-away society we have today. Krakow was one city that was saved the ravages of bombings during World War II.

After the door opening ceremony we went outside to wait in the courtyard for the trumpet player who played out of windows of the steeple toward the east, west, north and south. That pattern of the song was cut short each time to signify ancient days when the budge player was shot with an arrow mid song. It sure seemed an impossible feat to shot an arrow up that high to the top of the steeple. The trumpet is played every hour on the hour every day.

Horse driven carriages carried people around the square on this balmy October day. Muscians played tunes and children flocked in the courtyard.


We stopped to hear an accordion player with his wife on the bass. He played us the Star Spangled Banner once he learned we were Americans.




The first evening we walked a few blocks from the Hotel to Resauracja Mieszczanska. I don’t remember much about the food except that it was delicious a usual. It was very cozy and gave us all a chance to relax in a beautiful setting.


Walk through Wawel Hill, St. Mary's Church and the Old Town Square in Krakow Poland.


Iteneary:
10-7-09
9.00 am. Sightseeing of Krakow including Wawel Hill, Collegium Maius , St Mary’s Church and the fabulous


Old Town Square featuring the famous “ Cloth Hall ”.
1.00 pm. Lunch at a local restaurant “C.K. Dezerter”.

Remainder of the day free to further explore this beautiful city



10-8-09


Morning at leisure for last minute shopping & packing .
2.30 pm. Meet in the lobby of hotel to depart by bus for Wieliczka
3.30 pm. Sightseeing of Wieliczka Salt Mines


6.00pm. Farewell dinner in Wieliczka at “ Karczma Halit “ with folklore .
Return to Krakow for overnight.