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POLAND |
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Location:
Krakow
30 Nov to 31 Dec 2008
Amongst the best-loved features of the market are the giant wooden barrels (you feel that
Obelix would have enjoyed throwing these at red-faced Roman legionaries). Inside these intriguing objects
you can buy yourself a delicious mulled wine (grzaniec galicyjski ). With the temperatures decidedly chilly
to say the least, you could hardly find a more congenial potion to ward off the cold. Stalls selling sausages
and the distinctive fried oscypek cheese (a tasty highland variety that's well worth investigating) provide
other inviting gastronomic distractions.
But enough about food and drink. The main point is to be looking for presents for nearest and dearest (or at
least that's everyone's excuse for consuming heinous quantities of mulled wine). Amongst the wooden stalls you'll
find all kinds of trinkets, from woollen slippers from the Highlands to amber jewellery from the Baltic. There's
a fair amount of tacky stuff, but it would be a little unnerving if every last jot was an authentic Hansel and
Gretel confection.
Another famous Cracovian Christmas tradition is Szopki, or Christmas Cribs. These are not actually cribs, but
large iridescent constructions of card and coloured foil. They look like something out of a Slavonic fairy tale.
Traditionally, the szopki are placed under the Mickiewicz statue (he of the anniversary) on the morning of the
first Thursday of December, but owing to renovation works, there's still some uncertainly as to whether the
territory will be ready on time. We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, here are a few tips on some non-market
places to find other great presents.
Gothic churches cloaked in snow, Baroque palaces sparkling in the glimmering glow of festive lights, outdoor
markets brimming with delightful gift ideas and the stirring sound of carols in the air… welcome to Krakow at
Christmas time, where that old Yuletide magic is still very much alive!
Regarded as the cultural capital of Poland and recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Krakow boasts one
of Europe’s most impressive Christmas Markets, ideally located on Rynek Glowny - one of the largest medieval
squares in Europe. Designed in 1257, the market stretches over 200m2, with an array of colourful stalls selling
food and hot wine, traditional decorations and exquisite hand-made arts and crafts.
As well as the Christmas Market, Krakow’s Rynek Glowny is dominated by the Cloth Hall, a good place to find
all manner of souvenirs and Polish handicrafts such as carved wooden boxes, lace, handmade sweaters, leather
goods, glassware, wall hangings and high-quality amber jewellery. There are also a number of bustling cafés,
restaurants and wine cellars dotted around the square, as well as dozens of colourful nativity scenes and cribs
made by local artists and amateurs for the annual crib exhibition.
There really is plenty for you to admire in this gem of a city including an array of Gothic churches, baroque
palaces and beautiful tenement houses. The Town Hall houses a well preserved medieval torture hall, a theatre
and a café, whilst the Royal Castle has been the seat of Poland's kings from the 11th to the early 17th Century
and features 16th Century Flemish tapestries, paintings and period furniture. Wawel Cathedral is the coronation
site and burial place of almost all of Poland’s monarchs, housing the relics of St Stanislaw, the patron saint
of Krakow and Poland. Climb the tower to see the 11-tonne Zygmunt Bell and enjoy fantastic views over this
stunning city
T: +48 12 433 7310
www.poland-tourism.pl |
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Other locations in:
Poland
Krakow
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krakow - Christmas displays |
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