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Day Three: Castles!
Castles
Today has been a lovely, casual day. We woke up late after going to bed early (Jillian fell asleep at 7:30pm!), and walked to get coffee.
Then we made our way up to the castle and royal cathedral which sits on a big hill overlooking the city.
It is absolutely gorgeous out today. About 55 degrees and sunny, but very windy.
The cathedral tour was super interesting. This is the third audio tour we've taken but the first without an in-person guide. We couldn't take pictures inside but Jillian snuck a couple.
The cathedral has all different types of art and architecture, ranging from the 13th century through the early 1900's. It's a bit of a mish-mash. Basically every king or Cardinal decided to add to the cathedral in the style of his time so there are Renaissance, Gothic, Victorian, Russian, and all sorts of other additions. The big gold dome on the exterior is from the Renaissance Chapel.
In the basement of the cathedral is the old, old Cathedral (which was apparently built on top of an old, old, OLD church).
This is the altar where Pope John Paul performed his first ever mass as a priest. They LOVE Pope John Paul here!
Also here is a large crypt which houses many kings, queens and famous artists. The grave with the most flowers is the tomb of the Polish president Lech Kaczynski and his wife who died in a plane crash in 2010. I remember when this happened. Many people think the plane was tampered with and it was a political assassination.
The top of the bell tower had a fabulous view of Old Town Kraków. This part of the city is so beautiful. It feels like a Disney set.
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| That's Jillian in the middle of the castle's courtyard. |
We also walked around the Jewish District for a bit.
This part of town was not - as we had thought - the Jewish ghetto. That's across the river. Did you know Roman Polanski survived the Kraków ghetto?
Tonight we are going to see the Chamber orchestra and then our last dinner in Kraków before we head to Zakopane tomorrow. It's too warm for skiing but we are looking forward to 3 days of hiking and breathing fresh mountain air.
