Krakow, Poland

Our last stop in Poland was the city of Krakow. 

We had a great place within walking distance to the old section of the city, where we spent our evenings browsing shops, eating more Polish food and waiting for the trumpeter. 

Every hour from the highest tower of Saint Mary’s Basilica, a trumpeter plays the Hejnal, a traditional, five-note Polish bugle call. 

According to legend, during the Mongol invasion of Poland (around 1241) Mongol troops approached the city of Krakow. A sentry on the tower of St. Mary’s sounded the alarm by playing the Hejnal, and the gates were closed in time to stop the Tatars from ambushing the city. However, the trumpeter was shot in the throat by an arrow and could not complete the anthem. This is why the hourly performances seem to end abruptly. 

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Pierogi Cooking Class:

Another day we took a pierogi cooking class. We have had a few cooking classes, but I think this one was my favorite.

1) It was a very small group, limited to just 6 people. I even had to get permission to add on a child. 

2) We started in the local market. From there, our guide taught us a few common Polish phrases used in shopping, and then she showed us how to choose the best ingredients.

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3) We then went to her actual house to do the cooking. 

4) Lastly, we were cooking pierogi. I mean, have you ever had a pierogi? That was reason enough. 

Wieliczka Salt Mines:

Another day, we visited the Wieliczka Salt Mines, one of the oldest operating salt mines in the world. This is one of the most popular destinations near Krakow. It’s located about an hour outside of the city. 

The mine is home to miles of passageways, historical salt-mining technology, an underground lake, many statues carved in rock salt and four chapels. Yes, chapels!! 

Village of Zalipie:

And we also took a side trip out to the painted village of Zalipie. This pretty place was just under 2 hours from Krakow.

The village is most noted for the residents’ custom of painting their cottages in colorful folk patterns and flowers. The decorative painting started as a way hide soot stains from poor ventilation systems in the late 19th century, but it evolved into a beautiful expression of community art.

They even have a light-hearted competition each year to judge the best. We only missed it by a week. 

We toured inside one of the cottages that belonged to Felicja Curylo (1904-1974), who was the most influential painter of the area.

From the flower gardens and all the pretty whimsey, I'm totally inspired to see what kind of fun and color I can add to my own house.

What a sweet village!