The Krakow nativity scene-making tradition was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018. The tradition dates back to the 19th century; experienced masters pass their craft knowledge on to younger practitioners. On the first Thursday of every December, Krakow nativity scene makers gather in the Main Market Square to present their work to the public. This brings together a long-standing craft, the passing on of knowledge and a recurring public event.
Old Town, Kazimierz and the Main Market Square
Krakow’s historic centre lies on the Vistula in southern Poland. It comprises the medieval chartered town, the Wawel Hill complex and the city of Kazimierz. These three ensembles form the historic centre, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Kazimierz is considered Krakow’s former Jewish quarter. The Main Market Square has served as the centre of social and political life since the city was founded and has been the scene of significant historical events. The Rynek Underground exhibition also presents the history of Krakow.
Discover the craft and history of the city
The nativity scene-making tradition shows how a local custom endures through craftsmanship and the passing on of skills. The December event in the Main Market Square gives this culture a regular public gathering point. If you visit Krakow at another time, you can also encounter the city’s history in its historic ensembles and exhibitions: the permanent exhibition “History and Culture of Krakow’s Jews” is located in the Old Synagogue Department. It is open to the public on Mondays from 10:00 to 15:00 and Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. Opening hours and closure days may change; check the latest information before your visit.
Wawel and seasonal visits
Wawel Hill was a royal residence and is a former necropolis. Krakow’s Old Town is home to Wawel Royal Castle, located on the hill about a 10-minute walk from the Main Market Square. Today, it is one of Poland’s most important art museums. From spring to mid-autumn, visitors can descend into the Dragon’s Den. During the same seasonal period, a guided tour of the exterior is available, offering an introduction to Wawel’s architecture and gardens. The cave and the tour offer different perspectives on the hill: one leads underground, while the other focuses on the exterior.
Green spaces in the city
Krakow’s Old Town is surrounded by the Planty, a park laid out on the site of the former city walls. The park and the Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University represent different kinds of urban greenery: the Planty are linked to the history of the city’s fortifications, while the Botanical Garden is home to an extensive plant collection. It covers 9.6 hectares and is home to around 9,000 taxa. Founded in 1783, it is Poland’s oldest botanical garden. Alongside its historic ensembles, Krakow also offers a distinctive perspective on botanical diversity.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Wlosan, Modlnica, Libertów, Jerzmanowice, Skawina, Modlniczka, Raciborowice, Krzeszowice, Rząska, Ojców, Zielonki, Sąspów, Niedźwiedź, Szczyglice, Balice, Wesoła, Racławice, Chrosna, Michałowice, Kryspinów, Wielka Wieś, Kocmyrzów, Krakow, Krasieniec Zakupny, Dziekanowice, Mogilany, Bolechowice, Przybysławice, Czerna, Ochojno, Kochanów, Sułkowice, Rybna, Liszki, Kopanka, Brzyczyna, Radziszów, Zabierzów, Trojanowice, Czernichów, Świątniki Górne, Wrząsowice, Szczodrkowice, Widoma, Zalas, Sułoszowa, Sieciechowice.
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