Krakow | Poland
Kraków, also spelled Cracow or Krakow, is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków was the official capital of Poland until 1596 and has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, economic, cultural and artistic life. Cited as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, its Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Krakow is the prettiest of Poland's main cities, having escaped the worst of WWII bombing. The former Polish capital's atmospheric Old Town and Kazimierz's streets in the Jewish district are crammed with exciting galleries, cafes, pubs and restaurants.