For centuries Krakow was the capital of Poland, the seat of kings, drawing great scholars and artists from the whole world. Krakow’s central Grand Square has been the hub of the city ever since its Old Town historical district got the present grid of streets in the 13th century. The huge 10-acre square was the largest of all Europe’s medieval cities.

Before having taken over the Holy See as Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla had lived in Krakow for four decades–practically through his entire adult life until his assumption of the papacy.

We enjoyed the best weather Krakow had to offer. The atmosphere of this old town can't be depicted from the images taken in a couple of days. It is one of our favorite cities visited on this trip.