In Krakow, a taste of history shaped by Jewish and Christian influences

Krakow's Old Town is the heart of the city.[Photo by Liu Lu/China Daily]

Krakow, once the ancient capital and one of the oldest cities of Poland, is one of the most charming cities in Poland.

Emerging from World War II as the only major Polish city that wasn't bombed to rubble, it is one of the most attractive spots on the tourist map of Europe and is famous for its priceless historical monuments of culture and art.

Since 1978, Krakow has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list, attracting a steady stream of tourists from around the world to look for something truly special in the city.

Unlike many other Polish cities, Krakow does not have the enormous concrete apartment blocks that were built during the communist era. Architecturally it can easily match any European city arch for arch and monument for monument.

This medieval city looks like it has fallen straight out of a fairytale book, with its bustling market square, spiraling Gothic towers, castles and legends about dragons.

The postcard-perfect Old Town, lies in the heart of the city and comes complete with Europe's largest medieval market square and even a fairytale castle overlooking the river, which is a must-see for every visitor.

The vibrant town has survived many disasters and has retained the original form that was established in medieval times. The main Market Square in the center of the city is still very much the soul of the Krakow, where is a vast and grand place that you could listen to the famous hejnal bugle call and feed the hero pigeons.

In the 13th century, vendors came to this square to sell their products. Today the square bustles with fragrant flower stalls, folk bands and lots of tourists. The Cloth Hall in the square is a one-stop shopping arcade for souvenirs, including traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, and jewelry, especially amber. On the upper level of the Cloth Hall, the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art displays great paintings by Polish artists.

Facing the square, the imposing St. Mary's Church, with its distinctive twin towers, has long been an icon of the history-filled city.