A unique and special place: the Wieliczka Salt Mines

We are about to leave for two places that are extremely interesting in their uniqueness: the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-birkenau. Before we start the engine, however, I want to tell you a few interesting facts about the former Polish capital, our departure city.
Krakow has a very old history but more than a quarter of the population is made up of young university students. It is a city full of art: there are several streets full of street art, more than six thousand monuments, over two million works of art, and so many temples that it has earned the reputation of "Rome of the North."
Another interesting tip about Krakow is that it is a city full of chakras: among the most powerful ones is the one located under the chapel of St. Gereon, which is said to emanate intense power that can give you so much energy and even heal diseases.
Also, did you know that it is forbidden to feed pigeons? They might fine you!!!
If you are curious to know more, buckle up and let's get going.

Until you visit it, you won't believe it.... At least that's the feeling I had.. It is an incredible place, made entirely of salt: salt statues, salt walls, salt rocks, everything made of salt!
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is among the oldest and best-kept salt mines in the world. It was discovered in the Middle Ages, was the nerve center of the country's economy for more than 7 centuries, and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. It has 9 levels and is over 325 meters deep but only 2% of it can be visited by tourists.
Between the 11th and 12th centuries salt began to become scarce and people began to actively search for it by building wells. In the 13th century, during the excavation of one of the wells in Wieliczka by pure chance the first salt blocks were found, and from then on an entirely new mining began, using the methods of the mining industry and the technological tools of Eastern Europe. By the end of the Middle Ages, although it had not yet reached its peak, the Wieliczka Mine employed about 500 people and more than 8,000 tons of salt were produced inside.
After several centuries of splendor, political partitions and wars, the mine today is more of a tourist attraction than an industrial plant. A hundred miners still work daily in its basement today, but they do so to safeguard the place and create ever new attractions for tourists.
The tour inside takes two to three hours and is just over 3.5 km long. It is conducted in many different languages ( Polish, English, Italian, German, French, Spanish and Russian) and you are always accompanied by a guide. For more information on the times of the various tours, click here.

Pod Wawelem is perfect for immersing yourself in Polish culture. It is centrally located, the staff is dressed in traditional clothing, and you can often see impromptu performances by artists playing local music.
Their menus offer diverse gastronomic offerings and are able to satisfy even the most difficult palates. From pierogies to meat, the choice is wide. Highly recommended are ribs with honey and zurek, a typical soup filled with legumes, potatoes, rye flour, meat, eggs and more served in bread.
This place is open daily, from 1 am to 10 pm; on weekends from 12 am to 11 pm. It is a very busy place so if you don't want to risk not finding a seat, call +48124212336 and reserve your table.

The beating heart of this city is Rynek Glowny, or Market Square, one of the largest squares in Europe.
From here you can see various monuments, enjoy breathtaking views from the City Hall Bell Tower (Wieza Ratuszowa), and watch impromptu performances by the many street performers who inhabit it.
In the center of the Square is the Sukiennice, Krakow's Textile Market. What we see today is the result of a reconstruction done in the 19th century but in reality this market was born in the 13th century and was the nerve center of European business for more than 7 centuries.
There is also a monument in the square dedicated to Adam Mickiewicz, one of Poles' most beloved writers, and four statues representing Poetry, Valor, Science, and Homeland.
Finally, visit the Basilica of St. Mary (Bazylica Mariacka), a 14th-century Gothic church with two towers, one 69 meters high and the other 81 meters high, respectively. Do you know the legend told about the different heights of the towers? They were built by two brothers, both architects. Instead of cooperating and helping each other, the desire to excel drove them completely mad leading the older brother to stab his younger brother before he could finish his tower. Guilt, however, then led him to stab himself in turn, never allowing him to enjoy the fame to which he aspired. If you look carefully, on one of the arches of Sukiennice you may notice a large rusty knife hanging from the wall that pays homage to this story.

Try one of the best hot chocolates in Poland: dark and thick to the point. It is considered a gourmand's paradise: you can taste an endless variety of chocolates in a variety of flavors at a really super affordable price. Choose karmello for breakfast, snack or a simple break that warms you up and delights first your eyes, then your sense of smell and finally your palate.

If you are a Harry Potter fan this place is a must-see that you cannot miss, if you are not this place is still very unique and beautiful and worth a visit. Will it be the right incipit to turn you into a true Harry fan?
The Leaky Cauldron, also known as Dziorawy Kociol, is located in a basement and knows how to transport you to the magical world of Hogwarts. It is furnished with flying brooms, wands that light up and photos of the most famous wizards hanging on the walls. You can also drink butterbeer while challenging your friends to a game of the various board games provided by the venue. If you're in the mood for dessert, try for the Golden Snitch!!!
The venue is open daily from 9 am until 10 pm. No reservations are necessary.

Right in the historic center, perfect for enjoying the wonders of the city without any kind of stress. The staff is super friendly and all the apartments are super comfortable and equipped with all kinds of amenities. Its location will make your stay much more pleasant and intense.