Discover Krakow's Secrets: Top 9 Amazing Fun Facts You Never Knew!

1. Fire-Breathing Dragon by SMS

If dragons were aspiring comedians, Krakow's Wawel Dragon may well win a fiery stand-up comedy competition: Standing six meters tall at the foot of Wawel Hill, this bronze statue designed by Polish sculptor Bronisław Chromy not only breathes fire on demand but can be activated by simply sending an SMS text message, delighting both tourists and children, who trigger its over 2,500 pyrotechnic performances daily.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Medieval Christmas Market

In Krakow, they're dreaming of a medieval Christmas: The city's Christmas Market dates back to the late Middle Ages, making it one of Europe's oldest and most cherished. Every December, festive enthusiasts flock to the market to taste traditional foods, sip on hearty beverages, and partake in jolly activities like caroling and dancing, all while reveling in the Yuletide spirit.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

"Slide into the magical world of Suntago Waterpark in Poland, boasting 32 exhilarating water slides and a legendary European title. Discover the fun!

=> Fun Facts about Poland

3. St. Mary's Hourly Trumpet Call

In Krakow, a trumpeter plays musical chairs with the hands of time, serenading the city with hourly tunes of yore: Behold, the St. Mary's Trumpet Call, a five-note Polish bugle melody played by a trumpeter on the highest tower of Saint Mary's Basilica every hour, directed at each of the four cardinal points. First mentioned in 1392 civic records, signaling city gates' opening and closing, it now graces live radio at noon and proudly stands as a national symbol. Sadly, no evidence suggests it honors a 13th-century trumpeter whose timely warning of Mongol invaders cost his life mid-tune.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Krakow: Birthplace of Bagels?

Before New York stole the holey show, Krakow was hosting exclusive bagel parties: Krakow, Poland, houses the earliest recorded mention of bagels in Jewish community ordinances from 1610, although the invention of the bagel itself can't be solely credited to the city, as a bagel-like bread called obwarzanek was already present in Poland before this time. Still, save your dough for a trip to Krakow to explore its rich bagel history and cultural heritage!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Polish Hogwarts: Jagiellonian University

If Hogwarts were real and founded by a Polish king: Krakow's Jagiellonian University has been brewing magical minds since 1364, with alumni like Nicolaus Copernicus casting their spell over the realm of science and knowledge.
Source => en.uj.edu.pl

6. Wieliczka's Hidden Salt Lake

Yo ho ho and a bottle of salt: the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Krakow, Poland, not only boasts an impressive title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it's also home to an underground treasure of a different sort – a secret lake as clear as a glassy eye on a salty pirate's face! This stunning lagoon serves as a stage for serene boat rides, where visitors can marvel at the mirror-like reflections of cavernous ceilings and jagged salt formations: this rare gem springs forth from the depths of the world's oldest continuously operating salt mine, which has seasoned humanity's meals for centuries and sprinkled Polish culture with rich history.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Syna-cool Synagogues in Kazimierz

Who needs an ark when you've got Krak? Behold the synagogues of Kazimierz: Krakow's Jewish District shelters seven architectural wonders reflecting Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism, and Modernism styles. Synagogues like the Old, founded in 1407 (oldest in Poland), and the Remah, born of a royal banker's love for his rabbi son in 1556, secure their place on the UNESCO World Heritage list – who says history can't be syna-cool?
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Europe's Largest Medieval Square

If by any chance you find yourself in a medieval game of Monopoly, you'd want to place your hotels on Krakow's Grand Square: Europe's largest medieval square, boasting historical gems like the 16th-century Renaissance Cloth Hall, the 13th-century Gothic Town Hall Tower, and the striking 14th-century Gothic basilica of the Virgin Mary's. Come experience life's pleasures from shopping and open-air events to indulging in sidewalk cafes and restaurants, all within the charming historical district of Krakow's Old Town.
Source => krakow-info.com

9. Flavorful Vodka Adventures at Wodka Cafe Bar

If you're ever "shot," feeling "vodka-lized," or just want to feel like Oompa Loompas brewing their Chocolate River in Wonka's factory, then Krakow has got the perfect antidote: Wodka Cafe Bar is a must-visit spot with an impressive array of flavored vodkas, including chocolate, salted caramel, and coffee, that offers a 6-shot taster for an eclectic sampling experience, all served in a snug and spirited setting.
Source => tripadvisor.com