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History of Krakow

Early middleages 966 - 1370 Krakow is capital of Poland The Golden Age 1386 - 1572 the times of the Renaissance Electing Kings and Dividing the country 1572 - 1795 Poland disappears from the map K&K Monarchy 1795 - 1918 The Habsburg's Reich third largest city First and Second World War 1914 - 1945 A short period of democray, then the terror of the Nazis Socialism 1945 - 1989 Years of stagnation before the final upheaval After the Iron Curtain 1989 until today Difficulties with a new economy

In the year 965 an arab merchant mentions Krakow in his diary. This is the first written proof of the city's name. In 1040 King Kasimierz has his residence built in Krakow which thus becomes capital of the Polish kingdom. In the renaissance period, under the rule of the Jaglliones' dynasty the city is one of the most important and advanced ones in Europe. One of the first universities of the world is founded here. Kopernikus studies here. Luxurious buildings, like the Sukkienice are being built. After 1572 die neighbouring monarchies, Austria and Russia, gain influence upon the Polish kings. Warsaw becomes the capital of Poland. Krakow is on the decline. The population shrinks. Howwever, when the south of Poland becomes part of the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy, this trend is reversed. At the end of the 19th century, Krakow is the largest city of the Habsburg Reich, except for Vienna and Budapest. After the First World War some years of democracy and independence sThe German attack upon Poland in the year 1939 causes the outbreak of World War II. The Wawel becomes a headquarter of the Nazis. Only a few miles from Krakow the concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was built where millions of Jews were murdered, their bodies burnt in crematories. The rapid advance of the Red Army in 1945 prevents Krakow being blown up by the German army who has order to leave a "burnt soil". In the 50ies, following Second World War, the steel production complex Nowa Huta is being erected in the outskirts of Krakow. The emissions endanger the historical city. In 1978, the Unesco puts Krakow on a list of 12 historical sites of the world that deserve utmost preservation. In 1978 the bishop of Krakow, Karel Wojtila, is elected pope. Millions gather when he visits Poland. "Have no fear!" the pope calls out to the crowd. In 1989 the socialist system crumbles. The first democratic elections result in a defeat of the communists. The following years and the introduction of market economy bring up inflation, impoverishment and unemployment. Krakow gains some touristic importance but does not attract large crowds. Only during the last few years Krakow has been discovered by the "touristic industry".

 

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