Tourist attractions - Małopolska

Tomek C.

The vast historical and ethnographic region in southeastern Poland-Lesser Poland (Malopolska) - is the hub of Polish tourism. The capital of this region Krakow is the most celebrated and beloved Poland's city with its Renaissance allure and plentiful of sights such as the largest old town square in Europe, the Cloth Hall, Wawel Castle, Gothic art masterpieces, the medieval site of Kazimierz with its ancient synagogues, numerous historical houses, palaces and churches with their magnificent interiors, Jagellonian University, man-made hills, a bugle call every hour and many other unforgettable attractions.

Close to Krakow there are two of Poland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the cathedral-like salt mine at Wieliczka and the greatest Nazi extermination camp in Auschwitz.

Wieliczka

Auschwitz

Moreover, Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II is situated in the area as well as Kalwaria Zebrzydowska a beautiful pilgrimage site, a UNESCO landmark.

Wadowice

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

Other important nearby spots include the Bledowska Desert, which appears to be the only true desert in Europe and the Icon of the Black Madonna in the enormous Jasna Gora monastery complex at Czestochowa.

Bledowska Desert

Czestochowa

With high peaks for climbing, outstanding views of the mountain scenery, first-rate trails, winters sports facilities and folklore, the Polish part of the Carpathians attract many tourist every season. The centre of this region is Zakopane having an extraordinary atmosphere due to its location at the foothills of the granite mountains, its wooden cottages and many inhabitants who still wear national dress. There are four National Parks within the Tatras: Babiogorski, Gorczanski, Pieninski (with the beautiful mountain gorge of the River Dunajec) and Tatrzanski. In the southeast there is another popular tourist destination – the Bieszczady Mountains, some parts of which still remain wild and intact by humans. There are 11 nature reserves in Bieszczady. Sanok, the biggest town in this region, houses a famous open air museum with an ethnographic exposition of Polish – Ukrainian borderland presenting wooden buildings from the 17th to the 20th century. There is also one of the oldest artificial lakes in Poland – Zalew Solinski - providing sailing and swimming facilities.

Zakopane - Giewont