Poland

This is Krakow

An excerpt from Krakow Encounter. 

The year is 1241. Terror has swept across Europe. It arrives on horseback, in the form of murderous marauders who destroy everything in their path, raping and pillaging as they go. The prosperous town of Krakow is not immune to the Mongol scourge.

High up in the watchtower of St Mary's Basilica, a lone fireman sees the hellions on the horizon. He sounds an alarm on his bugle, playing the haunting hejnal for all to hear. Before he can finish the melody, he is shot by an approaching raider. The arrow pierces his neck. The warning song is cut off mid-note, as the bugler falls to his death.

This tragic but heroic tale is the story of Krakow - a sparkling city of culture and learning, destined to endure suffering despite the valiant efforts of its citizens.

It may have been the first time in Krakow's history that this scenario was played out, but it would not be the last. Mongols, Teutonic Knights, Russians, Swedes, Austrians, Nazis and communists all brought death and destruction over the years. Yet Krakow endured.

In 21st century, Krakow has emerged as a dynamic destination for avant-garde art, jazz music, street theatre and student life. The Old Town is a visual feast of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque - its architecture recounting 750 years of history. The former Jewish quarters in Kazimierz and Podgorze have not forgotten their tragic past, but they too are experiencing an infusion of creative energy. For so long silent, the old synagogues now house art galleries, bookstores and cultural centres.

High up in the watchtower of St Mary's Basilica, a trumpeter plays the haunting melody known as the hejnal, cutting off mid-note, as did his predecessor centuries before. Then he waves his bugle out the window; the school children cheer.

We're not saying it's a true story, we're just saying that it's a good story - conveying the history and heroism of the medieval city.