From Wikitravel

Zwierzyniec is a district in Krakow in Poland.

[edit] Get in

[edit][add listing] See

Błonia Park Big meadow located right next to the centre of Krakow. It was used as a grazing field by villagers since 12th century. In 19th century swamps were drained and Błonia became suitable for large gatherings - Napoleon troops salute happened here, Masses celebrated by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI and concerts such as Selector Festival.

Kościuszko Mound (Kopiec Kościuszki) [1] The Mound was built by Polish people in 1820s to commemorate a national hero. In 1850s Austrian authorities built a Neogothic chapel and a citadel around the Mound, it was used as a strategic lookout. Today there is a museum dedicated to Tadeusz Kościuszko and the Mound. Great views of the city of Krakow from the top.

Piłsudski Mound (Kopiec Piłsudskiego) Constructed in 1930s.

Las Wolski Forest Biggest green area in Krakow has several hiking and bike routes and interesting places to see.

Krakow Zoological Garden (Krakowski Ogród Zoologiczny)[2] Most interesting specimen include two Indian elephants, pygmy hippopotamuses and Przewalski horses. Tickets - normal 18 PLN, discount 10 PLN.

Villa Decius Palace and Park Complex[3] Renaissance residence from 16th century inspired by those around Rome and Florence.

Bronisław Chromy Sculpture Gallery[4] A gallery and a cafe located in Decius Park.

[edit] Churches

• Camaldolese Priory of Bielany was built by Walenty von Säbisch and Andrea Spezza and was founded by Mikołaj Wolski and Sebastian Lubomirski in 1603 in early baroque style on the top of the Silver Mountain, called then St. Stanislaw Hills. It has one of the most beautiful baroque facades in Europe. The chapels are very rich in baroque art designed by Franciszek Placidi and Jan Falconi. There are also baroque paintings by Tomasz Dolabella and Piotr Brygierski. It is not easy to get into the church. Male tourist are allowed to visit it only on one day in the year. The church and monastery are still used by the Camaldolese monks, who are not allowed to get outside, talk or see women.

• The Church of St Augustine and St John the Baptist and the Norbertines monastery was founded in 1162 by Jaksa Gryfita. The original buildings were destroyed during the first Tatar invasion in 1241. Soon a new Gothic church was built, of which a section of the walls and the Romanesque portal survived. The complex was rebuilt in 1596 and the interior was renewed in 1777 by Sebastian Sierakowski, who created a classicist composition.

• The Church of St Salvator on Bronisława Hill was built in the 10th century in Pre-Romanesque style. In 1148 it got a new Romanesque shape. The church was partly rebuilt in early baroque style and the tower was added. The church is surrounded by the former parish cemetery of Zwierzyniec.

• Salvator Cemetery is located next to Washington ave. on the way to Kościuszko Mound. Well-known science-fiction author Stanisław Lem is buried here among other prominent Polish people.

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[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Smok Campsite, ul. Kamedulska 18, ☎ +48 12 429 83 00, [5]. Open whole year. Around 4 km from the centre. Rooms are also available. Person - 25 PLN, tent - 10 PLN, campervan - 20 PLN.  edit

• Elephant on the Moon, ul. Biale Wzgorze 8, ☎ +48 695 949 604, [6]. Quite different than usual Krakow hostel, located outside centre, in a peaceful neighborhood, has a flower garden and eco-friendly ideas. Got some prizes for good atmosphere. 45 - 90 PLN.  edit

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