Tourist attractions Malopolska

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Tourist attractions - Malopolska

• Tomek C.

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