Discover Krakow during the Parade of the Dragons!

Did you know that the magnificent city of Krakow was the former capital of Poland and that today it remains its most visited city? With its historic centre entirely listed by UNESCO, its artistic and bohemian old Jewish quarter, its old Communist quarter and its new, young, festive and dynamic student quarter, Krakow boasts a first-rate cultural and historical heritage and an enviable gentle way of life, which has rapidly made it one of Eastern Europe’s leading destinations.

Every year at the beginning of June, for 2 days, the city pays tribute to the Wawel dragon during major festivities culminating in a fireworks display, laser show and sound and light show!

The legend of the Dragon of Krakow

As was the case throughout medieval Europe, the dragon, spitting the flames of hell, is the symbol of evil and is linked to numerous legends.

In Krakow, it is said that a terrible dragon lives in a lair beneath the castle, posing a slight problem for King Krak, who lives inside the castle. As well as having to get rid of a dragon that is terrorising his kingdom and, incidentally, devouring his subjects, he also has to marry off his daughter. With the number of suitors rapidly dwindling, he decides to kill two birds with one stone and declares that whoever kills the dragon will marry the princess!

Every brave man in the kingdom rushed to Krakow. But the dragon has the considerable advantage of reducing to ashes anyone who gets too close. No matter how hard the suitors tried, the dragon was impossible to defeat.

One day, a small peasant appears before the king and asks to try too. With nothing to lose, and preferring to marry off his daughter to a peasant rather than live through this situation any longer, Krak agrees.

While the dragon was fast asleep, the peasant laid a sheep in front of the cave. In reality, it was a sheepskin, containing sulphur and tar.

When the dragon wakes up, he swallows the animal without a second thought and begins to sense that something is wrong. His throat is on fire, and yet he’s used to it! Above all, he is thirstier than he has ever been in his life as a dragon. He throws himself into the Vistula and drinks ardently. The river begins to empty, but the dragon doesn’t stop. So much so that his skin stretches and finally gives way! The dragon explodes into a thousand pieces!

The dragon is dead, the town is jubilant and the princess, who certainly wasn’t asked, marries the lucky man.

This is how a clever peasant became king after slaying the terrible dragon of Krakow.

The festivities

At the beginning of every June, the city of Kraków is in full swing, putting on its best to celebrate its most important legend, that of the Dragon of Wawel.

You’ll be treated to a grand parade of dragons of all kinds, flying through the air or sailing on the waters of the Vistula, Poland’s main river, which runs along the south of the city.

Take a seat on the quays at the foot of Wawel Castle and enjoy the parade!

In the evening, look out! One of the biggest firework displays in the country takes place, usually around 10pm, for a dazzling, grandiose spectacle!

What to do in Krakow

This festival may be very attractive, but you can’t go to Krakow just to see it!

So what can you do and see in Krakow over the weekend?

The must-sees in the centre:

• Ryneck, the famous market square
• The magnificent 13th-century Cloth Hall
• The imposing Gothic basilica of Santa Maria
• Jagiellonian University, where Copernicus studied
• The Barbican, one of the most beautiful buildings of medieval architecture in Europe!
• The Sunday flea market (Hala Targoza)
• The old Jewish cemetery in Kazimierz
• The Stara synagogue, one of the few fortress synagogues in the world!
• The old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz
• The Podgorze district, a former Jewish ghetto transformed into a trendy new district
• The Museum of Modern Art (MOCAK) and the Schindler Museum, housed in Oscar Schindler’s former factory
• Parc de Planty, a great green space in the shape of a ring, encircling the city

What to do around Krakow

• Visit the former Auschwitz-Birkenau camp (if your heart is set on it)
• Visit the Wieliczka salt mines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
• Climb to the Kościuszko mound erected by the people of Kraków in 1823 to honour the national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko, who organised the Polish uprising against Russian and Prussian domination.
• Discover the historic village of Tyniec and its Benedictine abbey perched on a promontory above the Vistula.
• Explore the Ojcow National Park, for an in-depth discovery of Poland’s most beautiful nature!

In conclusion

If you’re in the mood for an original and inexpensive weekend in the festive and cultural atmosphere of Poland, then set off to discover Krakow, its incredible historic monuments, its districts full of history, its comforting cuisine and its joyful atmosphere!

Take advantage of the impressive Dragon Parade, which takes place every year at the beginning of June, to escape to the heart of spring in one of Poland’s most beautiful cities!