Best Things To See And Do In Krakow's Podgorze Poland

Characterized by a powerful cinematic atmosphere and filled by artistic projects, Podgorze is an up-and-coming neighborhood in Krakow, Poland. Check out the best things to see and do in the area.

Fort Benedict

If you’re looking for adventure on the streets of Podgorze, Fort Benedict is an enchanting and mysterious place to visit. Known for its military use in the 19th century, the brick citadel served the city’s defense against the Russians for more than three decades. It was a part of a 32 fort ring outside the historic city. The parts that the Austrians built were ruined during WWI. However, St Benedict survived the horrors of war. It now has become a tourist attraction.

Cricoteka

Building, Theater

One of the most striking buildings in the neighborhood of Podgorze, Cricoteka challenges the urban and cultural landscape under the avant-garde signature of Tadeusz Kantor. Opposed to the conservative historical town in terms of form and concept, Cricoteka covers a classic building with a modern industrial structure inspired by Kantor’s drawings. The building is representative of what Kantor tried to achieve during his lifetime: to expand the boundaries of thinking in terms of art, theater, poetics and design in the world’s urban stage. Cricoteka | © Zygmunt Put/WikiCommons

Krakus Mound

Some visitors come to Krakus Mound just for the panoramic view over the entire city. Some others are interested in the mythical legend of Krakow’s founder, King Krakus. Others hope to find archaeological proof of the mystery that has surrounded the tumulus for centuries. Whatever the reason is behind the visit, the mound is worth visiting. It provides great views over Kazimierz, Płaszów or the Old Town. Krakus Mound | © jmv/Flickr

Cafe Cinema Paradiso

Cafe

An alluring place, Cafe Cinema Paradiso is a kaleidoscope for social gatherings, culinary endeavors and cinematic experiences. They host delicious food bazaars of international cuisines hosted by Erasmus students or local Latin ex-pats. Dishes such as nachos, burritos or habanero chili can be found, all are mouthwatering. Showing independent pictures, from Jim Jarmusch’s noir Vignette to Filipino nonconformist Cannes-awarded films, this cafe is a marker of Podgorze’s progressive spirit. Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee & Ciggarettes | © Maureen Didde/Flickr

Manggha Museum

Museum, Theater

Manggha Museum is an example of artistic triumph which breathes inspiration from all its corners. The Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology hosts exhibitions of Japanese graphic art. This art includes watercolors, paintings, prints and photographs. Other exhibitions show behind-the-shadow theater productions, an exquisite collection of kimonos, nō masks, costumes and other decorative pieces. All of the efforts put in to turning this former public cultural wing into this internationally acclaimed Kyoto–Kraków foundation have been a success. The efforts were led by Andrzej Wajda and Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda, its founders. Manggha Museum | © Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland/Flickr

About the author

Eliza Marin

Travel is more than just an experience, is a continual process of education, self-discovery and exchange that leaves necessary marks. Opted for an alternative educational method that goes outside of mainstream culture and seeks to enrich every day learning through genuine exchange as a form of knowledge. Passionate for cooking, eating, trees and breath-taking off-beaten panoramas, Eliza is on a continuous learning process. With a B.A in International Relations and a current M.A in World Heritage Studies, she is focused on heritage as an identity factor in a globalized era and seeks to comprise this into a future narrative.