-Krakow: Krakow is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Krakow has always been one of the leading cities of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life. Krakow was also once the capitol of Poland during the years of 1038 to 1569. The first part of Krakow is the Old Town. The Krakow Square is one of the largest in Europe and covers the space of 200x200 meters. In the middle of the Square is the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) which was used by merchants long time ago.The entrance to the Square is guarded by the Florianska Gate, a tower built in 1307. Just in front of the Florianska Gate is the Barbican, a building surrounded by a moat. (built in 1498).
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The Wawel Cathedral is considered as Poland's most important historical monument. The cathedral is the final resting place of many Polish royals,the country's greatest national heroes,poets, and saints. The Royal Wawel Castle was built in the 16th Century and is now home to the National Art Collection. It also holds the crown treasury and armoury of the Polish coronations along with crown jewels, which many date back to the 14th Century. Also located in the Square of Krakow is the Mariacki Church. The church is most known for its wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz). Every hour, a trumpet signal (Hejnal Mariacki) is played from the taller tower. The tune is to memorialize the famous 13th century trumpeter. He was shot in the throat while playing the alarm before the Mongol attack on the city.
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