Why is krakow spelt cracow

Here are two websites you should definitely check out since that include multiple examples of correct pronunciation : Forvo and How to Pronounce.

If you did some research before your trip, you probably noticed that the name Krakow comes in several different spellings. One glance at Google results leaves no doubt. But things look quite different for the inhabitants of Krakow. However, during the second half of the 20th century, the new spelling Krakow became more popular. Learn two sentences in Polish and feel like a boss on you vacation in Krakow! You will teach your ignorant friends how to pronounce Krakow.

This post offers an excellent opportunity for giving you some more pointers about the Polish pronunciation before you arrive in Krakow. In general, the web is full of helpful resources you can check out to get a basic understanding of Polish spelling and pronunciation guide. One fantastic resource is HowtoSpeakPolish. The British host Nathan is pretty amazing when it comes to the knowledge of the Polish language. And he is British, so that proves anyone can learn Polish!

To see an example of his work, check out the video below. And as the dominant language in the early middle ages was Latin the name was transformed into Cracovia.

This is the supposed location of the hero's grave - this could not be proven yet, but it is a great viewing spot for sure! But I am getting carried away. Cool story, join our tours to hear more about it! And the people of the city are, until this day, called Cracovians - that actually has not changed. Europe is nice and familiar, but then there are always them - the English. Sitting on their green and rainy island they like it their own way. So out of lovely Cracovia they made… Cracow pronounced krakou.

And so on the old maps from the modern era you can see that historical name, Cracow. But is it the one you should use? The door to the Krakow Cathedral from Source: Jan Mehlich, WikiCommons. And here comes the 20th century. Search term:. Read more. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets CSS enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets CSS if you are able to do so.

This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Find out more about page archiving. Ukraine's venues, by contrast, are arguably less of a challenge for English speakers: The established anglicisation of Kiev is KEE-eff -ee as in meet, -e as in get , although KEE-ev -v as in vet is also used in English.

Bookmark with: del. Jump to more content from this blog About this blog. The Magazine 's recommended daily allowance of news, culture and your letters. News Feeds. Being stuck between the vast plains of central Poland and the Carpathian Mountains means that Krakow is probably not the city for anyone looking for sun, sand and sea.

What's more, the air quality is abysmal, so don't come expecting a break from life in a metropolis. Most of your time will be spent in the charming Old Town area, but a few jaunts to parklands and other districts can combine with lively nights on the beer to boot… The interactive map below shows a suggested route for the 48 hours in Wroclaw, with day 1 highlighted in green and day two in yellow. Day 1: Every history lover, people watcher, foodie and sightseer will want to see the Stare Miasto district.

That's the Wroclaw Old Town; the piece de resistance of this southern city. Keep going north and you'll eventually arrive at the Rynek. This is the beating kernel of the Old Town, where you'll find the most amazing sights of all.

The Gothic-styled Old City Hall draws the eye first, followed by the German-built housing blocks of — considered by the locals to be among the ugliest in town! Be sure to check out the narrow alleys that weave through the middle of the square at the Sukiennice.

Also keep the eyes peeled for the little dwarf statues that dot the plaza. They're a kitschy addition to the cityscape that you'll find on many random street corners. Or, head for Setka, where Communist paraphernalia adorns the walls and you can sample potent vodka with pickled herring. The Most Tumski Bridge, where romantics leave love locks attached to the rails and throw the key in to the Odra River.

Walk over the pretty bridges to that and you'll find yourself in the oldest part of Wroclaw. Delve in for a peek at the beautiful stained-glass windows and the high vaulted apses. This is especially fun during the summer months, thanks to the groups of local students and youngsters who sit with BBQ grills by the riverside.

Wyspa Piasek is also worth a pitstop, thanks to its handsome chain bridges and cobbled roads. For the afternoon, catch tram 2, 4, or 10 from the Old Town to Centennial Hall. That's where you'll be able to uncover the rich medieval history, tales of Polish kings and queens, and some of the best dining and drinking the country has to offer:.

The Old Town is the piece de resistance here. Begin on the Market Square. It's one of the largest urban squares in the world, and a lively gathering point for both people and sights. On its eastern side is the wonderful Basilica of St Mary, arguably the most important church in Poland.

The Cloth Hall a stunning Renaissance building stands in the middle, filled with souvenir stalls. After learning about powerful kings and battles with Tartar hordes, you'll finish under the mighty Wawel Castle. That's an icon of Krakow. Glug a coffee and then scale the belfry of on-site Krakow Cathedral for sweeping panoramas of the Vistula River and the Tatra Mountains on a clear day.

For the evening, return to the Market Square and hit the local bars with fellow travellers. Tourist boats moored along the banks of the Vistula River in the scenic Kazimierz district of Krakow. Day 2 : A hangover-cure breakfast if required in Milkbar Tomasza complete with traditional Polish sausage starts the day. From there, head to the Planty Park. A famous green space, it follows the route of the old city walls and is a people-watching paradise.

Move south to the district of Kazimierz. Known as the Jewish Quarter, it's got centuries-old synagogues and some of the coolest cafes in town. An optional walking tour here is for you if you want to delve into the darker history of Krakow's wartime past. If not, stroll to the Vistula Boulevards to join the joggers. For sunset, push southwards to the Krakus Mound. This off-the-beaten-track spot is great when the light dips low over the city.