Location of conference

Hotel Cracovia (red on map)
St. Marsz. F. Focha 1
30-111 Kraków

Access to hotel (more info): http://www.orbis.pl/index.php?s=117,0,1395&h=18
Environs: http://www.orbis.pl/index.php?s=117,0,1455&h=18

OFFICE OF CITY CRACOW (blue on map)
Plac Wszystkich Swietych 3-4
31- 004 Krakow

Print map

SALT MINE ( WIELICZKA)
ul. Daniłowicza 10
32-020 Wieliczka

Other useful informations

Krakow at a Glance
It is not a simple task to describe the unique character of Krakow to those who still have not had the opportunity to visit this city. This uniqueness is primarily due to the rare cultural heritage embodied in the city's walls. Here, in the year 1000 a Roman Catholic bishopric was founded. Here, a royal castle was built on Wawel Hill, which became the coronation and burial place of kings, for Krakow was the capital of Poland from the 11th to the 17th century. In 1364, the Krakow Academy was established; the first Polish university (today renamed Jagiellonian University).
The city's image has changed during the past centuries. In the Middle Ages, Krakow was a safe, rich, fortified city surrounded by walls with 55 towers (fragments of the city fortification have been preserved to this day). During the Renaissance, Krakow became a centre of new ideas and culture that attracted the most outstanding humanists, writers, architects and musicians. Even later, while the city was going through economic decline during the period of Modernism, the whole of the Polish artistic elite found safe haven. City life focused around the Market Square, the second largest in Europe after St. Mark's Square in Venice.
Tradition entwines with modern times nearly everywhere you go, and each stone has its own history. There is a multitude of architectural monuments - etimated at 6,000 buildings and other structures. This is supplemented by approximately 2.5 million artefacts collected and displayed in museums, churches and archives. Thanks to the extraordinary accumulation of cultural wealth, the city was registered as one of the 12 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It is impossible to describe or even list all the tourist attractions in Krakow, but each tourist will discover his own "magical" Krakow. While some will follow the footsteps of Nicholas Copernicus, others will be interested in sites linked with John Paul II. Some will be fascinated by the worldwide unique underground corridors of the Wieliczka salt mine, others will wander round the Kazimierz Jewish district and many will stand enchanted in front of the Veit Stoss altar.
Benefiting from its geographical location, Krakow, aiming to become a meeting place of many cultures and nations, has successfully claimed its position as a Central European metropolis - a city of culture, art and science. Several universities are located in Krakow and many world-famous representatives of Polish culture reside in the city.
Location
Krakow lies in the southern part of Poland on the Vistula River in a valley at the foot of the Carpathian Plateau, 219 meters above sea level. Approximately 300 km (190 miles) north is Warsaw, the capital of Poland, and 100 km (60 miles) south are the Tatra Mountains, forming the southern border of the country. The city covers an area of 327 sq. km, equal to 0.1% of the country's surface area.

KRAKOW ABC

There are a number of conceptions explaining the origins of the name "Krakow". One of them derives the city's name from the word krak, denoting a raven, another from the name of a legendary prince - Krak. The first known written mention of Krakow, as an important trade town, comes from a report by Ibrahim ibn Jakub of about 966 A.D.

In the past, as the capital of the country and the seat of Polish kings, Krakow attracted great scientists and artists from all around the world. It is to their talents and imagination that we owe the city's many unique historical monuments, representing the most important trends in the European culture. Each place here has its own history, and numerous interesting legends and tales related to them still survive in the inhabitants' memories.

The Krakow Market Square, set out in 1257 during the granting of the Magdeburg rights to the city, is still one of the largest in Europe (about 200 x 200 metres). As early as in the 12th century, a network of mostly perpendicular streets was set out around the Market Square, with the earlier buildings incorporated into them in places (among others, Grodzka Street). In the centre of the Market Square, a medieval trading hall, Sukiennice, was erected, as well as the town hall, of which only the tower has survived until our times.

In order to ensure peace and security to the inhabitants, Krakow was surrounded by a double belt of ramparts, with numerous towers and several gates (their construction commenced in 1285). With time, in view of both the city's expansion and the dilapidation of the ramparts themselves, they were progressively pulled down.

In 1810-14, most of the city ramparts together with the towers were pulled down and the moat was filled in. In 1820, the city decided to establish "city gardens" in their place. This gave rise to a city park surrounding the historical centre of the contemporary Krakow, known as Planty. For representation purposes, only a small section of the ramparts surrounding the Floriańska Gate and Barbican were preserved. In the Middle Ages, the powerful brick churches also played some role in the city's defence.

Another great tourist attraction of Krakow is the ring of 19th century fortifications surrounding the city at its outskirts. The fortifications were erected by the Austrians as the so-called Krakow Fortress. Several of the forts are functioning after adaptation as cultural centres, for instance Fort 49 - "Krzesławice".

Krakow, situated on a communication and trade route, was a dynamic urban and commercial centre of the region. Since 1364, it has also been a university town. The historical monuments of Collegium Maius, Collegium Minus, Collegium Novum, and Collegium Juridicum constitute the most prestigious part of the university up to this very day. Krakow has always been, and still is, an important cultural centre.

The splendour of the bygone times is evidenced by the Krakow tenement houses, preserved until this very day. The richly decorated elevations can be admired around the Market Square - as well as in Floriańska, Grodzka, Bracka, Kanoniczna and other historical streets. An interior of a 19th century bourgeois tenement house can be viewed in the Hipolitów Tenement House (Plac Mariacki 3, a division of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow).

Art and cultural life developed in the city. The role of Krakow as a place of intensive cultural activity and national memory was especially invaluable during the partition of Poland. The oldest Krakow theatre, Heleny Modrzejewska Stary Theatre, has operated in Krakow since late 18th century (currently, it is housed in a tenement house on the corner of Jagiellońska Street and Szczepański Square). In 1839, construction of an eclectic building of J. Słowacki Theatre, modelled on the Paris Opera, was completed. The building, designed by Jan Zawieyski, was erected at the former location of the demolished Holy Spirit convent and hospital.

Presently, there are about 20 repertoire theatres in Krakow, as well as a number of smaller theatre stages in small, climatic cellars, intensively used by numerous theatre formations and groups. In the summer season, a lot of additional theatre projects take place in the open, among others, in the yards of Krakow tenement houses and in gardens.

There are over 30 museums in Krakow. The most important of them include the State Collections of Art - Wawel Royal Castle, the National Museum with a large collection of Polish and world paintings and the Czartoryskich Museum in Krakow with the famous picture "Lady with a weasel" by Leonardo da Vinci.

Numerous cultural centres and houses of culture pursue a broad range of activities in the area of culture. Annually, they are organising hundreds of exhibitions and concerts, as well as diverse forms of educational events for the inhabitants of Krakow.

In Krakow, there are many monuments and plaques commemorating numerous people and historical events. The best known of them include a monument to Adam Mickiewicz in the Market Square, the Grunwald monument erected on the 500th anniversary of the Grunwald battle, the monuments to Mikołaj Kopernik, Tadeusz Kościuszko, Józef Dietl, and those decorating Planty and the Jordana Park.

In 1978, the historical Old Town and Kazimierz areas were placed on the first UNESCO World Heritage list.

Krakow's attractiveness is created both by places and by the people, who in developing the city's cultural offer, try to take into consideration the needs of a wide range of audience: the inhabitants of Krakow and visitors. The city hosts numerous festivals. Many of them have rich traditions and a regular audience. Year after year, new projects are also developed, including those initiated over the recent years: Misteria Paschalia, Sacrum-Profanum, Museum Night, Polish Music Festival - presenting the works of Polish music performed by the world's greatest artists, and the Dramas of Nations Festival.

According the ranking carried out by Travel+Leisure, a high-circulation monthly, in August 2006, Krakow is among the five European cities perceived as the best, together with Florence, Rome, Venice and Istanbul. In late 2006, a great American travel agency Orbitz proclaimed Krakow the most fashionable city of the year 2007. Earlier, in 2005, the company Project for Public Spaces proclaimed the Krakow Market Square the best square in the world, ranking it even over the St. Mark's Square in Venice. (J.Sz-Ł.)

http://www.krakow.pl/en/miasto/abc (other information about City )

Transport

Public Transport in the City (MPK)

Tickets valid on trams and buses can be purchased in kiosks and special MPK ticket centres (ul. Podwale 3-5, ul. Podwale/Bagatela - at the tram stop, ul. Mogilska 15a, ul. św. Wawrzyńca 13, ul. Kalwaryjska 32, os. Centrum D 7, ul. Polonijna 1, MPK Bus Station in Mistrzejowice, end-of-the-line Krowodrza Górka, end-of-the-line Borek Fałęcki) and, with a surcharge, from the driver.
The following types of tickets are available: single-trip (allows one way trip, without interchange), night ticket (allows one way trip by night buses, without interchange), group tickets for up to 15 or 20 persons, one-hour (valid for unlimited travel for one hour on trams and buses, invalid on night buses), 24-hour (valid for unlimited travel for 24 hours on trams, buses and night buses), 48-hour (valid for unlimited travel for 48 hours on trams, buses and night buses) , 72-hour (valid for unlimited travel for 72 hours on trams, buses and night buses).

All types of tickets should be validated in the ticket puncher immediately after boarding a vehicle.

A monthly pass may be purchased for a single line or for all means of public transport.

All tickets are available at normal and reduced rates. The reduced rates, however, are unavailable for foreigners.

Information: 91 50, www.mpk.krakow.pl


Prices (normal rate in PLN):

Single trip - 2,50
Night ticket - 2,50
Group of up to 15 people - 21,00
Group of up to 20 people - 24,00

One hour pass - 3,10 (no luggage rate)
24-hour pass - 10,40 (no luggage rate)
48-hour pass - 18,80 (no luggage rate)
72-hour pass - 25,00 (no luggage rate)


By Bicycle

Rent a Bicycle:

Art.-Bike, ul. Starowiślna 33, www.art-bike.pl, Phone 422 04 25, Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm, Sat. 10 am - 6 pm (following telephone arrangements also Sundays and holidays)

Cyklomaster, ul. Gałczyńskiego 10, www.cyklomaster.xt.pl, Phone 647 92 33, Mob. 0602 318 510

Elmar, os. Piastów 60A, www.elmar.interial.pl, Phone 647 13 88, Mob. 0502 730 087, e-
Pieskowa Skała, ul. Podzamcze 2 http://www.jura.tur.pl/glanowski

Dwa Koła, ul. Józefa 5, www.dwakola.neostrada.pl, Phone 421 57 85, Mon-Sun 9am - 8 pm

Jordan, ul. Długa 9, www.jordan.pl, Phone 421 21 25, 24h/24

Rent a Bike (bikes and scooters), www.rentabike.pl, Mob. +48 888 029 792, rented bikes and scooters can be delivered free of charge within the area of Krakow)

Rent a Bike, ul. Bracka 4, www.retrobikes.pl, Phone 429 11 06, Mob. 0660 761 701, 24h/24

Rent a Bike, ul. Św. Anny 4, www.bikes-rental.prv.pl, Mob. 0501 745 986, from 9 am till dusk

Alice Drive, ul. Podgórska 28, Tue - Sat 2 pm - 8 pm, Sun 10 am - 8 pm

By Car

Limited Traffic and Parking Zones
There are three limited traffic and parking zones within the city centre of Krakow. It is necessary to pay parking fees within these zones.
Entrance to limited traffic and parking zones is indicated on information boards marked D-44. These information boards signal entrance to the zone where parking fees are collected. Parking cars in these zones without payment of parking fees is prohibited, except in the case of vehicles belonging to person or organisations granted free access and parking public transportation vehicles in designated areas. The D-44 information board is effective to the point where it is cancelled. (The board is not invalid at the nearest crossing.)

The limited traffic and parking zone is an area contained within Krasińskiego, Mickiewicza, Słowackiego avenues to the Warszawska street junction (not including the avenues), railway track from 29 Listopada street and Warszawska street junction to the viaduct over Dietla street (not including Dietla street), and the River Vistula from the Grunwaldzki bridge to the Dębnicki bridge.
Parking fees are enforced using parking cards or subscribed parking permits.
Parking cards are forms filled out individually and may be purchased at kiosks, post offices, commercial facilities marked with special icons, and from patrolling traffic wardens (recognizable by their yellow vests). Parking cards may also be ordered at the Parking Zone Office, 1 Retoryka street. Subscribed parking permits can only be obtained at the Parking Zone Office, 1 Retoryka street.

Zone A
This zone is contained within the area of the Main Square and Szewska, Sławkowska, Floriańska streets, a section of Sienna street (from the Small Market to the Main Market), a section of Grodzka street (from the Main Square to Poselska street), Kanonicza, Senacka streets, a section of Pijarska street (from Szpitalna to Floriańska). The zone prohibits vehicle traffic and is designated only for pedestrians and cyclists.

Zone B
The B zone encompasses several streets within the Planty area and a section of Długa, Basztowa and Karmelicka streets. Absolute priority is given to pedestrians and the maximum driving speed should not exceed 20km/h. Parking is permitted only in designated areas.

Zone C
Zone C includes several dozen streets surrounding the Planty area, mainly within the belt from the centre to Trzech Wieszczów avenues (Krasińskiego, Mickiewicza, Słowackiego avenues). Parking time limitations for vehicles are not obligatory within this zone. Parking cards can be purchased at kiosks, post offices, the City Hall of Krakow, and from traffic wardens patrolling parking zones.

! The D-45 information board end of parking zone designates the exit from the limited traffic and parking zone.

Parking Zone Office:
ul. Retoryka 1
Phone 421 74 26, Phone/Fax: 421 74 29

Parking lots in the centre of Krakow
PKP main railway station- parking roof (entrance from Rakowicka street), Phone 624 36 29
pl. Biskupi
pl. Szczepański
pl. św. Ducha
ul. Szpitalna (adjacent to J. Słowacki Theatre)
ul. Powiśle (also for buses)
ul. Kałuży (adjacent to KS Cracovia stadium)
ul. Powstania Warszawskiego (adjacent to the City Hall of Krakow building)
ul. Ogrodowa
ul. Lubicz (adjacent to Lubicz Office Centre)
ul. Karmelicka (at ul. Rajska)
ul. Starowiślna (adjacent to Pałac Pugetów)
ul. Kopernika
ul. Zyblikiewicza (adjacent to Dom Turysty PTTK)
ul. Straszewskiego
ul. 3 Maja (adjacent to Muzeum Narodowe)
pl. Wszystkich Świętych 5
pl. J. Kossaka
ul. Dajwór

Car rentals
ACCAR Car Rental (rented cars are delivered free of charge within the area of Krakow),
Mob. 0501 233 394, Phone 433 80 60, Fax. 433 80 61

AVIS Rent a Car, ul. Lubicz 23, Phone 629 61 08, Mob. 0601 200 702

Budget Rent a Car, Motel Krak, ul. Radzikowskiego 99-101, Phone/Fax. 637 00 89, Mob. 0601 354 669, Balice Airport, Phone285 50 25

Doma, al. Jan Pawła II 33, room 35, Phone 292 41 09, Mob. 0608 454 062
Europcar, Balice Airport, Phone/Fax. 285 50 45, ul. Szlak 2, Phone 633 77 73, Fax. 632 73 62
Express, ul. Rzemieślnicza 31, Phone 260 76 50

Hertz Rent a Car, ul. Focha 1, Phone 429 62 62, Fax. 422 29 39

Joka, Pałac Pugetów, ul. Starowiślna 13, Phone/Fax. 429 66 30, Mob. 0601 545 368

Lupus, ul. Wadowicka 6e, Phone 263 78 20, Mob. 0501 726 946

National Car Rental, Balice Airport, Phone 639 32 86, Mob. 0509 761 461
Hotel Demel, ul. Głowackiego 22, Phone 636 71 79, Fax. 636 86 30

West, ul. Makuszyńskiego 4, Phone 648 66 65, Mob. 0502 533 915


Taxis

There are a number of taxi fleets in Krakow, and travelling by their clearly marked cars is much cheaper than by those not associated with taxi corporations. In some fleets, booking taxis by phone entitles you to a further price reduction.
Phone numbers: 919, 91-91, 96-21, 96-22, 96-23, 96-25, 96-26, 96-28, 96-29, 96-61, 96-63, 96-64, 96-65, 96-66, 96-69, 96-88.

http://www.krakow.pl/en/turystyka/?id=transport.html

( other information )

Other Links :

Kraków –
www.krakow.pl/en/?chl=EN

Lotnisko Kraków Balice / Airport KRAKOW (BALICE)
www.lotnisko-balice.pl/strona_en.html

PKP (train)
http://rozklad-pkp.pl/bin/query.exe/en?

Map
www.zumi.pl
maps.google.com/

Other hotels / Inne Hotele
If you wish another accomodation, please visit the website:
www.krakow.pl/en/turystyka/hotele/