Jo’s Monday walk : Podziemia

Beneath Rynek Glowny, Krakow's main square

Beneath Rynek Glowny, Krakow’s main square

You may remember that a couple of weeks ago, while window gazing in Krakow, I mentioned a museum beneath Rynek Główny.  I was intrigued by the thought of what might lay beneath Europe’s largest market square, and thought that you might be too.  Just a thought- this walk will not be suitable for claustrophobics.  Welcome to Podziemia! (which means ‘under the ground’)

1000 years of the city’s history are represented here, in a project that took 5 years to excavate.  A medieval cemetery was uncovered and you can take a fascinating walk back in time.

Just inside the entrance you look down at a miniature world

Just inside the entrance you look down at a world in miniature

But then you step back into the past

But then you step back into the past

Between the solid walls of an underground world

Between the solid walls of an underground world

To look at how life used to be

To look at how life used to be

It’s a slightly eerie but amazing experience.  At first I was a little disoriented, trying to decipher Polish signs.  But as I looked closer I realised that there were interactive touch screens that would tell me the whole story (and in English, too!).  I scrolled back, fascinated, then peered over the shoulders of a family intensely reading, eager for my turn at the next exhibit.

There were numerous videos to distract you, and a wonderful small children’s theatre.  Probably my favourite!  A chance to take the weight off your feet and listen spellbound as the crow narrates his story.

Video footage of the Jagiellonian University

Video footage of the Museum of Pharmacy

Dress a medieval lady- interactive play for the young at heart

Dress a medieval lady- interactive play for the young at heart

The crow tells his tale

The crow tells his tale (beware the scary dragon!)

The interactive screens are beside each exhibit

The interactive screens are beside each exhibit

Some of which are very beautiful

Some of which are very beautiful

Like these glass horses

Like these glass horses

After the walk-through there is a tunnel with a sequence of mini theatres and you can sit and absorb more of the history, with English subtitles.  I found the whole experience quite enthralling.  Maybe I would have enjoyed it more by joining a guided tour, but the museum was quite busy that day (a wet one), and I preferred to wander.  If you’re ever in Kraków, I could recommend it.

How the square looked during the excavations

How the square looked during the excavations

I had very little time to put together this walk, so I’m hoping it won’t seem too rushed.  I didn’t want to disappoint and I have some lovely shares for you, but I may not be able to respond.  I am unexpectedly in Nottingham when you read this (I have scheduled it, optimistically!) and will chat with you as soon as I possibly can.  Much thanks for your patience.

walking logo

The logo will direct you to my Jo’s Monday walk page and tell you how you can join in.  Huge thanks to all my contributors.

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Remember ‘ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross’?  Read about it with Debbie :

Of Cock Horses and Cock-up Bridges

Let’s sashay through the desert with Drake, shall we?

Walk spiced by palms

If pootling about in East Lothian is your kind of thing, you’ll love this, from Anabel :

East Linton to Hailes Castle

Still pootling, but looking for tadpoles?  Geoff’s your man!

The Thames Path- Bablock Hythe to Tadpole Bridge

Beautiful architecture but the plants are the star of this show.  Thanks, Pauline!

A Walk in Windy Wellington 

Here in the UK we still have bluebells.  Yay!!!  Cheers, Elaine :

Looking for bluebells 

Stunning landscape and lovely prose!  Don’t miss Laura’s travels with a donkey :

In the shadow of the Guadarrama

It wouldn’t be Monday without Jude, would it?  Come and drool over this beach!

Kynance Cove and beach

And Jaspa completes his study of a little known part of our world :

A stroll through Old Panama City, part 2- Casco Viejo

Say hello to Paul and find out what a ‘broch’ is.  It’s always good to welcome a newcomer :

A walk through history

Happy Bank Holiday Monday in the UK and have a great week, the rest of you!

 

125 comments

  5. Very different from your usual walks Jo. I especially enjoyed your take on a place I’ve actually visited for once! May all be well in Nottingham.

    For me, seeing archaeology in action was a real buzz. All the layers of settlement finally making sense. Another visit to Kraków coming on.

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  9. I think I would love this. I am a bit claustrophobic, but don’t mind being underground as long as it’s not too small a space. I think the interest of the museum would overcome any small doubts. Thanks, as always, for the mention. Lovely to see Paul joining you too! Inspired by his post we did the same walk yesterday, so you might be getting it from me too at some point. In the meantime, I’ve started writing up the walks we did in the Lakes a few weeks ago, so here’s the first:
    https://anabelsblog.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/easdale-tarn/
    Hope all is well in Nottingham.

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    1. Thanks very much, Anabel. Sorry I’m a little late getting here. The museum was quite spacious inside, though understandably it was dark. It really exuded atmosphere and I was very impressed.

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  20. I do love history, its amazing what’s under our feet and forgotten about. Lovely post Jo and thanks for the mention. Have a great day. ☺

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