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

  3. How fascinating! Seems as if you and I have both been in tunnels recently Jo, and it is wonderful to share this kind of history. Hope that everything is alright, and that your long weekend was a good one..more hugs for you from me xx

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  8. Poland has been “pillaged and raped” so many times through time …. some of our Swedish kings has been there too – still Poland has risen again and again – no wonder they are such proud people. Beautiful post again. Thank you so much for the beautiful postcards, was waiting on me today when I returned from my weekend with friends.

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  14. MOST interesting….am glad it was you that made the trip and not me though…..does look a bit cramped in there! Definitely worth it, but is much nicer that you saved me the trip!

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  19. Thank you for giving us a walk to this fascinating place, Jo! I enjoy reading the historical information, so well preserved. These photos are beautiful. My entry will be up the next hour or so.

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  20. As, er, one of them claustrophobics you mentioned early on, I can only say that I am glad that you went down there to show me around. Saves me the anxiety. I do enjoy a museum and you know I ❤ historical facts, but this one may be a step too far. Give me ruins in the outdoors with the wind and rain on my head! Or a beach walk in the Algarve…. hint, hint o_O

    I have another garden for you this week Jo, but don't worry, a lighthouse is on its way soon 😀
    http://wp.me/p3jVw4-Kx
    Jude xx (hope all is well in Nottingham, practically my home town)

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    1. Today was going to be ruins Jude but I needed a short post. Maybe next week. Heading home. All is far from well but there’s little I can do. Just hugs and listen xx

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