MPK is modernizing the bus fleet. New electric buses from the pool of 50 purchased by the city carrier are slowly starting to arrive in Krakow.
On Monday, January 25, the first of 50 new electric buses ordered by MPK in Krakow left the Solaris Bus & Coach factory in Bolechowice near Poznań. The bus will be delivered on a special tow truck to the Wola Duchacka Bus Service Station.
After delivery, the technical acceptance of the new bus will begin. It will be carried out entirely at the MPK depot (due to the limitations related to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is currently not possible for these technical approvals to take place at the manufacturer’s factory as before).
50 new buses for Krakow
The contract for the delivery of 50 electric buses and 50 charging devices via a plug-in connector, dedicated to each vehicle, was signed on May 25, 2020. All new buses will carry passengers on four lines No. 144, 173, 179, and partially 503, running through Aleja Trzech Wieszczów, i.e. in the area of the city, where the greatest exceedances of the permissible air pollution standards occur.
The electric buses that Solaris will deliver to Kraków will be driven by axles with integrated electric motors. Articulated buses will be structurally prepared for charging in 2 ways: through a 4-pole roof pantograph located above the first axle of the vehicle or through a plug-in connector. The energy storage will be Solaris High Energy + batteries.
European Union Funds ON!
Electric articulators will be able to offer a journey for 141 passengers at a time, 43 of whom will be able to use seats. The newest buses for Krakow will be equipped with monitoring, passenger information system, air conditioning, USB chargers and an electric heating system. People on wheelchairs will be able to use a platform that will facilitate getting on and off the bus. The ramp will be mounted at the second door. For the purchase of these vehicles, MPK SA obtained approx. PLN 110 million in subsidies from the European Union funds.
These are the next electric buses in the capital of Małopolska. The residents of Krakow can currently use 29 emission-free vehicles.
The article is taken from Gazeta Krakowska – you can find it here in Polish language.
Krakow’s gastronomy is dying and despite the bans in force, some owners of restaurants, cafes, and even accommodation places have decided to circumvent the existing restrictions. Many entrepreneurs are on the verge of bankruptcy and prefer to risk penalties rather than close the business and lay off employees. Gazeta Krakowska prepared a list of places that are open in Krakow, despite the lockdown!
Happy Gary takes the lead!
The patron, who supports the “Wesołe Gary“ restaurant, said in an interview with Gazeta Krakowska:
The deprivation of the possibility of running the premises is possible only by means of an act, and here we have an ordinance that may only limit the operation of the premises, e.g. in terms of the permissible number of people in the restaurant. These are the rules in the churches today. We discussed the matter with the owner and came to the conclusion that there is no legal basis for the state to forbid restaurants
attorney Paweł Śliz
The burning Facebook post
On Monday, January 11, an emotional post appeared on the restaurant’s Facebook profile:
“Throughout this pandemic period, we received only PLN 5,000 in support from the government, this amount does not cover even one job, not to mention the liabilities and fixed costs. We believe that this is a joke about us and our team, and not support for entrepreneurs who is so proudly announced in the media.
At this point, wading into the lion’s mouth, we have nothing to lose, we have to fight. If not, we will lose our beloved place and job. We tried to maintain our team and the entire restaurant all the time, but we can no longer afford to add a week to a week of saving our lives – what we had, we have already given, we will not take any longer. On each side, we have obligations that keep growing.
We count on your understanding and, above all, your support.”
How does this work?
Restaurants make sure that:
customers made appointments by phone and reserved tables;
the sanitary regime was followed;
there were disinfecting and disinfecting agents on the tables;
too many visitors were not exceeded;
Meanwhile, policemen and representatives of the Sanepid daily check hundreds of shops and service premises to check whether entrepreneurs comply with the applicable regulation.
What restaurants, cafes, and accommodation are open in Krakow?
Check the list below:
The first restaurant that opened its doors was “Wesołe Gary” on os. Na Lotnisku – on Wednesday, January 13th 2021, at 12 o’clock it reopened its doors. The owner decided to restart the premise as, due to the restrictions, he was on the verge of bankruptcy
Tesone Restaurant in Ruczaj, Krakow, is another place in Krakow that invites you to eat inside, contrary to government restrictions – ul. Kobierzyńska 142
Na Żółto i Na Niebiesko – osiedle Teatralne 3
A’Bracciate Pasta & Wine – ul. Mieszczańska 10
Restauracja Carl&Bart – ul. KS Meiera 26
Ręce w mące – PIZZA i BURGER – ul. Górników 68
Boka Coffee Bar – ul. Zabłocie 19
Words & Swords – ul. Basztowa 1
Gospoda Koko – Gołębia 8 (One of my favorite places, that has really yummy home-made dishes!)
Czarna Owca Wino Bar – Dajwór 20
Małopolski Wagon Rodzinnie – mięso & pizza – ul. Czerwieńskiego 20a >>> They will be opening up starting the 30th of January 2021!
Orakon – Studio W19
The list is enlarging almost weekly so don’t be surprised if you will pass by your favourite restaurant and you will see their doors open once again!
Rules until the 31st Jan 2021
Until January 31, the government extended the existing restrictions related to the epidemic. The exception is the decision to open schools for grades 1-3 of primary schools.
Rules extended until January 31st:
limiting the functioning of shopping malls – remain open, inter alia, grocery stores, shops with books and newspapers, drugstores, pharmacies, as well as free-standing large-format furniture stores,
limiting the functioning of hotels – available, among others for uniformed services, medics, patients of specialized hospitals, professional drivers, aircraft crews, members of train staff; employee hotels are an exception,
sports infrastructure available only as part of professional sports,
10-day quarantine for people coming to Poland by organized transport (people vaccinated against COVID-19 are exempt from compulsory quarantine).
Existing rules and restrictions:
no movement of persons under the age of 16 without the care of a parent or legal guardian, from Monday to Friday from 8.00 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except for day camps, training camps or reaching school or educational institution),
50 percent number of seats or 30 percent. the number of all seats and standing places, while leaving at least 50 percent. unoccupied seats,
restrictions in places of religious worship – maximum 1 person per 15 m2,
participation in assemblies – a maximum of 5 people (meeting hosts and people vaccinated against COVID-19 are not included in the limit for events organized at home),
ban on weddings, communions and parties,
closed gyms, fitness clubs and aquaparks,
limitation in shops – maximum 1 person per 15m2,
hours for seniors – from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 12.00,
closed restaurants (meals only to take away or delivery),
Inhabitants are worried about one of the most famous attractions of Krakow: the Wawel Dragon, who … stopped breathing fire. This time of year, the flames should appear every few minutes, but they don’t. What happened? Has there been any major failure? It turns out not. The gas installation is not working properly due to a power cut caused by the renovation of the dragon’s lair.
The Wawel Dragon is a landmark of Krakow, as well as a tourist attraction. His bronze sculpture was made by Bronisław Chromy in 1969. According to the original concept, the dragon was to be partially submerged in the waters of the Vistula. However, it was found that the rubbish carried by the river current would settle on the sculpture. Finally, he stood on a stone boulder at the entrance to the Dragon’s Den.
It was its renovation that – as reported by rmf24.pl – that the dragon stopped breathing fire in recent days.
This renovation means that the wardrobe that controls the dragon is not supplied with electricity. When there is no electricity, the entire gas system does not work
explains Michał Pyclik from the Krakow City Road Authority
I’ve said this before, but Krakow is a magical city that can be visited at any time in the year. You will always find events to join, museums to visit, cafe’s/bars/restaurants to test. So without any further ado, let me tell you 5 Things You Should Know About Krakow:
1. Poland’s currency is not Euro, it’s zloty!
Even though Poland is part of the EU they keep their own currency strong. Zloty (with the small denomination of groszy) can be used to buy products in Poland. Or you can just use a credit card. If you are looking for exchange houses, they are named Kantor. I suggest you don’t go to Market Square to find one as they will have bad rates. The one in the Galeria Krakowska, top floor, though is always decent. They also speak English there. Unlike in Romania, you will not be asked to present an ID/passport to change the money.
2. Public transport (or walking) is the way to go!
Everything important is within walking distance. It would be a shame not to walk down the cobbled stone paths and enjoy the local vibes. Public transport is highly developed and highly recommended – especially the trams! The tickets can be bought according to the time spent in transit. You need also to pay attention to the zone in which you are going (strefa I and II or I +II). For example, if you take a bus to Wieliczka Salt Mine from the station next to Galeria Krakowska, you would have to buy a strefa I+II ticket valid for 60 min (a 40 min one might not be enough).
3. Polish breakfasts are a must!
There are so many nice places in the Old Town or Kazimierz or Podgorze region. Places where you can have a nice and quiet breakfast. You just need to pick and choose. From the English breakfast that everyone praises at Milkbar Tomasza, to the French option in Charlotte (plac Szczepanski). From the typical polish breakfast with bread & butter + jam or ham or cheese or tomatoes or pickles… to all at the same time!
4. Krakow Free Walking Tour
If you really wanna get under Krakow’s skin, I really recommend you take a tour with a local. Or someone who lived in Krakow for a long while and loves this magical city. All you need to do is follow the yellow umbrellas of the Free Walking Tour Krakow team. I absolutely love them! They put so much passion and knowledge and fun in what they are doing. They are contagious and even after one tour with them, you will love them! #FreeWalkingTourKrakow offers the best walking tours in town, so check out their offer:
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – StreetArt – FreeWalkingTourKrakow provides city tours in Polish, English & Spanish.You can find them on Facebook or on their website or you can just call them at +48 513 875 814. I joined them in a StreetArt Tour and it was amazing!
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – Macabre Krakow – stories about ghost and real vampires… Methods of torture, bodies under the Main Market Square with their hands and legs tied, stories of impaling living people… dark and twisted and perfect for a rainy Saturday evening 🙂
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – Her Story – there is a saying that if the men are considered to be the head of the family than the heart belongs to the woman.
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – Pagan Krakow – do you wish to know about the old beliefs of Polish people but also about interesting facts like: “Did you know that General Hans Frank along with other members of the Nazi party celebrated the Yule holiday when they were living inside the Wawel Castle?” – join this tour once you see it up and running 😉 (Beginning of March)
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – Foods Of Krakow – traditional foods and drinks from Krakow. Lasts around 2 to 3 hours and takes one around Old Town and Kazimierz (a lovely Sunday afternoon in August 2015)
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – Centre of the World – learn why Krakow can compete with other grand(er) cities, for being the possible center of the world (28th of November 2015 – around 2 hours (and a bit))
5. Authentic homemade food at any bar mleczny
The bar mleczny is a reminiscence of the communist times. They are basically places where local food is cooked in large amounts, that can be bought at a really low price. It’s a “push the tray” environment, very unpretentious. They are still somehow funded by the state and can be found in every city in Poland. You will hear the local radio playing, sit with a stranger on the same table, sharing salt and pepper… And at the end taking your tray back to the special racks – no service, no waiter, no fuss. Don’t you dare miss out on the traditional pierogi – be it fried or boiled – or some homemade serniczek (cheesecake).
Yours very much truly,
The Twisted Red Ladybug That Loves Krakow
*** This article was first published on my old blog, back on 5th March 2018 – this one here is slightly updated 😉 ***
Until the end of December, the inhabitants of Krakow can use the salt cave free of charge under the “STOP SMOG – salt cave as a recipe for the effects of the urban smog” program.
After the break, there is a salt cave in the “Kurdwanów Nowy” Sports and Recreation Center in Krakow at ul. Wypouchów 34a. Residents of Krakow are entitled to purchase free tickets, however, prior reservation is required.
The grotto is open from Monday to Sunday according to the schedule. Registrations can be made at telephone number 12 654 53 55.
Read the Gazeta Krakowska article in Polish language here.
There is already an official decision by the organizers of the International Book Fair in Krakow, which was to take place in the second half of October. Despite earlier plans to carry out the event with sanitary restrictions, it was decided to cancel it.
The Book Fair is off 🙁
This year, for the first time in the history of the event, the Book Fair in Krakow will not be held – its organizers announced on Monday, October 5th. The decision was dictated by the constantly worsening epidemic situation in the region and the problems with carrying out the event.
“The growing wave of diseases, fear of illness or just a potential preventive quarantine resulted in the resignation of many publishers and authors from participation in the fair” – explain the organizers of the meeting, which was to take place in Krakow between 22 and 25 October. “Certainly, the current situation would not allow the organization of the Fair in the form we all know or the implementation of all the ideas planned for this year”.
Hoping until the last moment…
Until now, the organizers have maintained that the event that makes Krakow the capital of literature every year will take place this time, even though the coronavirus has had a strong impact on the industry and thwarted the ideas of many organizers of this type of event.
However, the fair was planned in a changed formula: it was to be more modest, more private, without authors signing books at publishing stands. In place of the annual crowds, previously registered guests with tickets were to appear. Due to sanitary restrictions, the limit of people per square meter of the EXPO hall area was informed, and the number of visitors to the Fair would be strictly controlled. This year’s event would not be international either, as there would be no foreign authors among the hosts. Despite so many limitations, the news came in: no book fair this year!
So much was known in organizational matters. The organizers hesitated almost until the last moment with the announcement of detailed information and the schedule of this year’s Book Fair. Publishing the program and enabling the purchase of tickets was announced at the beginning of October, but closer to this date it was postponed to “soon”. Finally, it was announced that the meetings at the EXPO hall at ul. Galicyjska 9.
Meanwhile, there were many readers who had been waiting for information on the program of this year’s Book Fair for weeks and hoped that they would soon be able to register for it. The more so because – as it was announced from the beginning – the number of entries this year was to be limited.
Sad moments…
“With great regret we had to make such a decision, knowing that we would disappoint many book fans who were impatiently waiting for the opportunity to buy an admission ticket” – admits Katarzyna Gościańska, spokeswoman for the Fair. “However, we will try to make some of the debates and meetings planned during the fair held virtually, including awarding the Prize in the Jan Długosz. Most of all, however, we want to come back next year – with panache and new ideas” – she emphasizes.
Ultimately, the organizers’ decision was met with understanding. “A very reasonable decision”, “this is sad news, but understandable” – this is how readers involved in this event comment on the message published on social media. Some of them proposed a virtual form of participation in the fair, thanks to which they could support the smallest bookstores, especially those affected by the crisis resulting from the pandemic.
“It can be said that these people divined the action we are planning a bit” – comments Katarzyna Gościniec. As she reveals, at this point, the details related to the “Book Fair is us” initiative are being developed. “We will soon inform about the action itself, but today we are focusing on this unpleasant news for all readers that we are canceling the Book Fair” – she adds.
Read the Gazeta Krakowska article in Polish language here.
There are new proposals from the officials regarding an increase in ticket prices for public transport. They withdrew from the idea of introducing a 10-minute ticket, it would remain a 20-minute ticket, but it will become more expensive. City councilors are already announcing the tabling of amendments.
As they explained, the increases are necessary because the coronavirus pandemic had a negative impact on the city’s transport budget and if we want to maintain the pre-pandemic network and frequency of connections in the autumn, the increases are necessary.
However, officials constantly revise their proposals. Another one appeared in the Public Information Bulletin of the City of Krakow. Compared to the previous proposals, there are changes again.
New prices proposed – October 2020
Originally, it was planned that the 20-minute ticket, which now costs PLN 3.40, will be converted to a 10-minute ticket for PLN 3. However, officials withdrew from this idea. In the new proposal, there is no longer a 10-minute ticket, the 20-minute ticket would remain, but it would cost 4 zlotys, while the reduced one would cost 2.
A 50-minute ticket for PLN 4.60 was to be replaced with an hourly ticket for PLN 6. In another official proposal, the new price was even raised: to PLN 6.60.
City councilors on social media have already announced that they will be tabling amendments. “I will be submitting an amendment to keep the price of PLN 3.40 and PLN 4.60 for the inhabitants of Krakow” – announced Łukasz Wantuch.
What other changes?
There will be no more monthly tickets for one or two lines. The current monthly ticket for all lines on the Krakow Card, instead of PLN 69, is to cost PLN 96 (for zone I). Here, the previous proposal remained unchanged.
“The introduced restrictions, the need to provide additional courses, increasing the frequency of disinfection, a significant decrease in the number of passengers – as a consequence led to a drastic decrease in revenues from ticket sales – draw attention in the municipal authorities. Proceeds on this account at the end of August amounted to PLN 129 million, i.e. 56 million less than in the same period last year”.
Read the article in Polish language, under the Gazeta Krakowska site.
A year under COVID 19 – Coronavirus, what have you done?
Over the month of October, residents can bring souvenirs from the pandemic period to the Krakow Museum, which will be included in an exhibition presenting the year of life of the city and its inhabitants during the pandemic. The people of Krakow can also share their stories about the lockdown and pandemic. The exhibition consisting of souvenirs will be presented next spring.
Unprecedented times under Coronavirus
When this spring pandemic locked us in our homes, an unprecedented image of Krakow and its inhabitants were created – empty streets that had so far been teeming with life even at night, ordinary everyday objects that took on new meaning, words of encouragement presented in the city space, with time on the faces “Homemade” masks and helmets appeared on passers-by – today an ordinary item that should be remembered when entering a shop or a tram, which only a few months ago was in the possession of a few.
Documenting the Outbreak of COVID19
The Museum of Krakow wants to document this special period by creating an exhibition of such souvenirs of residents telling about the “pandemic” Krakow.
“Since April, we have been asking you, Cracovians, for all souvenirs and stories documenting the pandemic, which will later be used in the creation of the exhibition! During the lockdown, our branches were closed for 2 months, but now – with your health and safety in mind, we are able to start our campaign to collect items related to the pandemic!” – informs the Museum of Krakow.
Where will the Expo be held?
The exhibition of the collected exhibits – souvenirs will be held in March 2021 in the Hipolit House as a kind of chronicle of the plague. What will we see on it?
“We have a promised diary that a resident of Krakow keeps from the first day of the pandemic. This particular journal is still being written, so it will only come to us. The exhibition will also include notes by Łukasz Orbitowski, which the writer was keeping at that time, and one of the sculptors from Krakow will donate the sculpture” – lists Krzysztof Haczewski from the Krakow Museum. “The director of the Krakow Museum handed over a helmet made of a PET bottle with his own hands, there will be one of the masks that employees prepared during the lockdown for Nursing Home, we have Vistula masks and a record of home training of Wisła and Cracovia players, and even a jacket made for the needs of the pandemic. We are waiting for all items related to this period, bringing the story of a pandemic”.
Collecting time is on!!!
The mementos of the pandemic period will be collected by the Museum of Krakow until October 23, 2020. Bearing in mind the safety of Krakow residents who want to support the museum with “pandemic” items, in order to deliver them, please contact the museum by e-mail in advance (artefakty@muzeumkrakowa.pl) to arrange a convenient the date for their submission.
In addition to material traces of the pandemic period, the Museum of Krakow also collects stories from Krakow residents about this special period. They should be sent by e-mail to m.zdeb@muzeumkrakowa.pl
Click here to read the Polish version from Gazeta Krakowska.
It has been 45 years since the “Music in Old Krakow” Festival was established. When undertaking the organization of the Festival years ago, the team asked themselves what should it stand for in the life of the city, what features should it have that distinguish it from other events? Taking this into account, the event was given its name: “Music in Old Krakow”.
The Festival Today
Music has been associated with Krakow since the Middle Ages, through its association with the Jagiellonian University, its traditions live to this day in our city, rightly considered to be the leading one in the cultural life of Poland. The festival is of an executive nature. The most outstanding artists are invited to take part in it, who propose the program themselves, and thus guarantee its best interpretation. Proposals of thematic and occasional programs constitute the second group. The festival also tries to take into account the works of Krakow composers and enables artists of the young generation to start.
Patron of “Music in Old Lviv”
For six years, “Music in Old Krakow” has also been the patron of its twin festival “Music in Old Lviv” – a city that played a huge role in the history of Polish music. It is impossible to mention how many artists took part in the Festival. It is a huge crowd of performers from Poland and abroad. Musicians from Krakow, and above all the musicians of Capella Cracoviensis, soloists, chamber orchestra, madrigalists, Royal Rorantists, Collegium Zieleński, constituting the artistic background of many concerts.
The festival has grown into the musical landscape of Krakow and has become an impulse for the birth of many new events of this type in Poland. Its existence is approved by the inhabitants of the city. It has always been (and is still) appreciated by the authorities of Krakow.
The Festival during COVID Times
Despite the difficult time, the team tries not to give up and serve the residents with “Music in Old Krakow”. The festival has grown into the musical landscape of Krakow and has become an impulse for the birth of many new events of this type in Poland.
Due to the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, the organizers weren’t able to invite guests from abroad – and only in recent years, the festival featured acclaimed musicians such as Grigory Sokolov, Ivan Monighetti, Steven Isserlis, Emma Kirkby and the Philharmonia Quartett Berlin and Cikada Ensemble. This year’s program includes Cracovian musicians only.
The Program
15 August 2020, 7:30pm CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL Bartosz Koziak (cello) Beethoven Academy Orchestra Maciej Tworek (conductor)
K. Penderecki Adagio from Symphony No. 3, Concerto for cello and chamber orchestra, Sinfonietta per archi No. 1, Chaccone per archi
16 August 2020, 7:30pm CHURCH OF ST BARBARA Royal Rorantists Wiktoria Swoboda (lute) Stanisław Gałoński (conductor)
in programme: M. Paligon, W. Długoraj, T. Szadek, J. Polak, B. Pękiel, Ch. Bocquet, K. Borek, G.G. Gorczycki, D. Cato, Wincenty from Kielczy
17 August 2020, 7:30pm GALLERY IN SUKIENNICE Elżbieta Stefańska (harpsichord)
F. Couperin Les Fastes de la grande et ancienne Mxnxstrxndxs C.B. Balbastre La d’Hericour, La Suzanne, La Malasherbe A. Forqueray 5ème suite J.J. Froberger Partita VI J.S. Bach Prelude (Fantasia) in C minor BWV 922 Fantasia Chromatique and Fugue in D minor BWV 903 G.F. Handel Chaconne in G major L. van Beethoven 6 Variations on the Theme “Nel cor più non mi sento” by G. Paisiello WoO 70
18 August 2020, 8pm FRANCISCAN CHURCH CLOISTERS Daniel Stabrawa (violin) Ignacy Miecznikowski (viola) Ewa Miecznikowska (cello)
J.S. Bach Sarabanda from II Partita in D minor BWV 1004 W.A. Mozart Divertimento in E flat major K. 563 F. Schubert Allegro from Tria in B flat major D. 471
19 August 2020, 8pm BERNARDINE CHURCH Collegium Zieleński Michał Białko (organ) Maciej Tworek (conductor)
Wacław from Szamotuł Już się zmierzcha anonymous Zlotokovannuyu trubu M. Leopolita Missa paschalis, Resurgente Christo Domino, Mihi autem nimis, Cibavit eos
20 August 2020, 7:30pm WŁADYSŁAW ŻELEŃSKI MUSIC HIGH SCHOOL Aleksandra Kuls (violin) Marcin Koziak (piano)
G.P. Telemann Fantasia for violin solo H. Wieniawski L’étude Op. 10 No. 3 B. Bartók Ciaccona from Sonata for violin solo E. Ysaÿe V Sonata for violin solo Op. 27 J. Elsner Sonata in F major for violin and piano Op. 10 No. 1 L. van Beethoven X Sonata in G major for violin and piano Op. 96
21 August 2020, 7:30pm CHURCH OF ST MARTIN Krzysztof Jakowicz, Jakub Jakowicz (violin)
G.P. Telemann I Sonata in Canon A. Vivaldi Sonata in G major, Sonata in F major W.A. Mozart The Magic Flute (fragm.) A. Tansman Sonata B. Bartók 44 Duets for two violins (selection) H. Wieniawski Capriccios in G minor, in C minor, in D major, in A minor Op. 18
22 August 2020, 7:30pm WŁADYSŁAW ŻELEŃSKI MUSIC HIGH SCHOOL Jacek Muzyk (horn) Justyna Danczowska (piano)
L. van Beethoven Sonata in F major for horn and piano Op. 17 O. Messiaen Appel interstellaire for horn solo J. Massenet Meditations (arr. for horn and piano) R. Strauss Andante, F. Poulenc Elegie P. Dukas Villanelle for horn and piano R. Glière Romance Op. 35 No. 6, Valse triste Op. 35 No. 7 P. Hindemith Sonata in F major for horn and piano
23 August 2020, 8:30pm CARMELITE CHURCH Kraków Wind Quintet and guests: Katarzyna Kurowska-Mleczko (flute), Marek Mleczko (oboe), Paweł Krauzowicz (clarinet), Paweł Solecki (bassoon), Tadeusz Tomaszewski (horn), Katarzyna Mrozek (oboe), Oleh Małowyczko (clarinet), Krystyna Milaniak (bassoon), Paweł Cal (horn)
L. van Beethoven Octet in E flat major Op. 103 W.A. Mozart Serenade in E flat major K. 375 Ch. Gounod Petite symphonie
24 August 2020, 8:30pm CHURCH OF ST ANNE Andrzej Białko (organ)
anonymous from Tablature of Jan of Lublin Salve Regina Adam of Wągrowiec Fantasia III secundi toni J.P. Sweelinck Fantasia in a (auf die Manier eines Echo), Mein junges Leben hat End J. Podbielski Prelude in D minor F. Chelleri Sonata (Suita) No. 1 in A major C.P.E. Bach Sonata in A minor Wq 70/4 J.S. Bach Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend BWV 655, Toccata in C major BWV 564
25 August 2020, 7:30pm TEMPEL SYNAGOGUE Łukasz Długosz, Agata Kielar-Długosz (flute) Marek Toporowski (pianoforte)
L. Delibes Flower Duo from Lakmé (arr. for two flutes and piano) W.A. Mozart Rondo in D major K. 373 for flute and piano M.K. Ogiński Polonaise for two flutes and Pianoforte J. Elsner Rondo alla Krakowiak for pianoforte, Rondo alla Mazurek for pianoforte I. Kisiel Once Upon the Sea for two flutes and pianoforte F. Doppler Andante and Rondo Op. 25 for two flutes and pianoforte
26 August 2020, 8pm CHURCH OF ST FLORIAN Sub Tuum praesidium – On the Centenary of the Birth of Pope John Paul II Triplum: Łukasz Dulewicz (countertenor), Piotr Piwko (tenor), Maciej Michalik (baritone), Mariusz Zarzycki (bass)
Gregorian chant Sub Tuum praesidium, Salve Sancta Parens, Benedicta et Venerabilis, Ave Regina caelorum, Sub Tuis visceribus J. Dunstable Sancta Maria J. Gołąbek IV Missa commune festorum B.M.V., Sub Tuum praesidium, Deo Gratias, Zdrowaś bądź Maryja G.P. da Palestrina Sub Tuum praesidium M.-A. Charpentier Sub Tuum praesidium
27 August 2020, 7:30pm HALL OF BL. JACOB Dmytro Hołoweńko (guitar)
G.P. Telemann Fantasia No. 7 J.N. Bobrowicz Variatons on the Theme of Mozart D. Aguado Introduction and Rondo in A minor Op. 2 No. 2 A. Barrios Mangore Waltz No. 3 and No. 4 M. Llobet Variatons on the Theme of Sor Op. 15 J. Rodrigo Sonata giocosa, Toccata
28 August 2020, 7pm PREMONSTRATENSIAN SISTERS CHURCH Rafał Gorczyński (viola da gamba) Klaudia Rogała, Zofia Satała (harpsichord)
G.F. Handel Sonata in C major for viola da gamba and harpsichord Mr. Dubuisson (Manuskrypt krakowski) Suita in D minor C.F. Abel Sonata in G major for viola da gamba and basso continuo A2:72, Allegro for viola solo WKO 208 J.S. Bach Sonata in D major for viola da gamba and harpsichord BWV 1028
29 August 2020, 7:30pm CHURCH OF ST MARTIN ClaveDuo: Anna Huszczo, Joanna Solecka (harpsichord)
M. Mielczewski Canzona prima à 2, Canzona terza à 3 A. Jarzębski Canzoni e concerti: Berlinesa, Chromatica, Spandesa B. Pasquini Sonate per uno o due cembali con il basso cifrato, 14 Sonate per due cembali
J.S. Bach Andante P. Glass Sonata for violin and piano (Polish premiere) E. Grieg Sonata in F major Op. 8 No. 1 K. Penderecki Grand Finale from II Sonata for violin
31 August 2020, 7:30pm CHURCH OF ST CATHERINE On the Centenary of the Birth of Pope John Paul II Joanna Stawarska, Agnieszka Kałużna (soprano) Małgorzata Langer-Król (mezzo-soprano) Joanna Święszek (alto) Zygmunt Magiera (tenor) Jerzy Butryn, Marcin Wróbel (bass) Collegium Zieleński Festival Orchestra Stanisław Gałoński (conductor)
G.G. Gorczycki Completorium M. Zieleński Offertoria et Communiones totius anni (selection)
For more details and updated info I recommend you to head over to their website or their Facebook Page 😉
All the best,
The Twisted Red LadyBug That Loves Music and Events in Krakow 🙂
No matter where you come from if you ever visited Kraków and if you ever saw photos from the city, there are 2 landmarks that this magical place is the most connected to Wawel Castle and the Sukiennice (EN: Cloth Hall). Every resident of the city knows it but might you also know its history?
The term Sukiennice refers to the trade of textiles and fabric, which is why it is also called Kraków’s Cloth Hall. Right now, it is daily visited by thousands of locals and tourists, that just pass through Old Town Kraków or that want to just stay still and enjoy the view. Being one of the biggest tourist attractions in Kraków, you can surely spend some more time on it, buying some souvenirs or enjoying a lemonade at Cafe Szal (on the 1st floor – trust me, the view is WORTH IT!).
Sukiennice – its beginnings and the great fire!
The history of Sukiennice (EN: Cloth Hall) begins with the history of Kraków in the mid-13th century. Part of the process of establishing Kraków was to indicate the place where the most important thing for the city would take place: trading goods. Therefore, a rectangular area was marked out in the middle of the Market Square for stalls in two rows, closed on the shorter sides with bars. Prince Bolesław the Chaste promised to build stalls for the people to sell their goods and he stuck to his word!
This place/area was turned into a brick building in the times of Casimir the Great. In the 14th century, he approved to make it into a real, Gothic market building made of red brick. Fast-forwarding to 2 centuries later: Sukiennice was destroyed by fire and only a few parts survived.
Its Renaissance form, known to all, with a characteristic attic and unique architectural details, is the result of a reconstruction in the 16th century and renovation in the 19th century. The Sukiennice is surrounded by arcades on all sides – giving it an unique look and being the top location to take very Instagram friendly photos. Inside the Sukiennice there is a vaulted ceiling and there are crests of Poland’s cities on the walls.
Not all the original Sukiennice pieces remain
To be noted that before the aforementioned renovation, the Sukiennice had outbuildings that do not exist today, which in the middle of the penultimate century were, like many Kraków buildings, in a deplorable condition. Hence, it was decided to demolish them and restore the Cloth Hall. In addition, it was decided that on the first floor, in a place where various kinds of trinkets were sold in the past centuries, the National Museum will be located.
The branch of the National Museum of Kraków holds the largest permanent exhibit of 19th-century Polish painting and sculpture, in 4 grand exhibition halls arranged by historical period and the theme extending into an entire artistic epoch. It is definitely worth your time and money!
The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) today
So what does the Cloth Hall look like today? What is its function?
It is difficult to answer with one sentence because its function is multiple. Currently, it is the seat of branches of 2 museums – the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art of the National Museum of Kraków and the Underground Market Museum. Sukiennice (EN: Cloth Hall) also has stalls, souvenir shops, restaurants, including one of the icons of Krakow’s café life, the Noworolski Cafe.
It is also a living lesson in history and art because we can see, for example, a symbol of the Magdeburg Law, which was used in Kraków in the past. You can also find out where torches illuminating the darkness in the past centuries were put out (hint: check the side of the Sukiennice, as you enter – a set of small holes in the side).
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