Krakow Churches and Basillicas

Franciszka Basillica (Franciscan Church) Krakow


Introducing Stanisław Wyspiański and the best stained glass I have ever seen.
From the outside the Franciscan Church looks unremarkable. It is, in fact, my favourite building in the whole of Krakow.

Once you've wandered through the over sized church doors, and admired the art deco wall-paper you' might notice a mighty stained glass window towering over you. It'll blow you away. This is 'God the Father' pictured above. It is jaw dropping.

Here, for your enjoyment, is some more of Wyspiański's work that can be admired in the Fransiscan Basillica:

You really should see it for yourself. Wow.

St. Bernada Chruch, Krakow. Near the Wawal.

Many churches in Krakow feature a large amount of glitzy gold and marble with decoration covering every facet. St. Bernada’s Church is not alone in this. But it's funny how, even as someone struggling with religion, this stuff blows you away. You are struck, stone still, just lost in the magnificent sculptures, overwhelming altars and sheer attention to beauty.

St. Michala-Stanislawa Church, Krakow

St. Anne's Church, Krakow

I love this Church too. I love that it isn't quite as gold as all the rest and I love that it still has the ability to consume you. I also love the freaky relief stuff. Angels faces pushing through the walls, but trapped in time. Really cool stuff!

I've long been a fan of plaster relief, since I was introduced to Norway's Gustav Vigeland.

Krakow, Kazimierz District - A Must if you're in Krakow

Bar Review: Singer, Kazimierz District, Krakow

The Singer Bar is great fun. Almost every table is an old sewing table, complete with a sewing machine and foot pedal. Our foot pedal was rather squeaky but fortunately, as we were visiting in the middle of the day, it was quiet and I only annoyed my fiancé!

We had a couple of pints of Paulaner, one outside with a game of rummy and one inside when it got a bit chilly. They also serve a wide range of tea and coffee. This is a great place to chill out and soak up the local atmosphere. 5 out of 5!

Bar Review: Alchemia, Kazimierz District, Krakow

Restaurant Review: Warsztat, Kazimierz District, Krakow

Warsztat restaurant was a very lucky find. We had wandered past it at lunch time the previous day and discounted it for the place opposite. How silly we had been. Musically themed, with trumpet wall lights, manuscript lampshades, a cello hanging from the ceiling and even a harpsichord hole in the wall through to the kitchen, this restaurant is not over doing it.

It was delightful to be surrounded by locals, after being in the Wawal that morning surrounded by tourist coach tours. We enjoyed a laid back atmosphere, even if the smoking was a little intrusive, delicious food and low prices. Go here! OK here is a little about the food we ate, my photos do not do this little place or its food justice!

Warsztat Restaurant Review: Onion Soup, with croutons and parmesan

Warming and delicious! I was very tempted to go back here for dinner the next day just to eat this again!

Warsztat Restaurant Review: Ham and Mushroom Pizza

Very tasty and a great texture. Massive portion. We had this for packed lunch the next day! Interestingly, they had pizza on the menu which was similar to Hawaiian but with peach and banana on it too! We weren’t tempted!

Warsztat Restaurant Review: Chicken and Brie Risotto

Scrumptious, tick. Interesting ingredients, yes. Massive portion, oh my God yes! This was another great choice to try from this lovely restaurant.

Warsztat Restaurant Review: Round-up

If I visited Krakow again, for the 3rd time, I would go here without a doubt. 5 out of 5. Amazing atmosphere, cute theme and fantastic food.

Just so you recognise it when you're looking...

Krakow, getting from the airport

We flew to Krakow from London Luton with EasyJet. Never the best way to travel, and full of stag parties but it was quick, thank God, and landed on time. Once landed we zipped through passport control, and even got our passports stamped! Always worth a try it seems.

Rather than travelling into town by taxi we took the train. There is an airport to rail station shuttle bus parked directly outside the airport next to the taxi rank. This is free and the train costs the equivalent of £2, a real saving from getting a cab.

We were rewarded, not only with this low cost travel, but also some great views to set the mood for our trip.

Krakow Hostel, Kadetus review

Location: A great location, right near the old town, but also near the Wawel as well as a short walk along the river to Kasmierz.

Facilities: We booked a private double room with en-suite. The room is a good size and even has a mezzanine level for another couple. Because of the split levels it feels a little more private when sharing with your sister which I did the previous time I stayed here. There is a TV in the room, a bed, bed side tables and table and chairs. The en-suite is roomy with a shower, sink and toilet.

There is a kitchen with a kettle for free tea and coffee, and 2 hobs, and a fridge and freezer. Breakfast is provided (a roll, 2 slices of bread, cheese and ham plus cheese spread and jam and a little salad). We actually made sandwiched and had the breakfast as packed lunch!

Comfort: The room is really nice and big enough for a few days, with plenty of shelf space. The bed was a little soft and the sheets didn’t quite fit the mattress or the cases the pillows!

Cleanliness: It was clean and tidy on arrival and we strived to continue to keep it that way!

I would give this 4 out of 5. Great value for money, smart rooms, but a little basic and not fantastically comfortable.

Stanley Park Seawall Walk, Vancouver.

A document of my 10 mile walk around Stanley Park... From my hotel on Robson and Hamilton, I headed up to Vancouver Convention centre and took the coastal path, through Coal Harbour, to the Park. It was exhausting and rainy but fantastic and worth the effort.

Coal Harbour.

There's a great little cafe just around the corner which has the best orange juice in town!

Lion's Gate Bridge

Looking over English Bay to Kitsilano.

Monsegur 24h du Swing' jazz festival, Aquitane, France

Sweet Dixie, 24h du Swing jazz Monsegur
Monsegur is a gorgeous little French bastide town in Aquitaine France. In the centre of the little town it has a 19th century iron covered market which often hosts the smelly fish stall! It was around this structure that 24h du Swing' jazz festival was held.


Les Jazpilleurs, 24h du Swing jazz Monsegur


On the first night we relaxed in the cafes situated in the cloisters around the square, soaking up the ambience, chatting and enjoying some jazz. We repeated this on Saturday, as tickets were pretty pricey and we’d decided to spend the whole day in the Tilleuls on Sunday to make the most of our money!!! It was well worth it. Sunday's jazz was excellent especially Les Jazpilleurs and Sweet Dixie jazz off, although it did get a little loud with acts like Rachael Magidson Quintet and Bere Combo.

We reclined with a few friends, several carafes of rose, and a deck of cards. Bliss....

Bere Combo, 24h du Swing jazz Monsegur

Friday

Sorry I've been a bit busy this week, hence no updates. Next week I'll be posting about Vancouver. But for now and because it's Friday, here are some menacing sea worms from Vancouver Aquarium.