Sandomierz Tower of the Wawel Castle in Krakow. View from the courtyard of the castle

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Małopolska

Małopolska, known in English as Lesser Poland, is the sprawling region that brushes up against Kraków. Covering much of the southeast, it’s played an outsized role in Polish history, forming the core of the ancient Polish kingdom. These days, though, it’s mostly passed over by travellers who make a beeline for Kraków and then move on.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • View Of The Ceiling At The Basilica Of The Holy Cross And The Nativity Of The Virgin Mary At The Jasna Gora Monastery

    Paulite Monastery of Jasna Góra

    The Kraków−Częstochowa Upland

    Poland’s spiritual capital began with the arrival of the Paulite order from Hungary in 1382, who named the 293m hill in the western part of the city …

  • Chapel of Our Lady

    Chapel of Our Lady

    The Kraków−Częstochowa Upland

    The oldest part of the Paulite Monastery of Jasna Góra contains the revered Black Madonna. The picture is unveiled to soaring music and prayer at 6am and…

  • Rynek Wielki

    Rynek Wielki

    Małopolska

    The Great Market Sq is the heart of Zamość's attractive Old Town. This impressive Italianate Renaissance square (exactly 100m by 100m) is dominated by the…

  • Kraków Bishops' Palace

    Kraków Bishops' Palace

    Małopolska

    Kielce was the property of the Kraków bishops from the 12th century through to 1789. This palace was built (from 1637 onwards) as one of their seats and…

  • Arsenal Museum

    Arsenal Museum

    Małopolska

    This museum of military hardware and the city's fortifications is housed in three separate areas along the city's western bastions. Start at the facility…

  • Wierzchowska Górna Cave

    Wierzchowska Górna Cave

    The Kraków−Częstochowa Upland

    Just outside the park boundaries, Wierzchowska Górna Cave is in the village of Wierzchowie, 5km southwest of Ojców. At 950m long, Wierzchowska is the…

  • Krzyżtopór Castle

    Krzyżtopór Castle

    Małopolska

    The minute village of Ujazd (oo-yahst), some 35km west of Sandomierz, is home to arguably Poland’s most bizarre ruin. Krzyżtopór Castle was commissioned…

  • Benedictine Monastery of Holy Cross

    Benedictine Monastery of Holy Cross

    Małopolska

    This hilltop monastery got its name from the segment of Jesus’ cross that was supposedly kept here. The abbey is at the top of Łysa Góra (595m). It has a…

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Małopolska and beyond

Beyond Małopolska
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