Cracow may have once been a Royal capital, but she's had her fair share of downs with her ups. In 1989, on the eve of democracy, half of the city was falling apart. And back in 1789, on the brink of Poland's fall, things were equally decrepit. On the other hand, Cracow looked sensational in 1589, and even in 1889 the city was on the up. Confused? Welcome to Polish History....!
We could spend all day getting lost in Poland's past, but we don't want to start giving you flashbacks of trying moments in the primary school classroom. Instead, let's have a quick look at today, as, all things considered, Cracow is now on a resounding up.
As we speak, scores of buildings are being restored across the city. There are about as many investment projects flying about as there are pigeons on the square (and just in case you're wondering, they're not actually pigeons, they're enchanted knights, but we'll have to explain that another time). Some will say that Cracow is losing her special atmosphere with all that flaky melancholia being given a fresh lick of paint, but then again, at least the buildings now stand a chance of survival.
Investment projects that have hit the news in the last few months have included everything from the creation of a subterranean kingdom beneath the Market Square to an Elvis statue in the former communist suburb of Nowa Huta. Not all of the projects that have been put forward will see the light of day, but several of the most serious contenders have triggered a real buzz.
Chief among them is the subterranean enterprise. Cracow is a city of cellars, and the Main Market Square has a a labyrinth of them hidden beneath the cobbles. The Likus brothers, owners of several luxury Krakow hotels, have offered to renovate the whole lot at their own expense and turn the area into a swish shopping mall. President of Cracow Jacek Majchrowski believes it will be 'one of the city's greatest attractions' but the project is having problems getting the conservationists stamp.
Another enterprise that the Mayor is supporting is the transformation of the Schindler Factory (that of the film) into a full-blown museum of contemporary art. But whilst it may do the job of helping to regenerate that part of town, the location is likely to spark controversy. Other options that have been put forward are the former Habsburg railway station (which is soon to be replaced) and the Plac Na Groblach park by the Royal Castle.
One project that's a cert though is the renovation of the Cloth Hall, the sweeping building that divides the Main Market Square. If all goes to plan, you'll be able to unwind with a cappuccino atop this tremendous edifice by the Summer of 2007.
Last but not least, Elvis fans will be relieved to hear that the King will not be forgotten. A chunk of rock salt has been plucked from the Wieliczka salt mines, and work is already underway on sculpting the monument. What with Nowa Huta's Main Square being renamed after Ronald Reagan earlier in the year, a statue of the flared genius sounds like a perfect compliment. Long live the King!
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