SUNSET AT KRAK’S MOUND
Last Sunday I could admire sunset at Krak’s mound for the first time in my life. It was one of the things on my bucket list.
You might have noticed that I am a big fan of sunsets and sunrises. Especially sunsets, because to see a sunrise you need to wake up so early that it is difficult to enjoy it. As the weather was supposed to be ugly last Sunday, I cancelled mountain trip. But than it turned out to be pretty nice so not to waste the day completely I went for a walk to Krak’s Mound.
KRAKOW’S MOUNDS
In Krakow we have four mounds. Two are ancient: Krak’s and Wanda’s Mounds. And two were made in the 19th and 20th centuries to commemorate our greatest national heroes. Those ancient ones are up to now a riddle for the historians and archeologists. For instance, some of them say they were constructed between 8th and 10th centuries. The others date them even to 2nd-1st century BCE. They suspect they were Celtic burial sites. Though archeologists found no human remnants in the mounds so far.
Maybe ancient people used the constructions for religious purposes. Definitely their location is connected with astronomy. When you stand on the Krak’s Mound and look towards Wanda’s Mound at sunrise on the morning of Beltane (30th April/1st May), the second-largest Celtic feast day, you will see the sun rise directly over Wanda Mound. It can’t be a coincidence.
According to legend people of Krakow made the mound to commemorate their good ruler Krak. He was a legendary founder of the city and even Krakow’s name is derived from prince’s name.
SUNSET AT KRAK’S MOUND
Nowadays, this is a nice place to admire panorama of Krakow. You can fully appreciate from its top how big and impressive Wawel castle is. If you come at proper time you can also see a sunset or sunrise. Many Krakow citizens come here for a Sunday walks. Especially that you can easily walk from here through Podgórze district to Kazimierz. On the way you will pass many nice cafes and restaurants where you can chill out.
If you only wish we can add visit at Krak’s Mound to one of your city walks. For and offer check here https://activeholidayspoland.com/city-tours/ or contact me directly because I can design a tour meeting all your needs.
At the feet of Krak’s Mound people are waiting for a sunset.
View towards Wawel Castle for Krak’s Mound.
The sun is slowly going down.
The church of St. Joseph (1909) in Podgórze, district of Kraków.
The front facade of the church of St. Joseph in Podgórze, district of Kraków.
Marshall’s Joseph Piłsudski’s Bridge in the centre of Kraków. Last shines of the day reflect in the Wisła River.
View from footbridge called Kładka Bernadtki to the Wisła River. The left bank is Kazimierz and the right bank is Podgórze district.
street Art installed on footbridge over the Wisła river in the city centre of Kraków.