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When thinking of a great destination for a cultural break, the Polish city of Krakow is sure to spring to mind, so why not book some cheap accommodation in the region and discover what it has to offer? Formerly the capital of Poland, Krakow is one of the oldest cities in the county and steeped in legend. The historical region dates back to the Stone Age and became a thriving hub of culture during the rule of the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Ladislaus Jagiello. The Jagiellonian epoch lasted for 22 years and saw the dynasty support science, art and the humanities, paving the way for the city to become the metropolitan area it now is. Book into a Krakow hotel and you'll see for yourself why the city draws so many tourists. The mix of stunning architecture alone makes the region an attractive place to explore and take in the sights of the Renaissance Royal Castle at Wawel, the gothically-styled St Mary's Basilica and the historical trade pavilions of the Cloth Hall. The castle, perched on top of a limestone hill, is Krakow's most famous landmark. It was developed initially in the Gothic style during the 14th century and then rebuilt with Renaissance techniques a century later, after being badly damaged by fire. Another blaze significantly damaged the fortress in 1702 but it still retains its magical fairytale charm. Explore the state rooms and view the exquisite tapestries and baroque furnishings alongside items from the Crown Treasury and Armoury. Also inside the castle you'll find exhibitions of archaeological finds relating to the fortress and dating back to the 9th century, while underneath the structure is a cave which once housed Poland's most famous dragon, legend has it. Travel through the city and you'll find plenty of modern architecture, museums and art galleries to enhance your cultural experience, but be sure not to miss a walk round the Old Town, which is where many of Krakow's oldest and most prestigious buildings can be found. The area was once surrounded by thick walls and a moat, housing around 40 towers. Now, few monuments remain in the old settlement, but it has retained its original grid of streets and the main square layout, which dates back to 1257. Among the buildings to be seen here is the medieval St Mary's church and its two imposing towers, as well as the town hall tower, which was once part of the town hall built in the 14th century. The Gothic-style structure was damaged over the years and eventually had to be pulled down. But this doesn't detract from the historical feel of the town, so why not come and see it for yourself? Why not take advantage of some of the cheap accommodation available for breaks in Krakow this year? There are many Krakow hotels to choose from, from trendy boutiques to cosy B&Bs.
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