What many people do not realize, Kraków is known for it’s 5 mounds, which is a record in this category in Poland:) A mound is an artificial pile of earth that looks like a small hill or a mountain. The ones we have in Kraków are perfect for a nice afternoon or evening walk and they are an amazing overlook for the city. The first went up way back in the eighth century.
The 5 Kraków mounds are named:
Krakus and Wanda Mound – the oldest ones
Kościuszko mound – the most popular one
Józef Piłsudski mound – the biggest one
John Paul II mound – the youngest and the smallest one
Kościuszko Mound was erected by people from Kraków in the memory of the Polish national leader Tadeusz Kościuszko. A serpentine path leads to the top that is about 326 metres (1,070 ft) above the sea level. It is a huge attraction with a panoramic view of the Vistula River and the city. It was completed in November 1823. The location selected for the monument was the natural Blessed Bronisława Hill situated in the western part of Kraków’s – in Zwierzyniec District. An interesting fact about it is that under the mound fortification you can find a square named after Paul McCartney. Why there? Just because near this venue there are buildings belonging to local radio. It is really worth a visit – but note that the return trip with sightseeing may take 4-5 hours. So plan carefully.
The Wanda Mound was inspired by a mythical royal figure – Princess Wanda. The legend says that she was a pure heart lady who sacrificed herself for the good of Poland. To avoid a forced merriage with a German Prince Rydygier she through herself into the Vistula River. Of all the mounds, Wanda’s is definately most surreal because of a very a very simple reason as it is next door neighbours with the huge steelworks of Nowa Huta.
