DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.25050#0009
HISTORY
In Europe there are many towns ancient and venerable,
“favourably located”, “situated on the crossing of major trading
routes”, towns where eminent rulers resided and famous universi-
ties were founded, towns which bred great scientists and artists or
preserved magnificent historical monuments. A forgotten, remote
town frequently reveals a striking historical heritage, often sharply
contrasted with a not very glamorous present day; a great
metropolis with a short pedigree is a rare occurrence. There are
only a few universal cultural centres which for centuries have kept
the entire continent under their spell: Rome, Paris, perhaps
London. Wavering political situations and a medieval isolation,
only recently overcome, are why also second-rank centres, which
serve as unifying symbols for entire nations or large regions, are
not many. Cracow is an outstanding example of the latter category
of European cities, the focus of a populous nation and a size-
able country, whose influence also radiates out to neighbouring
countries. Along with Prague, Vienna, Nuremberg and Buda
(Budapest), it belongs to the group of Central European cities
which shaped the development of this vast region. In Polish
history and culture, Cracow played a role which cannot be
overestimated. Annexed to the state of the Piast rulers, it immedia-
tely became one of its chief cities, shortly to assume the function of
its capital. In the difficult period of feudal disintegration it played
a unifying role, and those who held its throne were effectively
5
In Europe there are many towns ancient and venerable,
“favourably located”, “situated on the crossing of major trading
routes”, towns where eminent rulers resided and famous universi-
ties were founded, towns which bred great scientists and artists or
preserved magnificent historical monuments. A forgotten, remote
town frequently reveals a striking historical heritage, often sharply
contrasted with a not very glamorous present day; a great
metropolis with a short pedigree is a rare occurrence. There are
only a few universal cultural centres which for centuries have kept
the entire continent under their spell: Rome, Paris, perhaps
London. Wavering political situations and a medieval isolation,
only recently overcome, are why also second-rank centres, which
serve as unifying symbols for entire nations or large regions, are
not many. Cracow is an outstanding example of the latter category
of European cities, the focus of a populous nation and a size-
able country, whose influence also radiates out to neighbouring
countries. Along with Prague, Vienna, Nuremberg and Buda
(Budapest), it belongs to the group of Central European cities
which shaped the development of this vast region. In Polish
history and culture, Cracow played a role which cannot be
overestimated. Annexed to the state of the Piast rulers, it immedia-
tely became one of its chief cities, shortly to assume the function of
its capital. In the difficult period of feudal disintegration it played
a unifying role, and those who held its throne were effectively
5