General Info

First absorbed into Krakow around 110-years back, Podgorze has always retained an identity that has felt strongly independent of the rest of the city. Situated directly south of the River Wisla, this traditionally working class area housed the Jewish Ghetto during the wartime years; after, years of economic decline marked it out as an unwelcoming part of the city. This began to change, slowly at first, once the glories of Krakow were ‘rediscovered’ in those early years of the post-communist period. With Kazimierz largely built out, developers looked towards the untapped potential of Podgorze. But so too did visitors. Intrigued by the area’s history, those venturing out found an area that felt an authentic relic to the past. With rents lower than those posted in central Krakow, it wasn’t long until the area began to enjoy its own cultural revival with offbeat galleries, quirky cafes and eccentric murals all popping up to lend the area a happening sense of dynamism. This was deepened yet further with the construction of the Bernatek Bridge, an illuminated pedestrian crossing decorated with ‘floating sculptures’ that linked Podgorze to Kazimerz. Now firmly enshrined as one of the city’s favourite areas, it is a district that enjoys many of the benefits of Kazimierz, whilst offering a far less ‘touristy’ vibe and authenticity.

Green & Recreational Areas

Podgorze has many swathes of greenery not least Wzgorze Lasoty. Here, visitors will find a 12^th century church, a 19^th century Austrian fortification, and the Krakus Mound, under which the city’s founder reputedly lies buried. Mystical and mysterious, many claim that this 16-metre high manmade hill dates from the 6^th century. From its peak, visitors can view the Liban Quarry where Spielberg shot many scenes for Schindler’s List. More centrally, Park Bednarskiego is a densely wooded area with no shortage of hilly walking trails and a charmingly ramshackle stadium that’s home to KS Korona and other football teams besides.

Local Amenities

Podgorze has no major shopping centres of its own, but its positioning is such that two malls lie in close distance: Bonarka City Centre to the south and Galeriza Kazimierz to the north. For private healthcare, Pratia MCM holds a reliable reputation whilst outside the district residents can choose between Medicover close to Galeria Kazimierz or IMIcare in Zablocie. Lux-Med also operate just a stone’s throw from Bonarka City Centre.

For education, the International Trilingual School of Cracow is just across the bridge. The British International School of Cracow and the Embassy International School are a short drive further north. In terms of other infrastructure, the area has seen an increasing flush of hotels and offices to reflect its growing standing.