Kraków

Serving as a medieval royal capital, Kraków was a vibrant historical centre of culture, learning and commerce, symbolising the region’s political and intellectual life for centuries. In this episode, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield and historian Professor Natalia Nowakowska guide us through the streets, squares and stories of this ancient city. They consider how invasion, oppression, and renewal shaped the city we know today – as well as the complex history and legacy of the Jewish population that played such an important role in the city's success for many centuries before Nazi occupation. History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast. For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com. We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices