Krakow 2000

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THE POLISH CITY OF KRAKOW, with its royal castle and cathedral, its medieval university and market square, has always been a centre of political, religious, educational and commercial interest. This year, as one of the European Cities of Culture, this rich heritage has become the focus of a programme of festivities, which underline why this Polish city is one of Europe's cultural treasures.

The castle and cathedral, perched on a hill known as Wawel above the Vistula river, are the focus of `Wawel 1000-2000', which brings together a number of exhibitions tracing Wawel's history, and runs until the end of October. The ancient history and archaeology of the hill, where legend tells us that in the seventh century a wise prince named Krak or Krakus built a castle, and like many Polish monarchs, named the city after himself, is explored in `Wawel Lost'.

Unfortunately, he built the castle on the den of a fearful dragon, which helped itself to lambs, sheep and humans. …