Today we spent the day on the coach for the most part traveling to Krakow. We traveled via Czestochowa for a stop at the Jasna Gora Monastery. I had just read about this place in Michener's Poland and was anxious to see it. It is the home of the Black Madonna shrine. The monastery is considered a spritual capital of the country and an important destination for pilgrimages. The icon of the Black Madonna is credited with the miracle of saving the monastery from the Swedish invaders.
The basillica was also beautiful, tho not over the top ornate.
From the monastery we had a lunch at a quaint inn in the vicinity.
From there it was a 2 hour ride to Krakow, where the weather cleared and the sun came out and provided a wonderful evening to walk the Old Town. We took the #18 tram to the historic square. It is the largest market square in the world, measuring 600 feet by 600 feet. It is anchored by the Cloth Hall in the center that has many, many shops selling amber, lace, and Polish pottery.
Dinner was at Wesele that came highly recommended by a local guide and also Rick Steves. Not sure if I can go back to eating Mrs. T's pierogies.
Krakow is a charming city and full of beautiful architecture. It is also full of pigeons and Barbara felt the full efect.
A stroll through the Cloth Hall rounded out the evening before heading back to the hotel for the night.
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