Poland (1/48)
As many of you know, I love Krakow and I love spring. So of course I also love taking out my camera to document the beautiful blooms around the city. Here are some of my favorite locations for springtime flowers.
Manggha Cafe – Krakow in Spring
The first flowers to blossom this year were the cherry blossoms in front of Manggha Cafe across the river from Wawel Castle. I talked about them last year as well. The cafe and museum there celebrate Japanese culture, art and food. The museum is free on Tuesdays. The blossom bloomed in early April.
Podgórze – Krakow in Spring
South of the Wisła river is the Podgórze district. St. Joseph’s Church (Kościół św. Józefa) at Rynek Podgórski is the crown jewel of this up-and-coming neighborhood. In April it was covered in low flowers like crocuses and daffodils.
Wawel Castle – Krakow in Spring
Wawel Magnolia (or that time I stalked a tree)
Of course, no talk of spring time in Krakow is complete without talking about Wawel Castle. Last year I did an entire photo series covering just the castle and blooms. The best blooms there belong to the two giant magnolia trees right in the middle of the castle’s courtyard. Because I’m a bit obsessive, I visited the tree nearly everyday for weeks waiting for them to fully bloom. The flowers weren’t as vibrant and healthy as in recent years because of the weather. But they were still undeniably beautiful.
Wawel Roses
Also in Wawel is one of my favorite spots in Krakow: the rose garden. Really it’s just a smoking and rest area. But because it’s tucked away, few people visit it making it a serene part of the bustling castle. And the pink roses there are magical. Roses can also be found elsewhere in the castle. Dark pink ones surround the center ruins and large orange ones can be found along a wall across from the Cathedral. Peak bloom is late May or early June.
Kazimierz – Krakow in Spring
The last area I’m including is the district that I call home, Kazimierz. Known for being the former Jewish quarter, this area is fun and lively. Many cherry trees dot the area including in front of the Tempel Synagogue, the only one of Kazimierz’s seven synagogues still functioning as a place of worship.
And my very favorite place in Krakow in spring is in the newly labelled Skwer Kółeczko right outside my door. In the center is a trio of intertwined trees that all bloomed together. It’s quiet and stunning and I barely have to walk at all to get there.
Feet wade through the pinkish-white snow up to their ankles. And the storm, having done so much damage, moves on.
Nowakowski
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