Okol was probably the earliest settlement at the foot of the Wawel. Timber-built houses and a palisade enclosure were already here in the 10th Century. The settlement developed along the so called Salt Route which led from Hungary to Greater Poland. The quarter became elitist as a result of its proximity to the Royal castle and the Cathedral. High-ranking clergy resided here and many churches were built.
The development of Stradom situated between Okol and Cracow, was hindered by its location on peat marshes and the vicinity of the Wawel fortress. Splendid new churches and palaces were constructed here from the mid-17th Century. Stradom developed rapidly at the end of the 19th Century.
Dominican Church – this is one of the oldest buildings in Krakow to be made of brick and the first gothic style of church in the city
Church of Saints Peter and Paul – is a baroque Jesuit church known best for the statues of the 12 disciples lining the fence at the front. Commissioned for the Jesuit order, Saints Peter and Paul was the first baroque church in Krakow.
Church of St Andrew –
Franciscan Church – The church and Convent of the Franciscans were built in 1236 and were probably founded by Duke Henry II the Pious for the Franciscans. The present decoration of the interior dates from the end of the 19th Century and includes remarkable Art Nouveau features including a beautiful stained glass window dedicated God the Father.
Church of St Barbara – tradition has it that this church was built with the bricks left over from the Church of the Virgin Mary. The church interior is decorated according t the taste of the 17th century when the last restoration took place.
Along the Vistula – unlike other cities Krakow does not make much use of its main river, very few sites can be seen along its banks
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