Malopolska is a region with the highest number of monuments in Poland, region of enormous culture heritage, fascinating traditions and varied natural conditions. Malopolska is rich with history of the past greatness of Poland. The contributions of distinguished knights, aristocracy, clergy and the Polish monarchs can still be seen today. The traces of the past include medieval castles, renaissance and baroque palaces and many manor houses composed into local landscapes.

Cultural heritage is set amid picturesque landscapes. Six national parks and eighty nature reserves protect these landscapes, which can be reached through a 6,039 km network of tourist trails.

The scenic beauty and nature of the mountains are the region's sure tourist resources. In Malopolska you will also find perfect conditions for trekking, walking, cycling, skiing, canoeing, rock-climbing and hang-gliding. An asset of leisure in Malopolska is the well-developed tourist infrastructure and offer of agri-tourist lodgings.

Krakow is the capital of Malopolska, once the capital of Poland (11th - 17th century) and the seat of the kings, nowadays the artistic and culture center of the country and the city described by Pope John Paul II as "the synthesis of everything that is Polish". In 1978 Krakow was enlisted on the first UNESCO List of World Culture and Nature Heritage.

Main Square in Krakow can be reckoned as one of the biggest tourist attractions in Europe. It is bigger than St Mark's Square in Venice and it marvels both tourists and inhabitants of Krakow. Impressive architecture, numerous culture institutions, cafes and pubs, create the exceptional character of this place as a true heart of the town.
Within the city borders one can find churches built in almost every architectural style. Museums in Krakow attract visitors with collections from various periods and countries. Every visitor should go to Wawel castle, which used to be the residence of the Polish kings. Within the medieval walls of Krakow's Old Town there are over 300 monumental tenements, 58 churches and palaces. In former Jewish Kazimierz district 7 synagogues and 16th century Jewish cemetery have been preserved.

Here in 1364, the Krakow Academy was established, the first Polish university (today renamed the Jagiellonian University). The Jagiellonian University is the oldest Polish university and one of the oldest in Europe. Its students were amongst the others persons like: an astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, poet John Kochanowski and Karol Wojtyla, later known as Pope John Paul II. The Jagiellonian University has its great past built on outstanding achievements of scientific, cultural and national importance. It is still among the Polish three top universities. In our city there are eighteen state and private universities, where over 120 thousand students attend. It makes Krakow as the greatest university centre in Poland and one of the most important in our part of Europe.

Other universities include the Agricultural University of Cracow, the Cracow University of Economics, the Jagiellonian University - Collegium Medicum, the Academy of Physical Education and many others. Two technical universities in Cracow play an important role in the economy of the region: the University of Science and Technology and the Cracow University of Technology. Both universities have a proven track record of co-operation with industry.

The region's economy is very open, thus allowing foreign companies to prosper. Boasting a highly skilled, multilingual workforce, productivity levels in the region are very high. Key sectors include the mini and microcomputers, metal processing industry (now facing extensive restructuring), the automotive sector and construction, as well as food, fresh fruits and tobacco. Beyond this, three emerging sectors promise growth for the future, namely tourism (9-11 million people come to the region during the year), logistics and business services.

In terms of inter-regional co-operation, Malopolska is particularly interested in best practices in industrial and academic co-operation, entrepreneurship and innovation issues, measures to support SMEs, rural development and environmental protection issues.

We are convinced that the time you spend in our region will be an unforgettable experience!