#210 Poland

Kraków is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland.

The city has grown from a Stone Age settlement to Poland's second most important city. With the establishment of new universities and cultural venues at the emergence of the Second Polish Republic and throughout the 20th century, Kraków reaffirmed its role as a major national academic and artistic centre.

In 1978, Karol Wojtyła, archbishop of Kraków, was elevated to the papacy as Pope John Paul II – the first Slavic pope ever, and the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. Also that year, UNESCO approved the first sites for its World Heritage List, including the entire old town in inscribing Kraków's Historic Centre. (source)

Thank you Alicja!