Krakow Attractions

Venue: Sukiennice (Cloth Hall)    When: Daily

Lovers of amber should pay a visit to Krakow's Old Cloth Hall, which stands in the main Market Square. Traders line the long narrow bazaar, while on the walls, emblems depict the families who have traded here since medieval times. Only these families have the authority to carry on the tradition.

Visitors are met with the bewildering choice of amber with insects trapped within, green amber, honey-golden amber, rough amber, finely polished amber, amber set in silver and gold or just held together by simple elastic thread. Rings, necklaces, bracelets or light-shades, the choice is limitless and prices just as varied. The majority is high quality, and sold much more cheaply here than in the more expensive boutiques dotted around the city, or outside Poland.

The amber stone is a symbol of Poland, and reputed to be highly beneficial to one's health. The stone warms to body temperature and is light and comfortable to wear. But locals go beyond just wearing the stone - traditions include soaking tiny amber stones in vodka, then, after some time, rubbing the amber-infused vodka into aching joints.

If you can resist being dazzled by the amber, take a look at the comfortable-looking leather slippers, carved wooden objects, cut glassware and dolls in Polish traditional dress.