Kraków’s cultural heritage determines its special place on the map of European civilisation, and it is precisely this heritage that the authors of the texts featured in the ICC publication describe in a varied and detailed manner. In the book “Kraków: History and Art”, a group of researchers explores the history of one of Europe’s most extraordinary city. The publication is the result of the work of a team invited to collaborate by Professor Jacek Purchla as part of the “A Thousand Treasures of Kraków” project (2018), initiated by Mayor Jacek Majchrowski. In this second edition, we have not only updated the content – including information on recovered works of art and historical artefacts – but have also refreshed the design and ensured a clearer presentation of the material.

The history of Kraków from various perspectives

The book “Kraków: History and Art” is divided into chronological chapters. In each chapter, experts from two specialist fields have contributed. Historians have provided a broad historical context, addressing not only political issues but also religious, economic and social matters. Art historians have complemented this picture by outlining the history of artistic culture in the broadest sense. This updated publication by the ICC offers a synthesis of Kraków’s history and art, incorporating the latest research and discoveries. Kraków, as Prof. Jacek Purchla, the volume’s editor, points out, is not only a collection of outstanding architectural monuments, but also a treasure trove in which works of art and other historical artefacts have been gathered over the years. It is not without reason that it ranks among the first twelve sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The publication of this book was co-funded by Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Energetyki Cieplnej S.A. and John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice sp. z o.o.

The book is available to buy on the MCK bookshop website