Podgórze: Krakow's Enigmatic Gem

• HelloCześć
  [cheshch]
• GoodbyeDo widzenia
  [do veedzenia]
• YesTak
  [tak]
• NoNie
  [nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProszę
  [prosheh]
• Thank youDziękuję
  [dzyen-koo-yeh]
• Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam
  [pzhe-prasham]
• How are you?Jak się masz?
  [yak sheh mash]
• Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?
  [dob-zheh. ah ti]
• Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?
  [chi moovish po an-gyel-skoo]
• I don't understandNie rozumiem
  [nye ro-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę
  [hchiah-wim zoh-bach-chich meh-noo, pro-sheh]
• I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa
  [nye yem myen-sa]
• Cheers!Na zdrowie!
  [na zdrov-yeh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę
  [hchiah-wim zap-wa-cheech, pro-sheh]

• Help!Pomocy!
  [po-mo-tsi]
• Go away!Idź sobie!
  [eedzh so-byeh]
• Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję!
  [zadz-von po po-lit-syeh]
• Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza!
  [zadz-von po leh-kar-za]
• I'm lostZgubiłem się
  [zgoo-byem sheh]
• I'm illJestem chory
  [yeh-stem kho-ri]

• I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...
  [hchiah-wim koo-peech]
• I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam
  [tzy-ko sheh rozh-gwon-dam]
• How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?
  [ee-leh to kosh-too-yeh]
• That's too expensiveTo za drogie
  [toh zah dro-gee-eh]
• Can you lower the price?Czy możesz obniżyć cenę?
  [chi moo-zhesh ob-nee-zhich cheh-neh]

• What time is it?Która jest godzina?
  [ktoh-ra yest go-dzhee-nah]
• It's one o'clockJest pierwsza
  [yest pyerv-shah]
• Half past (10)Pół do dziesiątej
  [poow doh dzyes-yont-ey]
• MorningRano
  [rah-no]
• AfternoonPopołudnie
  [po-po-woo-dnyeh]
• EveningWieczór
  [vyech-oor]
• YesterdayWczoraj
  [v-cho-rai]
• TodayDzisiaj
  [dzyee-sai]
• TomorrowJutro
  [yoo-tro]
• 1Jeden
  [yeh-den]
• 2Dwa
  [dva]
• 3Trzy
  [tshi]
• 4Cztery
  [ch-teh-ri]
• 5Pięć
  [pyench]
• 6Sześć
  [sheshch]
• 7Siedem
  [shyeh-dem]
• 8Osiem
  [oh-shyem]
• 9Dziewięć
  [dzyev-nye-nt]
• 10Dziesięć
  [dzye-shyench]

• Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...
  [gdzhe yest]
• What's the address?Jaki jest adres?
  [yah-ki yest ah-dresh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?
  [chi moo-zhesh mee po-ka-zach (na mah-pee-eh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?
  [kyeh-dy yest nas-tem-ny (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ....)
  [bee-let (do)]

Podgórze, located across the Vistula River from Kraków's historic center, was officially established in 1784 when it was granted city rights by the Austrians. Initially, it was a separate town that served as a hub for trade and commerce, benefiting from its strategic position along trade routes. The area flourished with the establishment of various industries, including brewing, which played a significant role in its economic development.

The 19th century marked a period of significant industrial growth in Podgórze, particularly during the Austrian partition of Poland. The construction of factories and mills attracted a diverse population, including Polish, Jewish, and German communities. This industrial boom was accompanied by urbanization, leading to the development of residential areas and infrastructure that shaped the modern character of Podgórze.

Podgórze became a significant center for the Jewish community in Kraków, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the early 20th century, Jews made up a substantial portion of the population, contributing to the cultural and economic life of the area. The construction of synagogues and schools reflected the community's vibrant culture and religious life, which was tragically impacted during the Holocaust.

During World War II, Podgórze was the site of one of the Nazi ghettoes established for the Jewish population of Kraków. The ghetto was created in 1941, and thousands of Jews were forced to live in appalling conditions. Many were deported to concentration camps, and the area became a stark reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. The remnants of this dark chapter in history can still be seen today, with monuments and memorials honoring the victims.

After the war, Podgórze underwent a process of reconstruction and revitalization. The community began to rebuild, and the area evolved with new cultural and social dynamics. In recent years, Podgórze has experienced a renaissance, with a focus on preserving its historical sites while simultaneously fostering a vibrant arts scene. The establishment of cultural institutions and public spaces has transformed Podgórze into a lively neighborhood that attracts both locals and tourists.

Podgórze is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Krakow. You can take tram lines 3, 8, or 15 from the city center, which will take you directly to the area. Buses are also available, with several lines connecting Podgórze to important locations like the Main Square and Kazimierz. If you're arriving by train, the Kraków Główny station is about a 30-minute walk or a short tram ride away.

Podgórze is well-served by public transportation, with several tram and bus lines operating in the area. Biking is also a popular option, with designated bike paths and rental services available. The neighborhood is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. For those who prefer private transport, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.

Podgórze is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. While crime rates are relatively low, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded places. Areas around the Vistula Boulevards and near the old Jewish cemetery should be approached with caution after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Szpital Specjalistyczny im. J. Dietla, located in the center of Podgórze. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available, and many are open late.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Don't wear overly casual attire like beachwear in public spaces. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat for the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a simple 'Cześć' (Hello). Don't assume everyone speaks English; learning a few basic Polish phrases is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies at traditional eateries. Don't engage in loud or disruptive behavior in restaurants.

To experience Podgórze like a local, visit the bustling market at Plac Bohaterów Getta for fresh produce and local products. Engage with locals in the cafés and bars along the Vistula Boulevards, where you can enjoy a drink while soaking in the atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to walk across the iconic Dragon’s Bridge and explore the area's rich history by visiting the Schindler's Factory Museum and the remnants of the Jewish Ghetto.