Tarnów: The Hidden Gem of Poland

• HelloCześć
  [cheshch]
• GoodbyeDo widzenia
  [do veedzenya]
• YesTak
  [tak]
• NoNie
  [nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProszę
  [prosheh]
• Thank youDziękuję
  [jen-koo-yeh]
• Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam
  [pshe-pra-sham]
• How are you?Jak się masz?
  [yak sheh mahsh]
• Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?
  [doh-bzheh. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?
  [chi moovish poh an-gyel-skoo]
• I don't understandNie rozumiem
  [nye roh-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę
  [h-chyawbim zoh-bah-chich meh-noo, pro-sheh]
• I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa
  [nye yem myen-sa]
• Cheers!Na zdrowie!
  [nah zdroh-vee-eh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę
  [h-chyawbim zah-plah-cheech, pro-sheh]

• Help!Pomocy!
  [poh-mo-tsi]
• Go away!Idź sobie!
  [eej soh-b-yeh]
• Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję!
  [zahd-zvon poh po-leet-syeh]
• Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza!
  [zahd-zvon poh leh-kar-zah]
• I'm lostZgubiłem się
  [zgoo-bee-wem sheh]
• I'm illJestem chory
  [yes-tem hoh-ri]

• I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...
  [h-chyawbim koo-peech]
• I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam
  [til-koh sheh rohz-gwah-dahm]
• How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?
  [ee-leh to kohs-too-yeh]
• That's too expensiveTo jest za drogie
  [to yest zah dro-gyeh]
• Can you lower the price?Czy możesz obniżyć cenę?
  [chi mo-zhesh ohb-nee-zhich cheh-neh]

• What time is it?Która jest godzina?
  [k-too-rah yest goh-dzee-nah]
• It's one o'clockJest pierwsza
  [yesst pyerv-sha]
• Half past (10)Pół do dziesiątej
  [poow doh dzyeh-shoo-yent-ey]
• MorningRano
  [rah-no]
• AfternoonPopołudnie
  [po-poo-wood-nyeh]
• EveningWieczór
  [vyeh-choor]
• YesterdayWczoraj
  [v-cho-rye]
• TodayDzisiaj
  [jee-shee-ay]
• TomorrowJutro
  [yoo-tro]
• 1Jeden
  [yeh-den]
• 2Dwa
  [d-vah]
• 3Trzy
  [tshih]
• 4Cztery
  [ch-teh-ri]
• 5Pięć
  [pyehnch]
• 6Sześć
  [sheshch]
• 7Siedem
  [syeh-dem]
• 8Osiem
  [oh-syem]
• 9Dziewięć
  [jyeh-vyehnch]
• 10Dziesięć
  [dzyeh-shyehnch]

• Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...
  [g-dyeh yest]
• What's the address?Jaki jest adres?
  [yah-kee yest ah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?
  [chi mo-zhesh mee poh-kah-zach (nah mah-pee-eh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?
  [kyeh-dy yest nah-step-neh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ....)
  [bee-let (doh)]

Tarnow was founded in 1330 by King Władysław I Łokietek, who granted the area to Spytko of Melsztyn, a prominent Polish nobleman. The city was strategically located on trade routes, which facilitated its growth and importance in the region.

Following the First Partition of Poland in 1772, Tarnow became part of the Austrian Empire. This period saw significant infrastructural development, including the construction of the railway line connecting Tarnow to Krakow and Lviv, which boosted the city’s economic prosperity.

During World War II, Tarnow was the site of an important resistance movement against the Nazi occupation. The Tarnow Uprising, which began on August 31, 1939, was one of the first organized acts of resistance in Poland. Despite initial successes, the uprising was ultimately suppressed by German forces.

Tarnow had a significant Jewish community before World War II, constituting about 45% of the city's population. The Jewish quarter was a vibrant part of Tarnow, with synagogues, schools, and cultural institutions. Tragically, during the Holocaust, most of Tarnow’s Jewish residents were deported to concentration camps or killed in mass executions.

After World War II, Tarnow underwent extensive reconstruction to repair the damage caused by the war. The city’s historical buildings, including the Renaissance Town Hall and the Gothic Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, were carefully restored, preserving Tarnow’s architectural heritage.

Today, Tarnow is a vibrant city that blends historical charm with modern amenities. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, bustling market square, and cultural festivals. Tarnow continues to celebrate its diverse heritage, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Tarnow is located in the southeastern part of Poland, about 80 kilometers east of Krakow. The nearest major airport is Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK). From the airport, you can take a direct train or bus to Tarnow; the journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive or hire a taxi for a more flexible travel option.

Tarnow has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses and taxis. The local bus network is extensive and covers most areas within the city. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or app. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are available, though parking may be limited in the city center. Bicycles can also be rented for a more eco-friendly way to explore the city.

The official currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty (PLN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Tarnow. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting small local markets or rural areas. ATMs are abundant throughout the city, and currency exchange offices are available for those who need to exchange foreign currencies.

Tarnow is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any travel destination, it is essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Tarnow has a low crime rate, it is always best to stay vigilant. The Old Town and the city center are safe, but be cautious in less populated areas during late hours.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to all emergency services, including police, fire, and medical aid. Tarnow has several hospitals and clinics for medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and casual clothing, but dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your head and shoulders. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket immediately upon boarding. Don't talk loudly or disturb other passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and make eye contact. A warm 'Dzien dobry' (Good day) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like pierogi and bigos. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tarnow like a local, visit the local markets such as the Tarnow Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Polish goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss exploring the Tarnow Cathedral and the Renaissance Town Hall. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the Jewish Quarter and visit the old synagogue ruins.