Critic and Fan of Krakow Story
Please don’t liken Krakow, Poland, to Prague, Czech Republic (“Poland’s New Crowd Pleaser,” May 20). We had read similar articles stating this, and it led us to a disappointing weeklong stay in Krakow last September.
After being leveled by Mongols in the 13th century, Krakow’s center was rebuilt on a grid. The wonderful mazelike quality of Prague’s old town does not exist there.
The Wawel, lovely as it is, sits on only a slight mound next to the Vistula River. No comparison can be made to the dramatic scale, views and prominence of Prague’s castle. Lastly, if you think that you will escape hordes of American tourists by going to Krakow, you will be sorely disappointed.
If we had read articles describing Krakow and its surroundings without these comparisons, we would have been more pleased with the city for its own qualities and would have enjoyed our stay more.
MARY-AUSTIN KLEIN
Los Angeles
*
At last you’ve found a replacement for former Times Travel editor Jerry Hulse. Susan Spano’s Krakow article was stupendous. It even makes you want to see the remains of the Holocaust.
B.J. SCHEID
Placentia
Sign up for The Wild
We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
