Today’s Walk to Church/Synagogue comes to us from Jacob Baker, who recently attended a conference in Krakow, Poland. This is sort of cheating because Jacob didn’t really take these pictures for Doves & Serpents, but kindly consented to let me use them after I Facebook-stalked him.
These pictures are amazing, Jacob. The city street pics remind me so much of Madrid (the European city with which I have the most experience).
Thanks for being interested in these, Heather. Krakow is a singular place to attend a church. So many of the people here are quite religious, particularly compared to Europe as a whole. The whole city is covered with religious symbolism; religion and secularism seem to thrive in a harmonious, symbiotic fashion.
Interesting observation, Jacob. So why is it more religious than other European cities? Is it the Jewish history/tradition?
Amazing photos. Now I want to plan a city break to Krakow.
I can only guess as to reasons for its religiosity. One might be the fact that it’s an easter European nation. After decades of Communist repression of religion there’s been a surge in religiosity in eastern Europe, where western Europe has been almost thoroughly secularized. Concerning Catholicism in particular, Poland has long been a stronghold, and John Paul II was Bishop of Krakow before becoming pope (as well as a native son). His likeness is all over the place there.
Jacob, thanks for coming back to share more information. That makes sense about John Paul II . . . I forgot about that.
Hard to fathom an entire religious community being wiped out and then just not having their presence/influence in a community.
I also saw your pictures on FB of Auschwitz/Birkenau. I have not been to a concentration camp and suppose it is one of those things that you simply must see . . . but I don’t know how I would handle that.
I didn’t speak to the second half of your question. Krakow has relatively few Jews. This may mirror Poland itself, but I don’t know. Poland and Hungary suffered the worst decimation of Jewish population In Europe and I believe not many Jews have repopulated the region. Because Auschwitz and other camps are located in Poland (Auschwitz being under an hour from Krakow) Poland does, however, serve as at least a major pilgrimage site for Jews in remembering the Holocaust.
Beautiful photos, Jacob! I love Krakow. It is well worth a visit.
Beautiful drive. such awesome buildings. I really liked it. thanks for sharing.