Concrete Dragon of Krakow

Concrete Dragon of KrakowPaula is the author of this article


                   As Krakow Wawel Dragon devoured, as Nowa Huta was his time to devour the medieval town. Some artists era of social realism even wrote that in a few years we'll talk about the "Nowa Huta in Krakow."Today no one remembers those rows, Nowa Huta and arouses conflicting emotions.And what attracts Krakow? Monuments, interesting history, and maybe ... the power of chakra?Some probably yes. Krakow delights of medieval and modern heritage, legends and outstanding enchants names. Residents of the former capital of the Jagiellonian brought up in an artistic atmosphere and steeped it seem like nowhere in a hurry and do not always have time for a chat over a cup, mug or a glass of ale in any one of the countless pubs in Krakow.Some tourists do not confine itself to stopping at a hotel in Krakow, walk the ancient streets of the city or visiting the Castle and will direct their steps in the direction of Nowa Huta.Legacy of Socialist Realism - depressing or inspiring?Young Europeans on the west side of the Iron Curtain Nowa Huta will be inspiring.Realist solution was disliked by the inhabitants of the castle Krak curious rather than delights, because, although the socialist realism is the fashion, the style of the fifties in the architecture of whom little is associated positively. It must be remembered that industrial city in the phase of the project was to include the features of an ideal foundation. Consequently, it was inspired by the Renaissance guidelines ...Today, fewer and fewer visible signs of the original idea of ​​the planned order and trace solutions. The city is decaying. Elevations, facades and other architectural details are often changed or deleted without consultation with experts and local community.Although in 2004 the urban layout of Nowa Huta was entered in the register of historic Krakow, a conservative public opinion is inclined to be subject to stereotypes rather than pay attention to the character of the original assumptions. To local superstition, the opinion of the most dangerous neighborhood in the city, which stood still in the initial phase of construction of the city. She, among others, the fact that the construction of the criminals were often employed.Those who raises the Nowa Huta gloomy reflections on the past, Polish, probably would direct his steps to the Rakowicki cemetery in Krakow - one of the most important Polish cemetery (last burial of the poet Wislawa Szymborska). Here rises the Monument to the Victims of Communism. The author of the monument is the sculptor Stefan Dousa.Pedestal stand in Rakowicki Cemetery in 55th anniversary of the Katyn massacre.And what was trendy in the PRL?Time chase gloomy thoughts. For a change, let us consider the moral aspect of life in the PRL. In all post-communist countries is a longing to live at that time. One of its symptoms is recall colorful design elements "najweselszego barracks." As such can be considered, albeit imported from the neighboring barracks, but certainly the success of tame ... tells the story. Since October 2003, held in Krakow rally enthusiasts of these cars - TrabiEXPO. Colourful parade on wheels sputników attracts casual onlookers. It is difficult to assess whether restored and "tweaked" car more seducing car enthusiasts, and fans of People's Republic's gadgets.Museum of PRL in the openFor some time talking about plans to open a museum of PRL in Nowa Huta. Meanwhile, the city authorities to eliminate the conclusions flowing from public streets and institutions connected with the communist reality. It just is not the only specificity of Krakow.It is burning in the course of the discussion for you to bite a piece of knowledge about the not so distant at the end of history. There is a tendency that the period since World War II to 1989, close to museums. Registration of Live still existing remains of socialist realist scenes - such as Nowa Huta, which actually can be considered as an open air museum - is undoubtedly a valuable complement to the knowledge of the PRL.Weekend in Krakow can be a great opportunity for doing so.