Tradition and heritage in the image of Kraków

30 th Anniversary of the International Centre of Education The paper briefly describes the historical development of Kraków (also Cracovia or Cracow), one of the old cities whose past most clearly determines its current development. Some of the city’s characteristic processes, traditions, and features have been stressed, which has been shaping the current image of the city throughout its millennia-plus long history. Formerly an important burghers’ emporium and influential centre of politics, economy, science, and diverse cultures – although degraded to the role of a provincial centre – Kraków manifested a remarkable vitality and creativity. It is now rebuilding its position, drawing from its tangible and intangible heritage, as well as local and cosmopolitan traditions.