History's Greatest Cities: Kraków

Professor Natalia Nowakowska joins Paul Bloomfield to consider how invasion, oppression, and renewal shaped Kraków as we know it today – as well as the complex history and legacy of the Jewish population that played such an important role in the city's success for many centuries before Nazi occupation

A graphic shows an open suitcase with the words “History’s Greatest Cities” against a collage of famous architectural landmarks and skylines

Published: October 29, 2026 at 9:30 AM

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Serving as a medieval royal capital, Kraków was a vibrant historical centre of culture, learning and commerce, symbolising the region’s political and intellectual life for centuries. In this episode, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield and historian Professor Natalia Nowakowska guide us through the streets, squares and stories of this ancient city. They consider how invasion, oppression, and renewal shaped the city we know today – as well as the complex history and legacy of the Jewish population that played such an important role in the city's success for many centuries before Nazi occupation.

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History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts: History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads.

Authors

Paul BloomfieldWriter and editor

Paul Bloomfield is a writer and editor who has contributed to BBC History Magazine since 2013. He's worked in various publishing roles for over a quarter of a century, holding staff positions at the likes of Lonely Planet Publications, Wanderlust magazine and BBC Wildlife Magazine.

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