Krakow's City Council
"Behind every great man, is a great woman," is the famous saying, but if you were to doctor it a little it could easily well read, "Behind every great city, is a great city council." Famously blessed by good fortune, divine grace and even the power of Chakra, Krakow has always remained magical but in the last ten or so years the city has successively dusted off the last cobwebs of Communism to blossom as one of Poland's most thriving high-tech business hubs, one of Europe's most famous centres of culture, and one of the world's most exciting tourist destinations. Needless to say this didn't happen by accident and the work of the city's forty three elected representatives, and not least of all Mayor Jacek Majchrowski, have been crucial in steering Krakow in the direction of greatness.
Above: The Stary Theatre courtesy of www.krakow.pl
Poland's cultural, historical and spiritual heart, Krakow's City Council have always been keen to maintain the dignity befitting of the city and as such the ancient cobbles of the Old Town have very much maintained their character despite the pace of modernisation happening all around them. Buildings have been tastefully restored, not with an eye to profits but with the aesthetics and traditions of the city in mind; whilst outside the hallowed Stare Miasto more futuristic developments are giving Krakow the look of a splendid modern European city.
Of course a key part of progress is keeping up with modern trends and technologies, and this is one area in which Krakow City Council has excelled. E-administration is very much a buzz word at the moment, with the use of online tools crucial to streamlining the operations of the governmental machine. This is important not just for business and legal bureaucracy but also for tourists and visitors can access information - today's most important currency - easily and quickly. Needless to say then that the Council boasts a top-rated website which is chock-full of useful facts, figures and background reading for tourists and Krakow-lovers in general. You can check it out right here www.krakow.pl - in Polish, English, German, French and Chinese.