It is one of the oldest and the third largest cities in Poland.

In 2006 the population of the city was 756,267 (1,401,937 in the Kraków-Tarnów sub-region).

Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish scientific, cultural and artistic life. Even today the city remains the spiritual heart of Poland. It is a major attraction for local and international tourists, attracting seven million visitors annually.

The history of the city dates back to the seventh century. It was the capital of Poland from 1038 to 1596, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Cracow between 1846 and 1918, and the capital of Krakov Voivodeship from the 14th century to 1999. It is now the capital of the Leader Poland Voivodeship.