Multicultural Krakow: The Role of International Heritage in Creating the Narrative of the City

As the former capital of Poland and an important centre for the development of culture and science, for centuries Krakow has attracted foreigners who have helped to develop its economic might and cultural riches. Today, we can admire the traces of the material heritage of multiculturalism in terms of architecture, painting, and sculpture, both secular and religious. Equally important is their non-material contribution, which can be discerned in Krakow’s cuisine, language, legends and traditions. Examining Italian, Jewish and Austro-Hungarian influences, this text aims to present the role and use of this multicultural heritage in creating the contemporary image of the city. It is also an attempt to analyse the current strategy of the local authorities in the field of multicultural management and creating the image of an open and tolerant city.