Dragon with the Letter K
Dragon Trail
A dragon with a shield bearing the letter K stands in a small square by Piłsudski Bridge. The letter refers to the former town of Kazimierz.
History
A dragon holding a shield with a stylised letter K stands at the junction of Krakowska Street and Rybaki Street. Many passers-by assume that the letter stands for Kraków. In fact it comes from the coat of arms of the town of Kazimierz, which existed alongside Kraków for almost five hundred years, and it is the initial of its founder, King Casimir the Great. Kazimierz was founded on an island surrounded by the Vistula. The river's second channel, which ran where Dietla Street is today, was filled in during the 19th century. The name Krakowska Street dates from the time when it led from Kazimierz towards Kraków.
Did you know?
The association of the letter K with Kraków was probably strengthened by the TVP Kraków ident, shown for many years before the station's programmes; it featured the letters from the entrance door of Wawel Cathedral.